Breaking Boundaries: Women Journalists in Pakistan

I’m reading Adnan Rehmat’s “Life as a Woman Journalist in Pakistan,” and my heart is filled with admiration and empathy. These female journalists are navigating Pakistan’s dangerous media scene fearlessly. Their stories reveal a degree of commitment and endurance I can only begin to fathom.

Women make up less than 5% of Pakistan’s 20,000 journalists. This is an unsettling indicator of the gender gap in this sector. The risky nature of journalism in Pakistan, which constantly ranks among the deadliest occupations, provides a terrifying setting against which these women work. Nonetheless, they continue smashing down barriers and demanding to be heard.

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In the middle of this sad reality, Kenizé Mourad’s work transports me to another universe, a heartbreaking love story set in Pakistan, sometimes known as “The Land of the Pure.”

Anne, a French journalist, takes on the main role in this fictional story. What is her mission? Investigate the possibility of terrorists gaining access to the country’s nuclear arsenal. Her adventure takes place against the backdrop of Lahore’s opulence, with its sumptuous palaces, glittering mosques, and enthralling Mughal gardens.

Anne’s pursuit of the truth parallels the difficulties female journalists face in Pakistan. They cross treacherous terrain to bring stories to light, putting their lives in danger in the process.

The parallel between Anne’s purpose and the actual problems of female journalists is obvious. Their mutual bravery, unflinching dedication, and tireless pursuit of their mission are echoed on every page and word of the story.

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Adnan Rehmat’s study, meanwhile, is more than just a paper. It’s an emotional rollercoaster through the lives of approximately 50 female journalists across Pakistan.

Their testimonies reveal the harsh realities they confront daily—from threats and harassment in the field to sidelining and persecution in the newsroom.

I feel their exhaustion, their frustration, and their determination.

Mourad’s work gives me a look into Anne’s existence, her never-ending search for truth, and the dangers she endures in the “Land of the Pure.” Her narrative reflects the continuous pursuit of female journalists who dare to question the status quo and shatter stereotypes.

In both fiction and reality, these female journalists exemplify tenacity and perseverance. For me, this is truly inspiring!

“Life as a Woman Journalist in Pakistan” is a call to action, urging us to recognize and address the formidable challenges faced by women journalists. It is a cry for help and respect, not only for their outstanding work but also for their unwavering spirit.

Through real-life narratives, this work inspires me to promote their cause, to demand equality, and to advocate for a media ecosystem in which women journalists may thrive.

Produced by Freedom Network, a Pakistani civil liberties group, with support from International Media Support, this paper embodies hope.

While I am not a journalist, my identity as a woman binds me to a common cause. Let‘s unite because, as women, we have the power to stand together, promote our rights, and achieve our collective goal.

Women need to take a stand, push for change, and ensure that female journalists in Pakistan and beyond receive the recognition and opportunities they rightfully deserve.

More power to these extraordinary women who break boundaries and redefine the world of journalism!

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Let me know your thoughts on this topic in the comments or if you have had any personal direct experience as a woman journalist, not necessarily in Pakistan.

Stay human, be loved,

Gabby

***I originally published this story on Medium.***

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