JournalismPakistan.com
March 07, 2022

ISLAMABAD—The National Press Club and the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) jointly organized an event on Monday at the National Press Club to honor women journalists for their excellent reporting on COVID-19 during the pandemic.

Held one day before International Women's Day, the "Women Journalists Excellence Award 2022" was awarded to 30 women journalists based on their impeccable performance and contribution, especially those working directly in the field.

Myra Imran, Vice President NPC, moderated the event. Nayyar Ali, Finance Secretary NPC, especially highlighted how these journalists kept working throughout the pandemic, despite the health risks and danger they potentially faced.

President NPC Anwar Raza thanked women journalists and the chief guest Dr. Shireen Mazari for their contributions. He stated that the female leadership of the National Press Club had played a significant role in transforming and bettering the NPC. He also stressed the need for greater work to be done to build female journalists' capacities.

Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director SSDO, thanked the media for their incredible role in providing information to the masses and stated that they had played a significant part in Pakistan's development thus far, particularly for the cause of democracy, declaring them as "heroes." He also stated that SSDO aims to continue its initiatives on empowering and building the capacities of women journalists.

As the chief guest, Dr. Shireen Mazari, Federal Minister for Human Rights, graced the event. She highlighted how women journalists face additional barriers in their field due to their gender, especially in the context of their vulnerability to harassment, thanking them for their dedication. She also brought forward the Ministry's app to counter this problem.

Furthermore, she elaborated on the expansion of legislation protecting women workers from harassment as now informal workers, such as domestic workers, will also be covered under these new amendments.  

The Secretary National Press Club Raja Khalil Ahmed concluded the event by again thanking women journalists for their contribution and tireless work. Afterward, Dr. Mazari presented the awards to all winners. Members of the journalist community, activists, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders actively took part in the event.