CHALLENGES FACED BY FEMALE JOURNALISTS

CASE STUDY OF ELETRONIC MEDIA, KHYBER

PUKTHUNKAWA

SUBMITTED BY
IMRAN KHAN

UNIVERSITY OF PESHAWAR
SESSION 2013-14

Table of contents
Introduction

Literature review
2

Method

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion
Suggestion and recommendations
References
Annexure
Interview guide
3

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
All glories be to Almighty Allah, the most merciful and
compassionate, who always guided me in the time of
crises.
I am grateful to my parents for praying my success, health
and brilliant future.
I am also thankful to my honourable supervisor, Ayesha
Alam, for her cooperation, comments, suggestions and
step-by-step guidance that enabled me to accomplish this
assignment successfully.
After her, I am highly indebted to all my respondents,
who gave me time and shared their views and made it
possible for me to present this work. I, being a young
journalist, learnt a lot from their life experiences and gave
me encouragement to continue this profession with full
energy.

_____________________________________________A
bstract
Today media is providing the masses with a lot of
information, which is both positive and negative. The
medias power to influence masses has also increased
through which it is able to shape the ideas, values,
behaviour and concepts of the general public. Media
creates advertisements, entertainment, and news, which
need to be soaked in and understood by the general
public as quickly as possible. Journalism in the Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa initially remained a man-dominated
profession, just like other spheres of life, but was not
because of the lack of the capabilities or inabilities of the
female gender in this field. Rather it was because of strict
societal restrictions and purely religious grounds, which
hindered the womenfolk of the society in utilizing their
talent in joining this profession. The study focused
primarily on the female journalists working with eight
6

different news channels in KP. Convenient sampling

technique was employed to gather the data as there are a
very few women working as journalists. The working
conditions have never been encouraging for women to do
something other than doing household jobs in this
province. It is an established fact and also the findings of
the research that generally the women in Pakistan and
particularly the female population of Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa have always experienced gender inequity in
every field of life.

Chapter 1
Introduction
Media is the fastest and most popular source of
information for the masses in the world today. While we
are watching television or listening to radio or reading a
paper or magazine, media is shaping our opinions and
attitudes. Media makes the public discourse and thereby
shapes our political, cultural, and economic priorities and
affiliations. Media also determines and shapes the roles of
men and women in society.
MEDIA IN PAKISTAN
The rapid development of communication and
infrastructure development in Pakistan during the last
decade has provided the masses with access to a lot of
8

information. In reality, the media has a great deal of

influence over the masses through which it is able to
shape the ideas, values, behaviour and concepts of the
general public. Many privately owned commercial radio
stations and TV channels have been launched, and as
expected, the information being delivered to the masses,
is both positive and negative manner. It has influenced the
young Pakistani generation to the maximum extent.
During the last decade, media has become stronger and
more influential in Pakistan due to the rapid development
of communication technologies and infrastructure
development. Today media is providing the masses with a
lot of information, which is both positive and negative.

Unfortunately, most newspapers, magazines, TV channels

and radio stations do not follow common code of ethics.
Women are under-represented in top positions and are
well represented at the lower levels in media houses.
Management tends to ignore women journalists when it
comes to hard news beats, such as politics and the
economy. These are the assignments, which help
journalists get promotions to managerial positions.
Ignoring women in the media, their insufficient
presentation, and embodying them in specific roles
continues to be a global issue. Female segments of society
are thought to be equally represented. However, there
used to be time when journalism was considered to be
entirely a male profession. Women in this profession were
10

looked down and had to deal with issues that female

journalists in todays society dont have to deal with but it
is still an assumption. Currently women in journalism
from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are leaving no stone unturned
for their recognition in society, hopefully they will
eventually succeed. Yet, it is an established fact that the
women, who joined journalism when it was strictly a male
dominated profession paved the way for the young female
journalists of today by showing men that women can be
as effective as them in the field of journalism. It is very
apparent that even though women in this relatively
backward region, currently have more rights than they did
several decades ago as compared to other professions, but
in the field of journalism they still have a long distance to
11

get equal rights. Scholars were initially of the opinion that

journalist was totally a male job and that it would be too
dangerous to be considered for any female.
Significance of the study
The research would establish awareness among
respondents as well as readers about the problems that
woman journalists faced in society because of womans
unrealistic portrayal in media at large. This study would
be a guide line for further researchers related to the
challenges faced by female journalists at different levels.
It is not at all an easy job to be a journalist being a
woman. This study salutes to the courage and patience to
all the brave and fearless women journalists.
Through this study researcher realized that how media
should portray woman in real sense with respect as a
human beings not as show piece. May be through this
research Government and o their media institutes pay
12

attention to the medias portrayal of woman and provide

them such environment in which they feel comfortable
and do better work which convey a good impression to
our new generations and common woman.
Objectives of the Study
This research topic has some main and basic unique
objectives like
To explore main problems faced by female
journalists/reporters
To highlight the support of the family being a media
person
To know about the security problems during the
crime event or conflict reporting on the crime scenes.
To know about the workplace environment of
different TV channels and their personal experiences
being a female reporter.

