Women Media Center Hosts Dialogue on ‘Women in Digital Spaces’ in Karachi

The event brought together prominent

journalists, media experts, activists

and journalism students from various universities

Staff Reporter

Karachi: A one-day dialogue titled “Women in Digital Spaces: Shaping Media, Politics and Democracy” was organized by the Women Media Center (WMC) in collaboration with the National Endowment for Democracy.

The event brought together prominent journalists, media experts, activists, and journalism students from various universities. Notable participants included Professor Dr. Tauseef Ahmed Khan, senior journalist Mazhar Abbas, Munazzah Seham (Joint Secretary CPNE Sindh Chapter), Sidra Dar (Voice of America), Shahr Bano (The News), Shazia Hassan (Dawn), Shaheen Atiq (Head of ARY Digital), Maria Ismail (Awami Awaz), and human rights activist Quratul Ain.

WMC Founder and CEO Fauzia Shaheen, who welcomed the guests, highlighted how digital media has revolutionized women’s access to public discourse but noted the persistent challenges such as online harassment and cyberbullying. She stressed the need for safety protocols on digital platforms.

Sidra Dar emphasized that while digital media has opened up space for women, it is often used to run negative campaigns against them. She said the core problem lies in societal mindsets and the lack of female representation in decision-making roles within media organizations.

Quratul Ain criticized the objectification and character judgment of women in media and politics, stating that equal representation is essential to change societal attitudes. She called for resistance against patriarchal norms and greater gender-sensitive opportunities.

Dr. Tauseef Ahmed Khan noted that societal resistance to change is deep-rooted, but women’s emerging presence on digital platforms is creating necessary disruption. He urged open acknowledgment and support for women’s contributions.

Mazhar Abbas warned of the unregulated nature of digital media and the double standards faced by women in journalism. He called on media unions and political parties to play a proactive role in increasing women’s participation.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Fauzia Shaheen.