Advancing Gender Equality in Pakistani Media

Women in journalism in Pakistan face numerous challenges. These include gender discrimination, limited access to leadership roles and societal pressures that discourage women from pursuing careers in media. Women journalists often encounter workplace harassment, threats and safety risks, particularly when reporting on sensitive topics or working in conflict zones. 

Advocating for gender equality in Pakistani media is vital to fostering a more inclusive and representative industry that can challenge societal stereotypes. Ensuring equal opportunities for women in media enables diverse perspectives, amplifies marginalized voices and strengthens journalism’s role as a catalyst for social change. A gender-equal media can highlight issues of inequality, inspire reforms and contribute to shaping a more just and equitable society in Pakistan.

About the program:

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) is pleased to offer a 12-month initiative, “Advancing Gender Equality in Pakistani Media,” which will build a network of Pakistani women journalists who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and network to bolster work on gender equality.

The program will bring three senior women journalists from Pakistan to the United States to meet with experts on gender equality and participate in training opportunities. We will also equip approximately 27 women in Pakistani media with skills and connections to overcome and improve issues of gender equality in the workplace and build a professional network of women journalists who are committed to driving change in the media industry. 

The program will include the following activities:

• U.S. study tour
• Workshop series for early and mid-career journalists and newsroom managers 
• Virtual convenings

How to apply:

The application to participate in the US Study Tour can be found here. Applications for the workshop series will become available after the conclusion of the US Study Tour.