Female journalists in Balochistan not only face numerous challenges in their professional development but also lack suitable and effective platforms to protect their fundamental rights. Alongside workplace difficulties, there is no structured and active system to address serious issues like harassment, forcing many women to remain silent instead of seeking justice.
"Women working in the media have to prove daily that they are capable of doing their job," said Sadia in a weary voice.
Sadia Jahangir, who has been serving in journalism for the past 15 years as the Bureau Chief of the local news channel Public News in Pakistan, works courageously to highlight issues in her region. However, the risks associated with this profession have turned her life into a continuous ordeal.
The Challenge of Journalism
Sadia hails from Balochistan, where obtaining education is a daunting challenge for women. In 2024, literacy rate statistics for individuals aged 10 and above were presented in the Senate:
Literacy Rate in Pakistan
| Region | Literacy Rate (%) |
| National Average | 62.8 |
| Punjab | 66.3 |
| Sindh | 61.8 |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 55.1 |
| Balochistan | 54.5 |
Literacy Rate by Gender in Pakistan
| Gender | Literacy Rate (%) |
| Male | 73.4 |
| Female | 51.9 |
| Male (Balochistan) | 69.5 |
| Female (Balochistan) | 36.8 |
Female Education Rate in Balochistan
| Category | Education Rate (%) |
| Overall Female Education | 18 |
| Rural Female Education | 2+ |
"I chose journalism because I wanted to bring the stories of those whose voices are always silenced to the world," Sadia declared with determination.
However, after stepping into the field, she realised the journey was not as easy as she had imagined. Covering bomb blasts, tribal conflicts, and societal pressures repeatedly tested her resilience.
Dangerous Coverage
Recalling an incident from 2019, Sadia shared:
"During the coverage of a bomb blast, we were asked to reach the site quickly, even though the police had not yet declared the area safe. As soon as we arrived, another explosion occurred. At that moment, I thought this could be my last day."
The incident had a profound impact on her. She spent several sleepless nights but ultimately decided that fear would not weaken her resolve.
Gender Discrimination and Institutional Pressure
Beyond field dangers, Sadia also faces gender discrimination within her organisation.
"We receive lower salaries than our male colleagues, and our reports are often ignored," she lamented, noting that out of 32 districts in Balochistan, only two women serve as Bureau Chiefs.
Women journalists often receive lower salaries compared to their male counterparts and are denied important beats or opportunities
Societal pressure is another major obstacle.
"People say I am a woman and should stay home, but I stand alongside men regardless," she asserted.
Double Standards for Women
Female journalists endure inappropriate behaviour and harassment during press conferences and public gatherings. Natasha, a reporter at GNN TV, shared:
"We are treated as if we are not professionals. This attitude prevails not just among the public but within institutions as well."
She added that assignments are often unfairly distributed based on gender biases rather than actual safety concerns.
Former President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, Shehzada Zulfiqar, acknowledged:
"Society holds double standards for female journalists. Even during routine coverage, they face more challenges compared to men."
He explained that in Balochistan, it is considered inappropriate for women to leave their homes. The idea of women reporting on camera without wearing a veil surprises people. The challenges for female journalists begin the moment they step outside their homes, including workplace pressures where they are expected to remain silent.
Mental Health and Professional Pressure
Natasha noted that female journalists working in sensitive areas like Balochistan suffer from serious mental health effects.
"After spending a day discussing security concerns, injuries, and unrest in the region, I return home with thoughts and images haunting me. Sometimes, I feel irritable, angry, or indifferent."
She recounted facing threats for reporting on women's education issues in Balochistan.
Psychologist Dr Ghulam Rasool, Head of Psychiatry at Bolan Medical College, stated:
"Journalists need specialised training and counselling to cope with stress. The government should establish institutions where journalists can seek help for mental health concerns."
Hope for Change
Atiya Akram, a reporter at ARY, hopes for a future where female journalists are given full freedom and respect.
"One day, we will see our professional lives free from societal and institutional pressure," she said.
Atiya, who has worked in journalism for 19 years, faced threats for reporting on women’s health issues in Balochistan. Authorities pressured her to stop, but she continued her professional duties.
The stories of these women reflect the resilience and courage of female journalists in Balochistan—steadfast in their mission to amplify marginalised voices, despite all odds.
Senior Journalist and Former President of Balochistan Union of Journalists, Shehzada Zulfiqar, on Women Journalists in Balochistan
Shehzada Zulfiqar states that compared to other provinces, the number of female journalists in Balochistan is significantly lower. However, those who are working are doing an excellent job covering women's issues, culture, knowledge, literature, and law-and-order situations. He estimates that there are hardly 20 to 22 female journalists in Balochistan, including those working on social media.
Zulfiqar further emphasises that to ensure a better future for women journalists, it is crucial to understand their challenges and take practical steps to resolve them. Initiatives such as journalist training programmes, mental health awareness campaigns, and government support can make this profession safer and more respectable. Providing a supportive environment for female journalists in Balochistan is the need of the hour so they can perform their professional duties without fear.
Threats and Pressures Faced by Women Journalists
Despite being a Bureau Chief, Saeeda Jahangir has faced threats regarding the consequences of her reporting. While covering women's issues, she encountered pressure and intimidation from local tribes, and even her family was targeted. However, she has continued her struggle undeterred.
Similarly, Aqsa Mir, who has worked with various TV channels, reported on environmental issues in Balochistan, highlighting illegal mining and environmental degradation. As a result, she received threats from local mafia groups. Due to these threats, she has been out of journalism for two years and has chosen not to reveal further facts due to unavoidable circumstances.
Committees Against Sexual Harassment
Under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2010, every media house should have committees dedicated to addressing sexual harassment. However, their absence or ineffective implementation creates difficulties for female journalists.
Pay Disparity and Unequal Opportunities
According to senior journalist Irfan Saeed, women journalists often receive lower salaries compared to their male counterparts and are denied important beats or opportunities. Additionally, career progression opportunities remain limited. Although journalists are entitled to equal salaries under the Wage Award System, favouritism often leads to preferential treatment for specific individuals. Media houses must establish committees against harassment and ensure their proper implementation.
Proposed Solutions by Senior Journalist Shehzada Zulfiqar
Shehzada Zulfiqar has proposed several measures to tackle gender disparity among journalists in Pakistan. Ensuring equal rights, salaries, and a safe working environment for female journalists remains a major challenge. Media houses often fail to fully implement the Wage Award System, resulting in women receiving lower pay, fewer career advancements, and exclusion from critical reporting assignments.
Online harassment is another significant issue requiring strict policies and effective legal enforcement. Laws such as the Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2010 and the Press Council of Pakistan Ordinance, 2002 exist, but their enforcement remains inadequate.
To address these challenges, Zulfiqar suggests organising workshops and training programmes to enhance women's professional development in journalism. Media organisations should establish sexual harassment committees and implement them effectively. Additionally, creating a special desk to address online harassment can help female journalists work without fear. Stronger legislation and stricter enforcement are necessary to ensure the protection of journalists' rights.
For a fair and inclusive environment, media houses must uphold transparency, provide equal opportunities, and ensure full compliance with legal frameworks to empower female journalists and safeguard their future in the profession.