One of Asia’s lowest rates of female labor force participation is seen in Pakistan. According to the Asian Development Bank, Pakistan’s female labor force participation rate was only 22%, whereas the average for South Asia was 24%.
Pakistani women’s working lives are significantly impacted by cultural and societal standards, which erect several obstacles in practically every aspect of their lives. from domestic and professional obligations to their freedom to travel and engage with unrelated males. Their everyday commute is complicated by unsafe transportation options and a lack of employer support.In terms of labor rights, it is imperative that women figure out how to get beyond these obstacles and be able to enter the workforce.
Only 5% of Pakistani journalists are female, and according to Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index, the nation is ranked 150th out of 180 in year 2023 . The non-political activist network for Pakistani women journalists, Women’s Media Forum Pakistan (WMFP), finished mapping the nation’s media in two stages in 2023 and 2024, encompassing 12 media outlets in 2023 and over 18 in 2024. From June to September 2024, taskforce meetings were held in five provinces to further study and discuss this mapping.
According to the mapping, issues faced by female journalists include harassment, a lack of representation in leadership positions, gender bias, unequal compensation, and something as simple but essential as gender-specific restrooms.
One of the main causes of the nation’s deteriorating press freedom is attacks and repression directed at female reporters. Particularly on social media, harassment of Pakistani women journalists is common. Attacks have included efforts to hack into their online accounts, threats of violence, and derogatory remarks based on their gender. The journalists claim that the harassment not only jeopardizes their safety but also infringes upon their legal right to protection.
Despite these attacks, however, women journalists are continuing to work to change national discourse and storytelling. Because of their tenacious and resilient reporting, they are crucial to changing Pakistan.
In Pakistan, women journalists represent a courageous and dynamic segment of the media industry, playing a pivotal role in uncovering truths, amplifying marginalized voices, and holding power to account. Yet, their journey is fraught with profound challenges, including threats to their safety, pervasive gender-based discrimination, and a hostile digital landscape. These hurdles not only endanger their lives but also undermine press freedom in the country.
Findings of Rights Groups on Journalism in Pakistan
Various human rights and press freedom organizations have documented the deteriorating state of journalism in Pakistan. Reports by groups such as Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and the Digital Rights Foundation shed light on a grim reality for journalists, particularly women:
1. Online Harassment and Violence**: The Digital Rights Foundation has reported that women journalists in Pakistan face disproportionate levels of online abuse, including death and rape threats, doxing, and smear campaigns. These tactics are often used to silence dissenting voices and discourage critical reporting.
2. Physical Threats and Impunity**: Amnesty International has highlighted instances of women journalists being physically attacked, stalked, or threatened with violence. The lack of accountability for such crimes exacerbates the situation, leaving victims without justice or protection.
3. Censorship and State Control**: RSF ranks Pakistan low on the World Press Freedom Index, citing the pervasive influence of state and non-state actors in controlling media narratives. Women journalists reporting on sensitive issues like corruption or human rights violations are particularly vulnerable to coercion and censorship.
4. Gender-Based Discrimination**: Rights groups point to systemic issues within media organizations, including gender pay gaps, lack of representation in leadership roles, and inadequate support systems for women facing workplace harassment.
Rising Threats and Harassment
The growing hostility faced by women journalists in Pakistan spans both physical and digital realms. Female reporters are frequently subjected to harassment, threats of violence, and character assassination. In some cases, this intimidation escalates to targeted attacks, forcing many to abandon their profession or flee their homes.
A report by the Digital Rights Foundation highlights that women journalists are disproportionately targeted online, with threats often extending to their families. The weaponization of social media platforms enables trolls and organized groups to orchestrate smear campaigns, aimed at silencing critical voices. These campaigns often exploit deeply entrenched societal norms, leveraging gendered slurs and misinformation to discredit women journalists.
Challenges in Newsrooms
Beyond external threats, women journalists in Pakistan contend with systemic barriers within their workplaces. Male-dominated newsrooms often foster a culture of sexism, where women face unequal opportunities for assignments, promotions, and leadership roles. Persistent pay gaps and lack of institutional support further exacerbate the gender imbalance.
Additionally, reporting on sensitive issues such as gender-based violence or political corruption places women journalists at greater risk. Many receive inadequate protection or legal recourse when targeted, making their work even more perilous.
Press Freedom Under Siege
The threats to women journalists form part of a broader crisis of press freedom in Pakistan. Media organizations operate in an environment of censorship, where state and non-state actors exert significant influence over reporting. For women, these pressures are compounded by cultural stigmas and societal expectations, which often view their professional choices with suspicion or disdain.
Resilience and Advocacy
Despite these challenges, women journalists in Pakistan continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. Many have pioneered investigative reporting, exposed corruption, and championed social justice causes. Organizations like the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists and the Coalition For Women In Journalism are stepping up to support female reporters, advocating for their rights and providing platforms for collective action.
Training programs and workshops aimed at equipping women journalists with digital safety skills are also gaining momentum. These initiatives seek to empower them to navigate and counter online harassment effectively.
The Way Forward
Addressing the threats faced by women journalists in Pakistan requires a multi-pronged approach:
1. **Strengthening Legal Protections**: Enforcing laws against harassment and ensuring swift action against perpetrators can provide a safer working environment.
2. **Institutional Reforms**: Media organizations must adopt gender-sensitive policies, ensuring equal opportunities and support for women journalists.
3. **Digital Safety Measures**: Investing in cybersecurity training and tools can help mitigate online harassment.
4. **Public Awareness Campaigns**: Challenging societal norms and stereotypes about women’s roles in media can foster a more inclusive environment.
The courage of women journalists in Pakistan is a testament to their unwavering commitment to truth and accountability. Ensuring their safety and empowerment is not only a matter of gender equality but also essential for the survival of a free and independent press.
