The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) called for responsible media reporting on gender-based violence (GBV), emphasising the importance of protecting victims’ privacy and avoiding sensationalism.

A webinar titled “Rising Gender-Based Violence and the Responsible Role of Media and Unions in its Reporting,” organized by the two bodies on September 22, led by IFJ Asia Pacific Gender Coordinator Javeria Siddique, focused on rising physical and online violence against women and the media’s role in reporting such cases. Speakers, including Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Sharmila Farooqui, described GBV as a broader human rights issue.

Farooqui highlighted challenges faced while working on domestic violence legislation and urged PFUJ and IFJ to launch awareness campaigns to promote public understanding of GBV.

Other speakers, including Samia Raheel Qazi, Deputy Secretary General of Jamaat-i-Islami and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women Chairperson Dr Sumera Shams, stressed the need for empathy towards victims and greater media support for public awareness of laws and protection mechanisms.

Senior journalist Asma Shirazi highlighted the rise in online violence and called for adherence to journalistic principles, fair coverage across provinces and protection of victims’ privacy.

Media representatives, union members and rights activists also highlighted the role of parliamentary committees in addressing GBV and urged media and social media platforms to protect victims’ privacy.

Barrister Maleeka Bukhari raised concerns over victim-blaming and evidence destruction in domestic violence cases, while IFJ Gender Council Chairperson Maria Angeles stressed the need to protect women journalists from harassment and ensure safe working conditions. She noted that men accounted for 78% of union presidents, compared with 22% women, while 58% of unions had established gender committees.

Bolo Bhi Director Usama Khilji expressed concern over the use of cybercrime laws against women and journalists, calling for stronger legal safeguards to prevent further victimisation.

The webinar concluded with calls for comprehensive training, legal assistance, helpline services and safer workplaces, with participants urging greater cooperation among lawmakers, media organisations, unions and civil society.