KARACHI: Member of the National Assembly Sharmila Faruqui on Friday called for greater participation of women in journalism, saying their declining representation in the profession requires urgent attention.
Speaking at the one-day conference, “Empowering Women Journalists: Leadership, Safety and Innovation,” organised by the Women Media Center Pakistan (WMC) with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), she said women journalists played a vital role in highlighting issues affecting women, children and other marginalised communities.
Faruqui said a safe, equal and empowering media environment was essential for the growth of women journalists. WMC Founder and Chief Executive Officer Fauzia Shaheen said there remained a significant gap between the number of women studying media and those reaching leadership positions in news organisations.
Academic Dr Huma Baqai said women had made notable progress in many professions but remained underrepresented in decision-making positions.
Digital rights activist Farieha Aziz expressed concern over online harassment and digital safety. She said that despite the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) being in force, women journalists continue to face challenges. She added that ensuring the safety of journalists was the state’s responsibility.
Journalists Amber Shamsi, Rabia Mushtaq, Shazia Hassan and Buraq Shabbir shared their experiences in the profession and stressed artificial intelligence could support journalists in their work but cannot replace editorial judgment or fact-checking, emphasising that verification remained the cornerstone of responsible journalism. They stressed the need to empower women journalists, support their professional growth and foster a safer and more inclusive media landscape in Pakistan.
