Beyond Bylines: The Struggle of Women Journalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

When Shumaila Afridi decided to become a journalist, she knew the cost would be steep—but she pursued her dream regardless. Hailing from Dara Adam Khel and working with TNN, her family disowned Shumaila for choosing a profession they deemed inappropriate for a woman. “They severed all ties with me, which left me in a vulnerable position with no support,” she shared. Despite the setback, she continued reporting from the region, navigating cultural restrictions that often require her to wear a burqa and headscarf.

Due to deeply entrenched societal norms, Shumaila has faced significant discrimination—both socially and professionally. Yet her persistence has turned her into a voice for the voiceless. Reporting on issues like gender-based violence, denial of education to girls, and workplace discrimination, she has become a conduit for women’s stories within her community. Her work has inspired many others to speak out about their own struggles.

She is not alone in this battle. Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), women journalists walk a tightrope between professional duty and personal risk—trapped between threats, conservative expectations, and male-dominated newsrooms.

When Sidra Ayan steps out to report, she carries more than a notebook—she bears the weight of being a woman in one of Pakistan’s most conservative provinces. As a freelance reporter in KP, Sidra faces street harassment, limited access to sources, and the looming threat of violence. Without the support of a newsroom, legal protections, or peer networks, each assignment becomes an act of quiet defiance.

Still, she perseveres—covering social issues, women’s rights, and stories that often go untold in mainstream narratives. Her work stands as a testament to the courage of women who refuse to be silenced by societal norms or extremist threats.

The challenges women journalists face in KP extend far beyond the field. Cultural and familial pressures are immense, with journalism still widely seen as inappropriate for women. Hina Gul, a reporter with Suno Pakhtunkhwa FM, recounts, “Initially, I wasn’t allowed to work as a journalist. Even now, I face taunts from family members. But I never gave up. I told them that journalism helps in raising awareness about girls’ rights and in serving society.” Her resolve enabled her to continue pursuing her passion despite these obstacles.

The hurdles, however, are not only cultural—they are institutional. Press clubs across KP remain largely male-dominated. Yasir Hussain, former Secretary of the Peshawar Press Club, acknowledged, “KP is not safe for women working in this field, but we support those who pursue a career in it.” Yet the statistics suggest otherwise:

• Women’s representation in the Peshawar Press Club is less than 20%.
• In Swat and the tribal districts, fewer than 35 women work as journalists.

This underrepresentation restricts women’s access to networking, mentorship, and professional development, isolating them in an already challenging environment.

Some, like Nadia Sabohi of Geo News in Peshawar, have even faced direct political backlash. After publishing a story critical of a mainstream political party, she was targeted by affiliated individuals who circulated misinformation online, resulting in severe harassment. The press club eventually intervened, but the incident revealed how easily women journalists can be singled out and threatened—especially in politically sensitive environments.

These women are not only defying tradition—they are navigating an industry with few formal safeguards. Legal allies like Sohail Sultan, a prominent attorney and former Attorney General of KP, have stepped in to support them. “I’ve handled multiple cases involving the harassment and coercion of female journalists,” he noted, offering free legal counsel to many. His work underscores the urgent need for legal reforms and financial safety nets tailored for women in media.

Sometimes, survival means leaving home altogether. Sumaira Khan, originally from Battagram, now works in Islamabad as a defense correspondent for Samaa News. “Had I not left Battagram, I wouldn’t have been able to pursue this career,” she reflects. Previously a reporter for Kay2 TV, Sumaira covered major security developments including the Zarb-e-Azb operation, the Swat military campaign, and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Even from afar, she continues reporting on her hometown, embodying the sacrifices many women make to remain in journalism.

Amidst the adversity, there are glimmers of support. The Coalition for Women in Journalism (CFWIJ), founded by Kiran Nazish, provides mentorship, emergency relief, and legal assistance for women journalists at risk. Their efforts seek to build safer, more inclusive spaces in media where women can thrive.

As Kashif Uddin, President of the Khyber Union of Journalists, affirms: “Women journalists in KP work under some of the most difficult circumstances. They face threats and harassment on multiple fronts. It is our collective responsibility—as unions, media organizations, and society—to ensure their safety and enable them to work with dignity and freedom.”

In KP, journalism for women is more than a profession—it is an act of resilience, defiance, and unwavering commitment to truth in the face of systemic adversity.

To address these persistent challenges, comprehensive reforms are essential for ensuring a safer and more equitable media landscape for women journalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. First and foremost, the government must introduce gender-sensitive laws and strictly enforce existing regulations to protect journalists from harassment, both online and offline. Press clubs and journalist unions should take active steps to increase female representation, especially in leadership positions, and establish dedicated support committees that address gender-specific concerns. Moreover, media organizations need to provide institutional backing—particularly for freelancers—through legal assistance, emergency relief, and financial support.

Mentorship networks and mental health services are also crucial to help women journalists cope with trauma, isolation, and burnout, particularly those reporting from conflict zones. Training newsroom leadership in gender sensitivity can foster more inclusive and respectful work environments. Additionally, women who are forced to relocate for safety reasons must be offered relocation assistance and access to affordable housing to continue their careers without disruption. Lastly, male journalists must actively participate in creating safer media spaces by standing against all forms of discrimination and abuse and advocating for equal opportunities across the board. Only through these collective and sustained efforts can we create a journalism industry where women are empowered to report freely, fairly, and without fear.