( Editor’s Note : Our conformity to the entire material and opinions expressed in this article is not necessary. We think harassment should be seen and discussed on case to case to basis. There are examples where women used the harassment law as a tool to black mail the seniors only to avoid doing their duty or for seeking extra benefits. The writer himself has worked on the same story recently. IFJ and Women Media Forum are supposed to host a workshop on the other side of story as well. Tazeen Akhtar )
By Imran Chaudhary
The International Federation of Journalists ( IFJ), through its Women Media Forum Pakistan, organized a high-level consultative meeting and media workshop in Islamabad to discuss the ongoing challenges, workplace harassment, and gender discrimination faced by women journalists across Pakistan.
Women’s Representation Remains Alarmingly Low
The workshop gathered a large number of working women journalists from leading television channels, newspapers, and media organizations.
Rashida Shoaib, National Coordinator of the International Federation of Journalists – Women Media Forum Pakistan , stated that since 2023, five regional coordinators have been actively working across the country, conducting workshops and training sessions for media professionals.
She said that before the 2024 general elections, the Federation set a major agenda to ensure greater inclusion of women in leadership roles within media organizations, journalist unions, and press clubs.
According to Shoaib, despite the growing number of women entering journalism, their representation in leadership positions remains below five percent.
A recent survey by the IFJ revealed that out of approximately 20,000 journalists working in Pakistan, only about 1,000 are women, most of whom face barriers in career progression, salary increments, and access to reporting opportunities.
Lack of Facilities and Institutional Support
Shoaib also highlighted the absence of basic workplace facilities for women journalists, including separate restrooms, prayer areas, and transport arrangements. She emphasized that many media houses fail to enforce workplace harassment laws and safety regulations, leaving women vulnerable both in offices and in the field.
She further urged media managements to implement the Harassment at Workplace Act, and to promote women journalists into decision-making and editorial positions.
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Dr. Sadia Kamal, President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Works ( *PFUJ ) Workers and senior journalist at APP, participated as the chief guest. She acknowledged that women in both government and private sectors continue to experience harassment and gender bias.
“It is the responsibility of the state and employers to ensure safe, fair, and respectful work environments for women,” Dr. Kamal said.
She reaffirmed that PFUJ Workers will continue to work alongside the International Federation of Journalists to promote journalists’ rights and protect women in the workplace.
“Real Harassment Is the Exploitation by Media Owners”
Investigative reporter and PFUJ Secretary Information & Broadcasting Imran Chaudhary argued that harassment is not limited to gender issues alone.
“The real harassment faced by journalists today is economic exploitation,” he said. “Media owners fire journalists without cause, delay salaries, and ignore workers’ welfare. There must be strict accountability.”
He called for new legislation to safeguard the economic and professional rights of all journalists, noting that many unions have failed to fulfill their basic duties of protecting members.
Journalists Speak Out
Senior journalist Shakeela Jaleel described the rise in forced dismissals as “deeply concerning,” and urged open conversations about harassment to prevent future abuse.
Imrana Komal questioned why no woman has ever been appointed as a bureau chief or chief reporter in major television networks, calling it a reflection of “systemic gender bias.”
Anchorperson and educator Mrs. Bushra stressed the importance of regular consultative meetings, saying, “These gatherings keep us connected and give women a voice in an industry still dominated by men.”
Shoaib Nizami, ARY reporter, highlighted that journalists are often terminated without notice and denied even their lawful dues.
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Personal Experiences of Discrimination
Prominent journalists Aasia Ansar (BBC, former Geo News) and Samira Raja (Dawn) shared their experiences of exclusion from political and investigative beats and workplace discrimination.
They said that complaints of harassment often go unreported, as women fear retaliation or dismissal.
“Despite the challenges, women journalists have proven their competence and commitment,” said Samira Raja, adding that supportive editors and managers can make a significant difference.
A Call for Change
Concluding the workshop, Dr. Sadia Kamal praised Rashida Shoaib for successfully organizing the session, calling it “a powerful and results-driven effort toward equality and empowerment.”
She reaffirmed PFUJ’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with the International Federation of Journalists to ensure women’s safety, representation, and dignity in the Pakistani media industry.
