Women journalists in Pakistan continue to face gender biases, career barriers, and digital threats that limit their growth and leadership. Despite progress, they remain underrepresented in decision-making roles and face frequent online harassment. Marking International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme “Accelerate Action,” the Global Neighbourhood for Media Innovation (GNMI) hosted a webinar, “Accelerate Action: Women in Media & Journalism.” The discussion brought together journalists, media professionals, and policymakers to address workplace discrimination, financial instability, and leadership exclusion, highlighting the challenges faced by women in Pakistan’s media industry.
Moderated by Syed Masood Raza, General Secretary of GNMI, the session amplified the voices of experienced women journalists and policy experts who highlighted the structural inequalities limiting women’s professional growth.
Senior journalist Asma Shirazi highlighted the deep-rooted cultural bias against opinionated women in society. She noted that women who express strong views are often met with hostility, while those who remain silent or conform to traditional expectations tend to be more widely accepted. Asma also pointed to the glaring absence of women in decision-making positions within newsrooms. “Women are rarely found in top editorial roles where policies and narratives are shaped,” she said. While gender diversity initiatives exist in media, she cautioned against token representation, stressing that recruitment and promotions must be based on talent rather than just fulfilling quotas.
Renowned journalist Gharidah Farooqi, reflecting on her own experiences of online harassment since 2014, emphasized that digital abuse should not be dismissed as mere trolling but should be recognized as criminal violence. Gharidah also highlighted the intersection of patriarchal control and media censorship, stating that societal norms dictate every aspect of a woman’s life—from education to career choices to marriage. “Even after breaking barriers in media, women continue to face restrictions. Men still make most of the key decisions, whether in families or newsrooms,” she added.
From a policy perspective, Gender expert Fouzia Yazdani highlighted the urgent need to implement existing laws rather than draft new ones. She pointed out that wage gaps, impunity for online abuse, and systemic biases remain unaddressed. “Digital media has created opportunities, but weak governance and societal attitudes continue to hold women back,” she said.
On the challenges women face in entrepreneurial journalism, Najia Ashar, President of GNMI, discussed the rise of women-led digital platforms, which allow female journalists to bypass traditional newsroom hierarchies and be their own boss. However, she noted that women encounter significant barriers in securing funding for media startups. She highlighted GNMI’s project tilted Entrepreneurial journalism (EJ) and projects by other organizations supporting women journalists through training and capacity-building programs.
On promoting women’s solidarity in media, Senior Journalist Tanzeela Mazhar acknowledged that low representation often breeds competition rather than collaboration. However, she stressed that mentorship and professional networks are key to strengthening women’s presence in journalism. “Women must support each other in navigating the male-dominated media landscape,” she urged.
The session concluded with a call for urgent behavioral change in how women are treated in households and society. Panelists emphasized the need for education, awareness, and the integration of digital skills into curricula to create inclusive opportunities for lasting change. GNMI remains committed to amplifying women’s voices, advocating for fair media policies, and empowering women journalists to thrive.
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