13

Purpose
The basic purpose of my research is to identify the
core problems being faced by female reporters in
Journalism. Being a journalist, I have seen them facing a
lot of problems but making them realize through talking
was my main goal. It is the case very often that women
dont realize that they are maltreated due to multi-faceted
issues. I strongly feel that I have made them realize and
this realization will enable them to resolve their own
problems
Research Ethics
The research is under the rule regulation of societal and
culture values and norms. This research study is limited to
female reporters/journalists of different TV channels of
Peshawar. The sample size of research is only 10
respondents because of qualitative nature of the research.
In this research while conducting interviews, researcher
took great care about the ethics of research like
14

confidentiality, anonymity and privacy. I was given

permission as most of my respondents not to conceal their
identity but few wanted me to hide their identity that why
I used few names.
Limitations
I tried my best to make this research work as informative
as possible, but I can never call it a perfect research work.
Time was the biggest limitation as I am a full time
working journalist myself. The sample size of this
research was only 15 respondents because of qualitative
research. Therefore, the findings cannot be generalized to
the whole population. The finding of the research are only
restricted to those peoples only who are the part of the
research and provided information but it can be help full
in providing the basis for future research. In this research
few aspects of medias portrayal about woman are studied
due to limited time and resources.

15

Organization of the Study

The present research consists of five chapters:
Chapter-I: Introduction and description of the research
topic
Chapter-II: Literature review in which the relevant
studies have been mentioned and based on the previous
studies done on portrayal of an ideal woman in electronic
media as well as the problems faced by female journalists.
Chapter-III: Methodology and research design, it is
considered on all the stages of planning and execution of
the research. The tools of data collection, sampling
technique, procedure, ethical considerations etc are
enlisted in the chapter.
Chapter-IV: It is related to finding of the study. The
findings are obtained through interviewing respondents in
natural setting as well as using observation technique.

16

Chapter-IV: It is related to discussion. In this chapter the

findings of the present research has been discussed and
analyzed by the researcher.

17

Chapter 2
Literature Review
Reviewing the accumulated knowledge about a question
is an essential early step in the research process. It is
better to find out what is already known about a question
before trying to answer it by yourself. A literature review
is based on the assumption that knowledge accumulates
and the people learn from and build on what others have
done (Neuman, 2007).
Mass Media
Mass Media consists of various means by which
information targets a large numbers of people, such as
television, radio, movies, newspapers and internet.
Sociologists study mass media especially to see how it
shapes peoples values, beliefs, perceptions and behavior
(Cramster, 2011).
Media
18

Mass media is a media, which is used to communicate

and interact with a large number of audiences, but it is the
pictorial messages of the early ages, or the hightechnology media that are available today, one thing that
we all agree upon, is that mass media is inseparable part
of our lives. Entertainment and media always go hand in
hand, but in addition to the entertainment, mass media
also remain to be an effective medium for
communication, dissemination of information,
advertising, marketing and in general, for expressing and
sharing views, opinions and ideas. Mass media is a
double-edged sword which means that there are positive
effects of media as well as negative influences of media.
Here are some of the different types of mass media
(Manohar, 2011).
Types of Media

19

Here are some types of media, are discussed further in

detail, with added information on how it has changed over
the course of time (Manohar, 2011).

20

Print Media
Print media includes newspapers, magazines, brochures,
newsletters, books and even leaflets and pamphlets.
Visual media like photography can also be mentioned
under this sub-head, since photography is a vital part of
the mass media, which communicates via visual
representations. Although, it is said that the electronic or
news media have replaced the print media, there exists a
majority of audience, who prefer the print media for
various communication purposes. Public speaking and
event organizing can also be considered as a form of mass
media (Manohar, 2011).
Electronic Media
For many people, it is impossible to imagine a life
without their television sets, be it the daily news or even
the soap operas. This mass media includes television and
radio. This category also includes electronic media like
21

movies, CDs, and DVDs as well as the new latest

electronic gadgets.
The Compact Disc (also known as CD) is an optical disc
used to store data. DVD is an optical disc storage media
format offer higher storage capacity than CD while
having the same dimensions (Manohar, 2011).
History and Origin of Mass Media
History of mass media can be traced back to the early
days of dramas that were performed in various cultures.
However, the term Mass Media originated with the print
media that was also its first example. The first newspaper
was printed in China in 868 A.D, but due to the high cost
of paper and illiteracy amongst people, it didnt prosper.
Regarding the origin of the Mass Media, Europe can be
the primary source. It was Johannes Gutenberg, who for
the first time, printed a book in a printing press in 1453.
Gradually, during the period of post-WW-II, radio,
television and video were introduced. The audio-visual
22

