SAFETY FIRST: JOURNALISTS TACKLE GENDER ISSUES & WORKPLACE HARASSMENT IN A DYNAMIC TWO-DAY WORKSHOP!

MAHTAB BASHIR
mahtabbashir@gmail.com
ISLAMABAD

The participants of the two-day workshop on “Gender Equality and Safety” while highlighting the essential role of such training in effectively resolving gender-sensitive issues, recommended that key stakeholders—media owners, representatives from media outlets, and officials from the Ministry of Human Rights, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Federal Ombudsman, a transgender, a psychologist and an HR official —be included in future sessions to enhance the outcomes of the training workshop.

Organized by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the training workshop sought to empower field journalists with vital technical skills to effectively manage field risks, elevate professional standards, and foster awareness of equal rights in the media sphere.

This holistic safety and gender equality workshop also brought together electronic, print and digital media journalists, with a dominance presence of female participants who addressed pressing issues such as security protocols, workplace harassment, and the safety of journalists in challenging environments, while navigating into essential aspects of gender equality.

Group photo of participant media practitioners with Secretary NPC Nayyar Ali

In her opening remarks, Rashida Shoaib, the IJF Coordinator for Islamabad and lead trainer, said that the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is a worldwide organization operating in 134 countries and representing more than 600,000 journalists. She shed light on the various challenges journalists encounter, outlined essential safety guidelines, and underscored the significance of the Women in Media Forum for supporting female journalists.

Rashida highlighted the imperative role of the Women in Media Forum within the IFJ, which boasts 250 members. She stressed the importance of training bureau chiefs and chief reporters to raise awareness among journalists about the risks of violence. “The Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, must be fully implemented. Sadly, many women in media, especially those in the workplace, are unsure of the steps to take when faced with harassment from colleagues—such as which platform to use, how to file a complaint, and how to overcome the associated taboos,” she noted.

During an interactive discussion, the women journalists in attendance raised important questions about the various forms of workplace harassment. They highlighted that such behavior can manifest as inappropriate jokes, racial or ethnic slurs, coercion for dates or sexual favors, unsolicited remarks about someone's religion or attire, and unwelcome gazes or touching—actions that can be difficult to report and leave victims feeling frightened, often without any tangible proof. 

The trainer emphasized that gathering evidence is essential for speaking out against harassers before approaching the appropriate channels for support.

She emphasized that the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010 should be prominently showcased in every organization. However, when asked, most participants confessed that they had never encountered the framed act hanging on the walls of their media outlet.

Rashida Shoaib shared with the participants that harassment isn't solely a women's issue; men can also be victims, and sometimes a female colleague may be the one doing the harassing.

She advised that if someone experiences harassment at work, they should bypass the HR department and instead approach a dedicated harassment committee. However, many participants expressed that such committees either do not exist in their organizations or have never been established.

In an unpredictable world of journalism, especially for women exploring potentially perilous environments, unleashing a piercing scream can serve as a powerful shield against harassment or a swift response when it occurs. Embrace the strength of your voice without hesitation, advises lead trainer Rashida, encouraging female participants to let their cries echo boldly and unapologetically.

One participant noted, “When a case arises in our office, a committee made up of the bureau chief, chief reporter, or a senior reporter is formed to look into it.” She added that, in most instances, the investigators tend to downplay the situation to avoid tarnishing the organization’s reputation.

Romaisa Shah, the IJF Coordinator in Quetta and co-trainer, underscored the importance of Gender Equity and Equality by advocating for the inclusion of safety training for journalists in educational programs. She emphasized that media organizations have a key role to play in safeguarding their employees and ensuring their well-being.

During an engaging indoor/outdoor activity titled “Accepting Differences, Dealing With Discrimination,” Romaisa illustrated her point using a mix of apples and oranges. She explained that when an orange is placed among a sea of apples, it can appear intimidating. Furthermore, when the orange is only half peeled, it gives the impression of being unwelcomed. This analogy reflects the experience of newcomers in the workplace. Existing employees can inadvertently make newcomers feel uneasy in various ways, and it’s essential to foster a more supportive environment that encourages and uplifts them.

Muhammad Asad, a participant from Such News, expressed that workplace harassment can be effectively addressed through robust internal policies. “It’s not an insurmountable challenge; what we need is a thorough internal policy that aligns with the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010,” he stated.

He also emphasized the importance of including a female member on the committee responsible for handling harassment cases. He suggested that this committee should establish a code of conduct, including a dress code that all employees, regardless of their position, are expected to adhere to.

Shoaib Nizami from ARY News pointed out the irony in how female employees are sometimes prioritized over their male counterparts. “While women are granted maternity leave, men have never been offered paternity leave,” he lamented.

Participants noted that this workshop, which coincides with the annual global campaign "The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence" (Nov 25 to Dec 10), will greatly benefit us by educating us about our rights, how to advocate for them, and ways to make a difference through our profession. We extend our heartfelt thanks to IFJ for this awareness training session, where we gained more knowledge than we anticipated.

During the workshop, participating journalists received valuable training on field safety principles through engaging group activities, informative presentations, and lively discussions.

They learned the importance of staying vigilant during emergencies, honoring cultural norms, and adequately preparing for crisis reporting. The trainers placed special emphasis on the need for precautionary measures and risk assessment, particularly when covering protests or reporting in high-risk areas.

The special guest on the occasion, Nayyer Ali, Secretary of the National Press Club (NPC), Islamabad, expressed her delight at the increasing presence of women in journalism, a field often regarded as one of the most challenging professions. She noted that the NPC has expanded the number of executive positions available for female journalists and consistently encourages their participation. 

She emphasized the importance of increasing the number of women in media organizations, highlighting the need for equal job opportunities for all.

By the conclusion of the workshop, participants shared their optimism that this training would enhance journalists' professional skills while also prioritizing their safety. They committed to applying the knowledge and insights gained in their future careers.