Turbat is a troubled area in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, where female journalists face serious risks in performing their duties. Because they feel insecure in field and in newsroom, they refrain from seeking a career in the media.
There are not more than eight to ten female degree holders in Balochistan’s district of Kech.
Though women in Turbat are active on social media, their presence in the mainstream media is negligible. Thus, many women-related issues go unreported.
Turbat is a tribal society. Women’s presence in public spaces is scorned upon. The media owners do not encourage the participation of female journalists in the profession.
Even in universities where Mass Communication is offered, the standard is so poor that a degree is not worth it. No practical training is imparted and no workshops or seminars are organized to expose students to real taste of the profession.
At present, three universities in Balochistan offer specialization in Mass Communication — University of Balochistan, Quetta (UOB), Balochistan University of Information, Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) and Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University (SBK). Since the Turbat University does not offer Mass Communication as a specialised field of study, the very few female degree holders are either from UOB or SBK.
Even in universities where Mass Communication is offered, the standard is so poor that a degree is not worth it. No practical training is imparted and no workshops or seminars are organized to expose students to real taste of the profession. Given the educational, social and cultural obstacles, women choose to not opt for a career in the media profession.
Journalism is an important pillar of the state. It is the state’s responsibility to create an environment where women feel comfortable working both as reporters and editors.