facilities became very popular as it provided information

and entertainment. Of late; it is the Internet which has
become the latest and most popular of the mass media.
Here, information is been generated through various
websites and search engines. One can play games, listen
to radio while working and chat with friends and relatives,
irrespective of location. It also gives information on
various topics such as literature, politics, science, sports,
fashion, movies, education, career, jobs etc. similar to
other types of mass media.
Thus, due to the progress of science and technology,
history of media has evolved and reached the present-day
world of internet, cellular phones, blocs, pod cast
(Bhattacharyya, 2011).
History of Pakistani Media
Pakistan has a dynamic history. Pakistan came in to being
on i4fu August 1947.After the separation from India;
Pakistan faced so many problems in the area of
23

Economic politics and geographical condition etc. In the

journey of electronic media in the country emerged on
14th August 1947, when Pakistan Broadcasting
Corporation was formed after Independence. At the time
of Independence Pakistan had three radio stations, at
Dhaka, Lahore and Peshawar.
In Pakistan, television was first time introduced in the
exhibition near Mazar-e-Quaid on 16th September 1955
.Just for entertainment; there was a short circuit television
for audience to watch the transmission. This event was
arranged by American Consulate in Karachi on 26
November 1964 Pakistan television came into being.
On 26th November 1964 the first official TV station
commenced transmission telecast from Lahore, followed
by Dhaka, Rawalpindi and Islamabad in 1965, in Karachi
1966, Peshawar and Quetta in 1974. First time live
transmission from Australia via satellite on 22nd
December 1972. First time colour transmission in
Pakistan was launched on 20th December 1976 though
24

earlier the original television work was in Black and

White.
In 15th July 1990 Pakistans first private channel, People
Television Network started its transmission, it become
network television marketing. PTV launched a full scale
satellite telecasting services in 1991 -92.Where as digital
satellite telecasting was launching in 1999.First ever color
transmission in Pakistan on 20th December 1976.On
March 2002 General Pervez Musharraf issued the
ordinance for launching the private T.V channels. Nearly
100 channels have been launched which give News,
Entertainment, Sports, Religious information, Music,
Cooking and Business etc. Due to cable system, lots of
channels can be seen from all over the world on the TV
screen.
Gender Roles and T.V/Media
25

Soap operas belong to a distinct gender of television

which mainly women like to because they find portrayal
of woman on the screen much more near to themselves
than what other TV advertisements and serials depict.
Majority of soap operas are domestic situations and
central characters are females. The aim of each woman is
to marry and raise children.
The following sources have been accessed from internet,
book, research papers and from print media persons
Women reporters are important segment of the society
many writers or scholar write about women reporters and
their role and reporting field in society.
Mostly woman are considered as fit for the domesticity.
Job markets and working field have been segregated on
the basis of sex and women have been found suitable for
the occupations which match the roles they perform at
home.
(Agarwal 2004 )
According to C.J Nair, Portraying women as equal in
society is a subject that has been low priority by present
26

society. The media need to be sensitized to gender issue

and now must focus on woman issues in a decisive way as
their role is determined for the woman empowerment in
Peshawar.
In the 21st century in Pakistan is fast emerging as a gable
power but for half of its population the woman journalist
across the country straggle to live life with dignity
continues woman are facing problems in every share of
life whether employment access to health care or property
right but face in reporting field. So, many problems facing
media implicitly rank the importance of the public issues
according to the amount of prose coverage devoted to an
issues leads to the implication that the topic is not
important public awareness is significantly lessened. If a
story is not reported the person media or female reporters
are not clearly rape or domestic violins reporting easily
because they are so many problems face.

(C.J Nair 15 Number 2009)

Dont victimize woman in Journalism field the media
often treat woman as victims even if 90% of sexual
assault victims are woman the victims of crime or assault
need not necessarily be seen from the gender stand point.
27

A crime may be linked to gender (Rep, domestic

violence). But there are other which no more
reprehensible depending on when there they are omitted
against a woman or a man. It is fairly common to hear
How could anyone do that to a woman.
The Question is that woman and man in the same way in
the medic woman are more commonly witnesses while
mean are often experts man are placed in position of
authority in mixed gender discussion woman have a
greater presser when cultural Question are to the fore the
closer the treatment comes to pure information the less
woman are in evidence.
(Report final GMMP 2010-htp)
Working woman or female reporters in Pakistan are prone
to lot of denomination and this is especially true in the
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for a female T.V reporter or
journalist it is like being in a batter field with enemies
coming for all sides in our society and in the field of
journalism woman reporters may seen to be respected out
worthily. But when we sit and discuss a report with a male
colleague they try to discourage us and cause problems it
is because of this that woman are hesitant about coming
into this field any why woman leave but nowadays the
28

