Press in Pakistan: Women writers missing from editorial pages

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published December 11, 2021 |  Cherie Conela

ISLAMABAD—Editorial pages are considered highly significant to the popularity and circulation of any newspaper. However, women writers are rarely seen in the editorial pages of Pakistani press, said a female reporter of a leading newspaper. Even more worrying is that even women themselves write extremely little on this issue.

According to her, 90 percent of the editorial content is written by men, which is a significant reason for several feminine issues not being highlighted in the editorials.

 "Unfortunately, most of the editors serving in Pakistani newspapers hold a stereotypical viewpoint when writing something about women issues," the reporter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.  

The proportion of women's statements being published in newspapers, especially in editorial sections, cannot be considered satisfactory, keeping journalists' remarkable role in the struggle of press freedom in view. This space is not only below the minimum acceptable level, but sometimes women's letters to the editor are also trashed based on gender discrimination. "Even some editors do not pay any attention or bother to consider our letters for publishing, after knowing the sender is a female," a student pursuing her degree in media studies said.   

The influence of women's narratives in journalism can be seen worldwide. Many female journalists are serving well-recognized foreign media houses in top positions. The Voice of America (VOA) recently promoted Pakistani-origin journalist Ayesha Tanzeem as south and central Asia division director. The position is the highest in the US media held by any Pakistani American female journalist. Similarly, outstanding columns by many Pakistani female journalists posted on Urdu versions of foreign media, including the BBC, VOA, and The Independent, get appreciation on a larger scale.

However, the representation of women columnists for several international newspapers is also not satisfactory. A joint statement issued by International Media Support (IMS) and 44 other international organizations urged media leaders and journalists to take action against gender inequality in the news. It suggested that only 4 percent of all newspapers, radio and TV reports worldwide challenge gender stereotypes. 

In its report titled "Tackling the Underrepresentation of Women in Media," Harvard Business Review disclosed that women are comparatively seen far less in the media. "As subjects of stories, women only appear in a quarter of television, radio, and print news," it highlighted.

Myra Imran, a senior reporter of The News International, agreed that women journalists could shape public opinion effectively and project a positive image of the country if provided more opportunities to write on the editorial pages. "Women journalists are in a better position to influence governments and the international community, leading to a change in the best interest of our country facing challenging and uncertain circumstances," she stated. She highlighted that some women journalists play a leading role in the decision-making process of editorial pages in the organization where she works.

"While reviewing the editorial pages of various leading Pakistani newspapers in recent days, I also noticed that most of the columns were written by male columnists. I fully respect the opinion and method of these gentlemen. However, I am much interested in seeing women columnists express their views on these important pages," Fauzia Kulsoom Rana, Convener Women Journalist Association, said. She emphasized that the lack of women's narrative in Pakistani print media is worrisome. 

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.