Gender narratives: Lauding the battle-hardy women of Pakistan

Diary documents role of women in crises, analyses depiction by media.

ISLAMABAD:

The role played by women in disaster management and their resilience in times of crises is not always acknowledged. With a view to enhance awareness about changing gender roles in conflict from the perspective of the media, Uks Research Centre released its annual diary here on Wednesday.

The thoroughly-researched Annual Desk Diary for 2014, titled ‘Women of Pakistan: Rebuilding Lives Courageously after Each Disaster and Conflict’, provides readers with sufficient insight into the plight of disaster-affected women.

Each year’s desk diary is based on one particular theme, the range encompassing women and politics, health, education and entrepreneurship.

This year, the diary focuses on the disasters and crises which struck Pakistan, analysing how the media reported these events from a gendered perspective.

“The main focus of the diary is to see what the media has reported on women and disasters and also to emphasise that the media needs to report on disasters with a gendered lens,” said Uks Director Tasneem Ahmar.

Samar Minallah’s documentary “Women in Conflict” was also played during the event. Tahira Abdullah, the voluntary editor of the diary said, “The 2014 diary is another achievement of Uks, commemorating the bravery, courage and resilience of Pakistani women.  But this is true not just in disasters and conflicts --- we are always brave and resilient!”

Participants at the launch were also addressed by journalist Asma Shirazi, who shared her experiences of reporting in disaster-hit areas.  Audio clips from Uks’s vast collection of radio programs on disaster and crisis were also played at the beginning of the ceremony, accompanied by a slide presentation.

People from all walks of life including the civil society and representatives of NGOs attended the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 24^th, 2014.