main problems is that we are worried about our softy-our

lives.
However it is encouraging that in a male dominated
society especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where there is a
cultural barriers that presents woman for working. 30
percent of female journalist of those 10 percent work for
T.V. Channels, 7 percent in newspaper 13 percent of local
and international radio another -- 70 female reports in my
province is that people have do not accept that we need to
work in offices and go outdoors. In their opinion woman
are not supposed to go outside and they are still not
willing to accept our work identity.
(Sheeba 2004)
These misconceptions are still prevalent in the society,
and women, particularly working women in the province
of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have faced a lot of problems. As
compared to other provinces of the country the Pashtun
society in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is socially and culturally
very inflexible and restricted. It is worth to mention that
in most of the districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, first, the
women are not allowed for the jobs, but if somewhere
they do jobs, then they have to face a number of problems
in this rigid socially. The literacy rate in this province is
very low as compared to other parts of the country, and
29

the people as a whole are very conservative and

traditionally reserved.
1. ICCMTD 09-11 May 2012 Istanbul-Turkey
2. Prof. Dr. Ghulam Shabbir Chairman Department of
Media Studies.
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur-Pakistan.

30

My opinion
The ex-researchers emphasized on the issue of female
reporters that if a female reporter has a beautiful face so
only she can work in journalism field. But I am opponent
of this. There is no need of pretty face in journalism. If
she has does not experience, confidence and trust. In my
point of you if a female journalist is much pretty and she
does not has the ability of journalism field so she can not
do it. There are my examples in the occupation of
journalism field. Beautiful faces have been given by the
side of Almighty Allah. Allah looks to your struggle not to
face. So journalism does not depend on faces. It depends
on experience confidence, struggling, and how to talk
among the crowd and especially in front of male.
Aneela Shaheen is the reporter of Duniya News. She said
that during the interviews she covers many type of
programmes, such as strikes, protests, bombs blasting,
family problems, political parties and press conferences.
The majority of those people were men or male.
Despite that I dont feel scared yet and not even I myself
weak as I myself compare with 100 men. This is true that
being the part of journalism I have many problems like,
financial problem, transport problem, family problem and
31

etc, but being a female journalist, I am trying to face the

problems.

32

Chapter 3
Methodology
Objectives of the Study
This research topic has some main and basic unique
objective like
To explore main problems faced by female
journalists/reporters
To highlight the support of the family being a media
person
To know about the security problems during the
crime event or contact reporting on the crime scenes.
To know about the workplace environment of
different TV channels and their personal experiences
being a female reporter.

33

Research Question:
The research question of the present study is why
women journalists are still struggling in electronic media,
also to have a deeper analysis of how much family
support and enabling workplace environment help women
to continue this profession and portray the image of an
ideal woman and what could be the effects of medias
unrealistic portrayal of woman on youth. Plagiarized
work!!!!!
Research Design:
The research design based on number of important
components and formulated on the basis of objectives of
the study. Research design helps to researcher how to
conduct the work. (Creswell, 2007).
The research design has been formulated on the basis of
the objectives of the study. The main reason was to find
34

out problems faced by female journalists. The present

study is based on Qualitative research method. Qualitative
research is a situated activity that locates the observer in
the world. In consist of a set of interpretive material
practices that make the world visible and go deeper in to
research topic.

Tool of Data Collection:

According to Creswell (2007) in order to fulfill the
objectives of the study researcher select in depth
interviews in natural setting for data collection from
respondents because the qualitative research tend to
collect data in the field at the side where participation
experience the issues or problems under study, they do not
bring individual into a lab, nor do they typically send out
instruments for individuals to complete. This up close
information gathered by actually talking directly to people
and act within their context is a major characteristics of
35

qualitative research. In the natural setting researcher have

face to face interviews.
Keeping in mind my research topic face to face discussion
was an essential feature for the better analysis. My
respondents were not afraid or shy about sharing their
opinion because they all were camera confident female
journalists.

Language of Interview
The interview guide was prepared in both English and
Urdu. Respondents were asked questions in both
languages, where ever they felt comfortable researcher
had discussion in the local language too.
Pilot Testing:
Before conducting the actual research interview guide
was pretest, three samples were selected for pilot testing.

36

Pilot testing helped to know about the weakness and

strengths areas of interview guide.
Universe:
The area of this research was district Peshawar. universe
is the area of the study or an area from which data is
collected, it is also collected population there are no hard
rules to determine the population it depends on the nature
and scope of investigation, it can be homogeneous or
heterogeneous it is imperative for researcher to be aware
of sphere of research.
(Cresweel2007)
Sample Size
The sample size of respondents was fifteen in the present
study. All the respondents were females. Sampling is the
process of selecting a subset of people or social
phenomena to studied, from the larger universe to which

37

they belong and sample size should be according to

available resources and time (Payne & Payne, 2004).
Sampling

technique:

Respondents were selected though purposive sampling. In

the method of sampling, the samples are chosen in order
to meet some pre determined criteria. The researcher
select the cases on the basis of his/her familiarity with the
situation combined with the situation combined with
his/her presumed expert judgment. Rafique (n.d.).

