FIELD WORK HARASSMENT AGAINST WOMEN JOURNALISTS IN ISLAMABAD

Abstract

The present study targets the theme of fieldwork harassment of women journalists in Islamabad and places it in the broad context of Pakistan's socio-cultural and professional landscape. Women reporters are also harassed, both physically and psychologically, and this affects their safety, self-confidence, and careers. Even in the presence of laws, there are weak links in the system, including cultural impracticability, which promotes a culture of silence and underreporting. The study used a qualitative design and was based on face-to-face, in-depth interviews with female reporters serving in various media companies in Islamabad. Thematic analysis was employed, which retrieved accounts from the women explaining how they were harassed at work, as well as in the field. The research was especially keen on the socioeconomic backgrounds, forms of harassment, coping methods, and responses to the situation by the institutions. The results indicate that male dominance and cultural barriers are the significant sources of harassment that foster an environment of discrimination and intimidation. Respondents complained of mental pressure, loss of confidence, and stagnation in their careers, as harassment often scared women away from taking their careers in journalism seriously.

Furthermore, underreporting became the primary concern, as several reporters did not file a complaint due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and gaps in organizational support. Strict adherence to laws and poor supporting systems worsen the situation. The study has concluded that combating the harassment of women journalists requires an approach on multiple levels: enforcing workplace protection laws, sensitizing media organizations, providing a support system, and addressing cultural biases. By lending a voice to the female journalists, the current thesis will contribute to the debates on the prevalence of violence based on gender and equality in the Pakistani media industry.