Empower women so they reach decision making positions: IFJ

JournalismPakistan.com | Published March 06, 2015

Join our WhatsApp channel

Empower women so they reach decision making positions: IFJ

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Gender Council mark 8 March, International Women’s Day, by calling for access to leadership in unions and media organizations for women so that they can finally play a full and active role in society. As each year, the IFJ also reiterated the need to confront violence against female journalists by providing them with a safe working environment in media.

An IFJ press release says that according to recent reports, journalism is experiencing a "feminisation" process. The number of women in journalism faculties and media outlets outnumbers that of men. However, this majority is not reflected at management levels in those outlets and unions. That's why the IFJ wants to take all the necessary steps to ensure balance between work and family life.

In 2013, the IFJ launched the campaign "Stop Violence against Women Journalists" (#IFJVAW), that mainly focused on physical violence related to professional activities (female journalists being killed, threatened, attacked, harassed). The campaign also dealt with violence at workplace (moral and sexual harassment, bullying, salary inequality) and with what is called "silent" violence, which consists of keeping women away from decision-making positions simply because of their gender.

Last year, the IFJ recorded killings of journalists indicate that 12 female journalists were either targeted and murdered, or lost their lives in other ways in the course of their work. There were two killings of female journalists in Afghanistan and the Central African Republic, one in Colombia, Egypt, Iraq, Libya, Paraguay and the Philippines, all due to targeted attacks or cross fire incidents. In addition, two female journalists died in work-related accidents in Bangladesh and Turkey.

“We know from research on violence against women that much violence and death of women still goes unreported. Upcoming research into violence against women journalists will help us begin to get a truer picture,” said the IFJ’S Gender Council’s Co-Chair Mindy Ran.

In a letter to mark the International Women’s Day, Ran urged unions to support the proposal for a Convention against Gender Based Violence in the Workplace which will be discussed by the governing body of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

“If you really want to make a difference today act now, raise awareness, encourage more women to join and fully participate. Begin a process to create lasting change,” asked Ran.

According to the UN WOMEN, no country has yet achieved gender equality across all areas of public and private life, and significant inequalities persist between women and men.

“The global situation has significantly evolved during the past 10 years and we find more and more women amongst activists,” said the IFJ’s General Secretary Beth Costa. “ Yet, there's a lot more to be done. We want female colleagues to be fully included in training processes and unions' management and we call on the leaders to recommit to the Beijing Declaration in 1995, to the Platform for Action.”

Thus, some of the imperative gender issues remain, as pointed out Zuliana Lainez, head of the IFJ working group on violence against women journalists.

“Women are still kept away from organized movement, they still cannot reach those decision-making positions and organizations do not have the capacity to represent men and women equally. We're not talking about just respecting women on the paper but to really include them in debates about fundamental themes and in decision processes. This is a question of real respect, real recognition as pairs, with our differences,” she said.

The IFJ encourages journalists, unions and supporters to express their concerns over violence against women journalists and demand an end to impunity for these crimes by posting on #IFJVAW.

Freedom of expression shrinks in Pakistan as PECA Amendments take toll: report

April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.

Dawn urges Indian media to abandon war rhetoric

April 30, 2025: Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.

India bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following Pahalgan attack

April 28, 2025: India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.

Coordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows

April 23, 2025: Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.

Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists after PTI expulsion

April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.

Journalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families

April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.

A launch in style: Dr. Nauman Niaz unveils 'In A Different Realm'

April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.

Newsroom

'In A Different Realm' offers a philosophical take on cricket's greatest innings

April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.

The PSL paradox: pageantry or progress?

April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?

Italian newspaper embraces AI, praises its irony and insight

April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.

Nominations open for IPI’s 2025 Press Freedom Awards

April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.

Journalist burned alive while reporting Kathmandu protest

April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.