Procedure
The research topic was taken due to the personal
inclination of the researcher. The researcher is a journalist
himself and has seen female journalist facing problems at
different levels. The observation and sensitivity towards

38

their issues convinced the researcher to take this topic for

dissertation.
A lot of the respondent researcher knew before as
colleagues, mostly senior colleagues. While working with
them most of the time it was felt that the level of multi
tasking they do all the time is really exhausting for them
Limitations
I tried my best to make this research work as informative
as possible but I can never call it a perfect research work.
Time was the biggest limitation as I am a full time
working journalist myself. The sample size of this
research was only 15 respondents because of qualitative
research. Therefore, the findings cannot be generalized to
the whole population. The finding of the research are only
restricted to those peoples only who are the part of the
research and provided information but it can be help full
in providing the basis for future research. In this research
39

few aspects of medias portrayal about woman are studied

due to limited time and resources.
Research Ethics
The research is under the rule regulation of social and
culture values and norms. This research study is limited to
female reporters/journalists of different TV channels of
Peshawar. The sample size of research is only 10
respondents because of qualitative nature of the research.
In this research while conducting interviews, researcher
took great care about the ethics of research like
confidentiality, anonymity and privacy. I was given
permission my most of my respondents not to conceal
their identity but few wanted me to hide their identity that
why I used few names.

40

Chapter 4
Data Findings
FINDING
Reason for Joining
The Majority of female journalists said that we therefore
come to this field because the future of journalism is
bright but few of journalists said that we come to this
field by chance.
Restriction from the family
Majority of respondent said that initially we had some
problems from the family side. But slowly they
compromised with us.
Satisfaction of job
Majority of Female journalists said that we are not
satisfied from this job due to less salary. But now this is
our obligation. If you agree to do work at this salary so
come, otherwise do not come. Few respondents said that
they are satisfied with their package because of having
power in media.

41

Family satisfaction
Majority of female journalists said that their families are
not satisfied from their jobs.

Contribution of salary
Few of said that they contribute the salary but the
majority of them are unable to do so since the salary is
less and how they could contribute as this is not enough
for their pockets.

Managing the time

Majority of female journalists said that we do not have
enough to spend with family and social activities.
Journalist has no social life. They only prefer to their jobs.
They always in tension due to the missing of news
especially in electronic media.

42

Process of hurdle
Most of female journalists said that we have a lot of
hardles in our field. The huge problems is gender
discrimination the second problem is that our male
journalists or colleagues dont let us to progress in our
field. They discourage us.

Relation with head and colleagues

Majority of respondents said that we want to keep a good
relation with our male reporters colleagues. But fews said
that if we keep a good relation with our male journalists
but the society does not let us.

Gender code ethics of Pakistani media

Most of female journalists said that Pakistani media has
ethics but the working journalists both male and female
they do not follow the media ethics. International media
take care of gender code of ethics and Pakistani media as
well. The owner of electronic media channel do not
follow the gender code of ethics. They want report from

43

journalists but they are against the gender code of

conducts.

Gender sensitive
Most of respondents said that we mean by gender
sensitivity as gender discrimination
Beautiful face on T.V and voice on radio
Most of respondents said that in an electronic media
pretty faces needed. It needs experience, confidence, good
thinking, ethics, and good behavior with others.
Adequate covering of women issue
Most of female journalists said that we do not want to
show women issues. The reason is that the society does
not allowed us, specially pushtoon society. Few of said
that we give courage to the women issue. Like, family
problems, burning issue, throwing acid.

Rape issue
44

Few of respondents said that we highlighted but under the

code of media or jounalistic ethics.
Treated of female journalist in office
Most of female journalists said that they dont look us as a
Human; they look us as a women especially in pushtoon
society.
Feel protected while working
Most of female journalist said that we do not feel
protected in journalism field. First of all the reason is that
our journalism field is private. We give treats by unknown
people. During the reporting we are not secure from the
office side.
Journalism good career for women
Most of respondents said that the journalism field is good
for women but few of not agree with this journalism field
she can be accepted especially in electronic media.

Confidence on you from channel side

45

Most of female journalists said that we have been

confidence from the channel side.
Future ambitions regarding your job
Most of respondents said that through journalisms I want
to create my name my identity and authority. If I have I
highlight the women issue and especially pushtoon
society and we want to solve those problems through our
own field. Few of said that we leave our journalism field
because of so many problems in pushtoon society. Our
society does not let us to go forward.

What world you say to government

Most of female journalist said that the government should
provide special security to the female journalists. And
also provide job opportunity for female.

