Journalists say the harassment not only endangers their safety but also violates their legal rights.
Photo: IJN
Yet, despite these attacks, women journalists are still working hard. Their reporting, full of strength and determination, plays an essential role in bringing about change in Pakistani society.
The barriers
Many of the challenges facing female journalists in Pakistan stem from cultural and traditional norms. Their competence is often questioned and agencies are reluctant to assign female reporters to breaking news.
“The stereotype that women can’t handle difficult news is still prevalent,” said Sobia Saleem, a journalist in Sindh province.
Female journalists in Pakistan are often excluded from leadership roles in the country's media industry. Opportunities for women remain scarce, especially in smaller cities.
Although the economic and social environment is improving and has helped women pursue better opportunities, barriers remain, explains Ms. Atiya, a journalist in Balochistan province.
“Women are discouraged from entering this field due to financial constraints and social norms. Some stories cannot be done due to the complexity of traditional society,” she said.
Since 2007, the province has been at war, but detailed accounts of the suffering of families, especially women and children, are rare.
Harassment
Between 2019 and 2020, two female journalists, Shaheena Shaheen and Urooj Iqbal, were murdered in Pakistan. The killings have heightened concerns among female journalists about their safety while doing their work. Aneela Shaheen, a journalist in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said poor working conditions, limited benefits such as no maternity leave, and a lack of workplace harassment policies are making it more risky for female journalists to do their work.
Nadia Choudhary, a social media expert from Pakistan, noted that sexual harassment is also prevalent. While social media has provided a platform for women to express their opinions, develop their personal brands and hone their professional skills, it has also exposed them to increased online harassment. This is all the more acute in a society where conservative views on women’s roles still prevail, she added.
Future improvements
Education, mentoring and workplace reforms are important for women to advance in the media industry, Saleem said. These initiatives can break down barriers and elevate women’s voices. On-the-job training and internships should also be part of this effort, she added.
Universities should also prepare women for the real-world challenges they may face. “Closing this gap through mentoring and hands-on education can inspire women to pursue journalism, sparking a transformative and impactful journey,” she said.
It is important that media organisations support inclusive and gender-equitable policies. This includes advocating for gender quotas, training and efforts to eliminate bias, said Ms Choudhary, adding that stereotypes about what female journalists can and cannot report must be broken. This will help create a fair media environment in the country.
“The development of journalism must be geared towards inclusion, where diverse voices, especially those of women, can flourish authentically and contribute to a more balanced and representative media landscape,” said Abdul Razaque Chhachhar, professor of media studies at the University of Sindh.
Hoang Ton (according to IJN)
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