Dr Sumera Shams

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) organized a web session on "Rising Gender-Based Violence and the Responsible Role of Media and Unions in its Reporting." The session was specially attended by IFJ President Zuliana Lainez. Addressing the session, MNA Pakistan Peoples Party, Sharmila Farooqui said that violence against women is increasing and it is a matter of concern. Gender-based violence is not just a women's issue; it is a human rights issue. She said she worked on the domestic violence bill and it was very difficult to work on it. Our society hesitates to talk about these issues. Gender-based violence is not only physical; it is also psychological and now women are being targeted online as well. In this regard, IFJ and PFUJ should run an awareness campaign. Samia Raheel Qazi, Deputy Secretary General Jamaat-e-Islami, said that violence against women is not violence against an individual, it is violence against a whole generation. We need responsible behavior and journalism in this regard, in which the victim should not be humiliated. Affected women should get empathy and help. In this regard, society, journalists and trade unions can play a very important role. We have to work on this issue together with men in our country. We have to prepare a new generation of men in whose presence women feel safe. Dr. Sumera Shams, Chairperson, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on Women, said that we try to help women and children in every possible way. Many laws have been passed by our provincial assembly which we are implementing through our district committees. Our committees and commission not only highlight the issues but also work on the rehabilitation of the affected woman and child. The media should support us. Only the media can spread awareness among the public through responsible reporting. Brig (R) Asif Ali said that he has founded Nija Turtle to empower children and women, which provides self-defense training without weapons. With practical skills and training, we can empower women and children. Senior journalist and anchor Asma Shirazi said that online violence is also a big issue for women. A large number of women, apart from domestic violence, are also victims of online violence. While reporting these cases, journalistic principles should be kept in mind. The job of the media is to give news, not to create sensationalism. We should highlight cases from all provinces. Maria Angeles, Chairperson, IFJ Gender Council, while appreciating the role of PFUJ, said, "I would like to express my special support for our colleagues in Pakistan, who are very active in the defense of equality, and congratulate them for organizing this meeting. The Gender Council's strategy for this period prioritizes protection from harassment. One of the key issues is ensuring that women journalists can work safely and that harassment is prevented while working on the streets, in newsrooms and on social media." She added that the Gender Council's recent survey shows that at the level of organizational leaders, there remains a clear imbalance - 78% of presidents are men compared to 22% women, although gender parity is achieved at the level of vice-presidents. On the other hand, 58% of trade unions have a gender committee. IFJ must insist on making progress on internal equality. Amir Waseem, Deputy Bureau Chief, Dawn, said that the standing committees in the assembly can play an important role in this regard. A large number of women are suffering violence silently; all segments of society will have to work together. Along with media, social media will have to play a responsible role and it is very important to maintain the privacy of the affected person. Dawn always highlights human rights cases keeping journalistic principles in mind. Barrister Maleeka Bukhari said that victim-blaming is common in our country, due to which many people back out from the struggle for justice. @sharmilafaruqi

PFUJ x IFJ Presents: A Global Dialogue to End Gender-Based Violence PFUJ, affiliate of the International Federation of Journalists, unites leading voices from across the globe to chart a collective roadmap for safe journalism, women's empowerment, and gender justice.🗓️ 21 Sept 2026 | 3-5 PM PKT | 🎙️ Distinguished International Speakers & Observers 1) María Ángeles Samperio is the Chairperson of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Gender Council. @IFJGlobal 2) Mimma Caligaris (FNSI, Italy) & Gender Coordinator Europe IFJ. @ItalyinPakistan 3) Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui, Member National Assembly affiliated with the Pakistan Peoples Party. @sharmilafaruqi @MediaCellPPP 4) Samia Raheel Qazi Deputy General Secretary @JIPOfficial Women Wing @SamiaRQazi 5) Baker Atyani Arab News Asia Bureau Chief & Editor-in-Chief of Independent Urdu @atyanibaker @arabnewspk @indyurdu 6) Dr Sumera Shams, Chairperson Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW) @SumeraShams @GovernmentKP 7) Shakeel Ahmed,Secretary General South Asia Journalists Federation (SAJF) and Secretary General The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) @ShakeelPFUJ