Suggestion of the respondent

Most of respondents said that the new female students
should not join the journalism field.
46

Huge problems faces during the reporting

The big is transportation; picking up and drop few of T.V
channel dont provide the picking up and drop Facilities
But most of provided it. There is no fix timetable for a
female reporter. The office time of t.v channels is from
8:00 am to 4:00 pm. But we cant leave the office at the
exact time. Reason for that emergency press conference,
Bomb blasting accidents, protests, and other so many
issues.
Respondent views regarding women image in media
Qualitative Analysis of Data
Unlike quantitative research, where analysis is conducted
after data collection in qualitative research the timing of
analysis various. The characteristics of qualitative
analysis is that it deals with data presented in words. In
qualitative research the process of analysis is deeper.
more focused and more detail than in quantitative
research. Through

47

data analysis research conduct data and draw conclusion

(Sarantakos. S, 2005).
Gender Roles
Majority of respondents said that now gender roles are
going to changed. Like women are also in job market and
different other professions to improve her self due to
media, today woman have confidence to participate in
every sphere for improvement. One of the respondent said
If we talk about changing of gender roles, then yes,
roday woman is coming out of their stereotypical roles.
People are getting modern, a change is developing inside
everyone Jahan tak bath karain gender roles key change
honey ki to haan aj aurat apneypurany kirdaron se bahir
aa rahi hai.Log modern hotyja rahay ham Logon key
ander change
attaja raha hai
What should be Appropriate Image of Woman in Media
48

Majority of the respondents replied that media should

portray woman in realistic way neither very simple nor
extremely fashionable/over exaggerated. One of the
respondents said
Media should portray woman as modest and respectable,
so that women status
could improve in the society
Media ko chahive k aurat ko sharam o haya or izat key
sath portray karay, taa key us ka status inaashray main
behtar ho sakay

49

Chapter 5
Discussion
DISCUSSION
My personal opinions on this research is that media has
great impact on our lives. Womens participation in media
is very necessary. Majority of the respondents were of the
view that man and women both equally run the institution
of media.
Women can better understand only a women. Its not
possible that women is rip-out from media. The researcher
observed during the research that majority of respondent
truly agree that women is an important part of media and
feel happiness. That media is un coupled without them no
one want to see only men in t.v all the time. Women use
in media for attraction. Media can not run without women
because whole story runs around the women media
women giving messages to other girls that they become
50

modern media encourage women and teenage should be

modern media also focus on this onatter. But we have
certain norms and value we also have to consider them.
According to these values modernization is acceptable
otherwise not.
Female reporters have many problems.
I have seen there problems many time. Being a journalist
I know there problems and I have close information about
them, so I therefore selected this topic. I what to
demonstrate their problems and wanting to solve their
problems.
The presence of women in media is to improve herself. In
old days women was consider as a slave. There status has
changed still there are some areas, see yourself and see
me. That media has changed our status, now we can come
out from our homes. As long as traditional roles were
present et is true that women are shown on tv according to
their gender roles, as like that men are handling the
51

outdoor work and women are taking care of their children

and home. But nowadays media is getting side from it like
women is driving and running her boutiques, or doing
some other jobs. It means that their status has been
changing.

52

One of the respondents said

Media can not run without women because whole story
runs around the woman
Media aura! key begair nahi chal sakta kyun key sari
story aurat key ird gird ghoomti
hai
One of the respondents said
Those girls who are not physically jit according to media
woman, then automatically inferiority complex create in
personality, that she is not attractive like media woman,
or
not physically jit like her. And these all problems creates
Just because of media
unrealistic image of woman
Wo larkian keyJojismani torperjit nahi hoti.to aik ehsaase-kamtari un ki zaat main paida honey lagta hai key wo
t.v ki auratjaisi khubsurat nahi hain,smart nahi hain.Aor
53

ye sub media main dikhai Janey waali unrealistic image ki

waja se hota hai Women portrayed in television as
subject poison or sex object, focus on their face beauty
and physical appearance to sell the products or for getting
attention of target audience .The teen age girls and
women see media women figure and also doing same
exercises, or dieting to become as TV model or actress.
The role of the media in eating disorders focused on the
decreasing weight over time of the models, actresses and
beauty pageant contestants who are held up as ideals of
beauty. Magazine articles, television shows, and
advertisements have also created a social context that may
contribute to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in
girls and women(Hazboun,2011)
No Idont think so that by watching media woman I
have any self esteem problem. lam satisfied with my
physical appearance, but those girls who are not satisfied
with their
54

physical appearance they face the problem of self esteem

and low confidence
J\Tahi maira nahi khayal key jub main media ki aurat ko
daikhoon to mujy koi self
esteem kaproblem hota hai.Main bilkul mutmain hoon
apniphysicall appearance
se, magar iio larkian key Jo apny physical appearance se
satisfi nahi hoti wo phir low self
esteem ya low confidence jaisi mushkilat koface karti
ham

