From Margins to Mainstream: Women Representation in Press Clubs and Unions in Pakistan
The under-representation of women journalists in Pakistan’s press clubs and journalist trade unions reveals systemic barriers that limit women’s leadership, membership and institutional support. This study investigates the extent of women’s current participation in the organisations that are intended to represent the interests of the journalist community and demand their rights on their behalf.
The research study, produced by IMS, Mediastan and partner Freedom Network is based on data gathered from press clubs and journalist trade unions in 11 major cities of the country.
Key findings
- Women’s membership in these press clubs and unions is extremely low, bordering on an average of 8% out of total members.
- Female members who contest elections for leadership positions at the press clubs and unions often face biased processes, lack of male support, and scepticism about their leadership abilities, according to the report.
- Despite these challenges, interviews with female journalists who have served in leadership positions showed that they have gradually worked to lift the profile of women journalists at the press clubs and trade unions and advocated for reforms.
Core recommendations:
- Structural reforms at the press clubs and journalist unions to create reserved leadership seats for women, adopt gender ethics policies.
- Develop institutional support mechanisms for women journalists to prevent harassment and create safe spaces.
- Deepen partnerships with media organisations to introduce journalism students to required skills, industry trends and professional mentorship..
Strategic actions
In light of the findings, the report indicates that proactive outreach to women journalists and opening union and press club membership to digital journalists would help improve the gender diversity of these organisations
