Sustainable Social Development Organization, Maqam International and National Press Club Launch “Women Journalist Room” at the Press Club to Promote Safe Spaces for Women Journalists
Islamabad, 31 May 2022: The Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), Maqam International and the National Press Club, in collaboration with Info News Network launched the newly renovated “Women Journalist Room” at the Press Club Islamabad on 31st May 2022, Former Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi and Member National Assembly & Convener SDGs Taskforce Ms. Rumina Khursheed Alam were the chief guests at the event.
Over the past five years, SSDO has been greatly involved in the promotion of gender equality and women’s rights by engaging in several projects and advocacy efforts, as well as several trainings of the media on reporting of social issues. The National Press Club has a designated room for women journalists to sit and do their research and writing. Having an exclusively female-only room made it more comfortable for women, especially in the context of late sittings and feeling secure from potential harassment. Yet, in past few years, this room became a little run down. To assist the Press Club, SSDO helped renovate the room and women’s toilet, so that it would become more comfortable and welcoming than before, including the installation of new ACs, panelling and new sofas.
The event started with speeches by the chief guests, followed by ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially inaugurate the “Women Journalists Room” Speaking at the event, Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director SSDO stated that in Pakistan, the ratio of female journalists to male journalists is incredibly low. Furthermore, since working environments are extremely hostile to the needs of women journalists, it makes it much harder for them to work. That is why he commended and appreciated the National Press Club for having a women-only room for female journalists. Keeping in view the dire need of women friendly separate space, SSDO decided to provide support to the NPC and help renovate the “Women journalist room. He went on to say that SSDO is continuing initiatives to build the capacities of female journalists, promoting women-friendly workspaces and advocating for women’s labour rights.
Ms. Nayyar Ali, Secretary Finance of the NPC, thanked SSDO for their efforts, and stated that this room would go a long way in promoting women’s journalism in Pakistan. She stressed that the opportunities are extremely limited for women journalists, and on top of it, they lack gender-conducive working environments. Furthermore, she stated that this would lead to greater reporting on women’s issues such as gender-based violence, as well as shedding greater light on women’s achievements as well in different sectors: media, activism, civil society, sports, politics and entertainment. Women journalists present at the event appreciated the effort of SSDO for supporting Press Club in providing a women friendly space.
Sustainable Social Development Organization, Maqam International and National Press Club Launch “Women Journalist Room” at the Press Club to Promote Safe Spaces for Women Journalists