55

In the field of jurnalism only those women who are

physically attractive are the successful jounralists.
Shoba Sahafat Mai sirf who khawateen kamyaab ho
sakti hai ya agey bhar safti hai ju jismani tor pher
mazboot aur khobsurat ho
The respondent said that the journalism field is bright so
therefore female selected this field. When they join this
field then they faces several problems. In this field being
a journalist in may opinion is that if female journalist has
confidence so she will not faces the problems.
Aik Khatoon reporter na kaha key sahafat ka mustaqbil
roshanaas hota hai isliye who is ma ati hai lekin jab who
is shobay ma ati hai ta usko bohoot say masayal ka samna
karna pharta hai
The durya T.V Female reporter Anila Shaheen said that
this is true that there are bundle of problems in this I
journalsim field for female but being a journalist if you
have confdence you can handle all these problems I can
report amoung the men and I do not feel shame.
Dunya T.V channel ki khatoon reporter Anila shaheen ne
kaha ke yeh sach hai ke shobaye sahafat say wa basta
khawateen ko bhout se mushkilat ka samna karnna pharta
56

hai liken batore sahafi agar aap ma qabilyat ho aur kuch

karne ka jazba ho tu app in tamam (Masayel masail) ka
dat kar Murabla kar sakti hai. Ma Batore khatoon Sahafi
apne aapko (100, 50) Aadmi yoon ke barabar saniajti ho
aur kisi tarah ka sharam mehsoos nahi karti
Being a journalist I am agree with the Anila shaheen
Statements if a person has confiaence so he easily hanale
huge problems. And he can achieve his goals.

57

Gender sensitive
Most of respondents said that they look us like a women
not a human being.
Sobay sahafat say wabasta khawateen ma yeh kaha ke
sahfat ke shobay ma hamey khawateen ki nazar say deka
jata hai magar insaan ki nazar say nahi deka jata
Being a journalsit I know that there is much genar
discrimination to compare with other professions.
Future ambitions regarding your job ab tak T.V channel
female reproter Fozia said that we therfore come to this
field

Ab tak T.V channel khatoon reproter Fozia ne kaha ke

hum isliye is shobay say wabasta howe hai ke hum apna
naam kama sake aur khawateen ko ju musbkelat darpesh
hai usko hal kar sake.

Being a journalist when Female journalists join this Field

for the purpose of solving the problems of women but
58

when they join this field they become much busy in their
field even they do not have this much time that they spend
with their family childern, Friendas, relatives, etc so how
they solve the problems of women. Because they have
ternsion from other the office side to prepare the news
therefore their own life is under the pressure and every
tiem they want to exclusive they news.

There are two huge problems with Female Journalists in

jouranlism field one is the security and the other is
transportaion problems.
Shobay sahafat say wabasta khawateen ko do bhaere
challenges ka saman karna pharta hai ak securty ka aur
dosra amdoraftka

Being a journalist I know that there are two mjor

problems which female journalists face in journalism
fi3eld the first huge problem is the security problem
because female journalists are not secure in their field.
They are not secure in office, during the reporting even
they are not secure from the security forces. They are
given the treats form suspected people sexually they not
59

secure and the second Huge problem is the transportation

because when they go for reporting sometimes they come
late to office and coming back to home so it will take
much time from them due to the lack facility of
transportations

In pashtoon socity the pashtoon people behavior with

women is like a slave but they also give respect them.

Aaj T.V ki khatoon journalist Farzana ne apni interview

KR doraan kaha ta ke ma apne cameraman ke sath swat
operation kei coverage keliya gaye te. Coverage ke
doraan mujhe security forces ke Ahlekaro ne kaha ke app
nay is jaga sa agey nahi jana kiyoke who jaga hohat
khatarnake hai aur waha pher Talibaan ka control bi hai
lekin maine apni khabar aur kuchy karne ki Fan ki waja sa
security Forces ki hidayaat ko rad karte how apne
cameraman ko sath le kar ausi jaga pher rawana hagaye
waha ponchne say pehle he mujhe aur mere cameraman
co Talibaan ne giraftaar kar ke apne Amir ul Momineen
ke paas le gaye Amir ul momineen ke pass le gaye Amir
ul momineen ne kaha ke tum Aik khatoon ho aur app yaha
pher operation ke douraan coveage ke liye aye howe ho
60

aap agar khatton na hoti aur agar hamara pushtoon

mohashara na hota tu hum app ko kab ke caatal kar dete
aur app kei lashe security forces ke hawale karte lekin aik
khatoon hone ken ate hum app ko yahya sa Zinda wapis
beg rahe hai
Aik Khatoon reporter invterwie kei dowran kha ka jitna
ahtisal aik educated khatoon ki hoti hi shadhd aik anphar
wor gharilo khatoon ki nahi hoti.

