'Journalism becoming a preferred choice for women'

It was very encouraging to see that more and more females are entering the field of journalism. Many young ladies in the field have and many others studying the subject in Karachi University would add fresh blood to the media bringing about a big change. These views were expressed by the speakers at a seminar organised by the Pakistan Press Foundation at Vicky Zeitlin Media Library here on Thursday in connection with the International Women's Day. Viewing this year's 8th March theme the seminar was titled "Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future For Women Journalists."
It was suggested that standards of journalism in Pakistan should be improved further and freedom of expression and rights of journalists must be safeguarded. Entry of educated and learned females must be encouraged in the field of journalism.
The speakers said that the newspapers and electronic media should give chance to newcomers and provide facilities like transport because women want to work in this field but some practical problems hinder their entry.
It was observed that sometimes back parents used to discourage girls entering the field of journalism but now the mindset has changed and parents want their daughters to come in this field and prove themselves, and the nation can benefit from their talent.
It was noticed that women working with the newspapers are mostly doing job in magazine section or on the desk. Many women are editors of magazines and very few reporters and editors of newspapers, but not as regular reporters even in electronic media.
The speakers were of the view that if given chance as women have proved their worth in every field would be true for journalism also. Woman of today is bold and daring and wants to work side by side with man, if given a chance. Women can conduct current affair programmes more efficiently.
If given the chance, they added, women reporters can do their job more efficiently especially on issues concerning womenfolk. Because being a woman she can feel the pain and misery of the other females and portray a better and true picture of the facts.
Nargis Baloch speaking on the occasion said that it is easy to work in Balochistan for a woman if she remains inside the boundary of traditions of the locals. Nargis said she has personally investigated Dr Shazia's case and concluded that the PPL mishandled the case and misled investigators.
It was also observed that family life is equally important for a woman journalist and must not get disturbed due to professional engagements. The women in the West give preference to their profession over family life and therefore, their family system has collapsed, but now they are reverting to their family life.
The speakers said that though the government is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and bound to formulate laws in conformity with its international commitments, but many woman-related crimes are rampant in the country like Karo Kari, Siah Kari, Sawara and others. Many crimes go unreported therefore there must be some check on such crimes, they added.
The speakers comprised Dr Shahida Kazi, chairperson Mass Communication Department Jinnah University for Women, Ms Khurshid Haider, Editor, Review Dawn, PRO Print and Electronic Media Women's Organisation, Ms Iram Noor, Editor You, The News, Mrs Nargis Baloch, Chief Editor, Intikhab Karachi.