Women in media more vulnerable to intolerance, chauvinism

Parliamentarians urged to help create a secure work environment for women

Lawmakers were on Friday urged to take serious steps in creating a safe and secure work environment for women in media.

This was discussed during a roundtable on women in media organised by Development Communications Network (Devcom) Pakistan in collaboration with the Women-in-Media Alliance on Friday evening. The roundtable was held in connection with the ninth National Women at Work Festival.

Senator Faisal Javed Khan said that the ruling Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has provided a proactive environment to women in politics. He added that their government is determined to provide a conducive work environment in every sector.

A decent work environment for women is essential to engage them in economic productivity, he said, adding that women in media are the voice of marginalised women and communities.

“They cannot represent the voice of women more effectively if they are vulnerable to intolerance or male chauvinism,” Senator Faisal said.

He went on to assure women journalists that the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting will discuss the challenges they face across the country. In this regards, he suggested that a representative committee of women journalists should formulate a set of recommendations for the Senate panel to deliberate.

Member National Assembly (MNA) Romina Khursheed Khan said that a bill regarding this issue exists but there is a need to implement it.

“Women journalists are more prone to threats,” she said, adding that some rigid elements do not want to see the women’s voices in media.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 29^th, 2020.