61

Conclusion:
The research main of theme is that to highlight the female
journalists problems faces in an electronic media. Female
Journalists have many problems in an electronic media
the first problem is that they are not protected in this field
because they given the treats. By unknown people. The
reason is that the journalism field is private therefore they
are not secure form the office side moreover, they are
Restricted from the family side. Initially they have many
problems from the female. Because in our society dont
let them to work as a journalist. The another problem is
the transportation problem. They dont have the facility of
picking up and dropping. Therefore they spend much time
for waiting they vehicles. And they can not reach at the
exact time to office and the reporting place most of
female journalists have the less salary problems. When
they demand for increasing the salary. So then they are
told that if you work on this salary so come otherwise we
dont need you. In journalism filed they are not given the
62

job however due to the obligation they agree to work on

less salary. The next problem is that they do not have fix
schedule for going and leaving. If their office starting
time is 8:00 am to 4:00 PM. But they cannot leave the
office at the exact time. Cause of emergency press
conference, bomb blasting, accidents, protests and so
many issues.
They jealous from each others. If one has beauty so the
another one jealous form her. They try to find each other
weakness. Specially male reporter to female so therefore a
lot of female journalist leave their field of journalism, due
to these major problems occur with them. Nowadays
female students dont come to journalism field. Because
they know that they will faces these problems so thats
why they are not interested to join this filed there is no
proper training for journalists they can easily come to this
filed they just graduated form the university and without
63

training join this field. So these are the major problems

which female journalists have in journalism field.
Journalism field work and theoretical is so much different
when female journalist department students come to the
journalism filed they face so many problems because the
theory and the study experiences not to helpful in
journalism filed. So journalism department provided
proper practical training in department.

64

Suggestion
1. The organization should arrange the transportation
2. The should be proper training center to teach young
and in experienced students about basic components
in journalism .
3. Discrimination against remale reporters should be
concisely minimized by the senior there should be no
limitation for them and be given any type of beat.
Like education, crime, coarts reporting, health,
reporting conflict reporting, sports Reporting, protest
and religious reporting.
4. The bureau chief, assignment editor show good
manner on behavior with female journalists.
5. They should not given the job by beauty. The should
give the job by talext, experience, or marit.
6. Being a jounalist I know that the number of crimes
are increase in society so therefor the number of
female jounalists should be increased because they
will highlihts the woman issues in meadia.

65

References
Barker, C (2004), Television, globalization and cultural
identities. Open University Press Maidenhead, London.
Bhattacharyya, History of Mass Media A.
www.buzzle.com Retrieved on 26 July, 2011.
Creedon, P & Cramer, J. (2007). Women in Mass
Communication: London. New Delhi: Sage Publication
Creswel, J.W (2007). Qualitative Inquiry and Research
Design ( ed) London; Sage Publication
Hazboun, B. Body Image And Mass Media.
www.ezinearticles.com Retrieved on 6 August 2011.
Ingham, H (2011). The portrayal of women on television.
www.aher.com Retrieved on l2Aug, 2011
Maltin, M (1993) The Psychology of men. College
Publishers. United States of America
Manohar, U. Different Types of Mass Media
www.buzzie.com Retrieved on 25 July, 2011.

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Mantegna, N (2010). Womens roles in media Retrieved

on 12 Aug 2011 www.hss.fullerton.edu Retrieved on 5
Aug, 2011.
Nauman, W.L (2006) Social Research Methods: Pearson
Education, Delhi.
Payne, G & Payne, J. (2004). Social Research. London:
Sage publication
Pilcher. & Whelehan, 1 (2004). F key Concepts. In
Gender Studies London:
Sage Publication.
Saleem, S. (21 Jan 2006). Portrayal of in media.
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67

Appendix
Interview schedule
Name:
__________________________________________
Age:
__________________________________________
Education:
______________________________________________
______________
Marital
status:______________________________________
Designation:____________________________________
___
Job experience
:____________________________________
1. What are the reason for joining this profession?
2. Is there any restriction from the family?
3. Are you satisfied with your job?
68

4. If your family satisfied with your job?

5. Are you satisfied with your salary?
6. Do you contribute in the family earnings?
7. What is your family stance about your salary?
8. How do you manage time between your family and
job?
9. Is there any hurdle in the way of your progress?
10. How are your relation with head and colleagues?
11. Does your head pressurize you for anything?
12. Have you felt any kind of harassment in your
office?
13. Do your follow the code of ethics channel?
14. Is there any gender sensitive code of ethics for
media in Pakistan?
15. Is Pakistan media gender sensitive?
16. Are all female reporters gender sensitive?
17. Do you agree with the statement a woman face
on the screen or a female voice on the radio is
considered an important key to success for any
program?
18. Do you think that media is adequately covering
the women issues?
19. How do media cover rape issues or case?
20. Are you treated as a human or as a women in
your office?
21. Do you feel protected while working?
69

22. Is journalism as a good career for women?

23. How much confidence your channel has on you?
24. What are your future ambitions regarding your
job?
25. What would you say to the government?
26. What would you suggest to new female reporter
how want to join journalism filed?

70