The Women Media Center (WMC) celebrated 20 years of empowering women in journalism with a special event titled “WMC Alumni Meetup: Learning, Leadership and Impact” at a local hotel in Karachi.
The gathering brought together former students, interns, senior journalists and media professionals to recognise the achievements of WMC alumni and highlight the organisation’s two-decade contribution to women’s professional development and representation in the media industry.
WMC Founder and CEO Fauzia Shaheen said the centre was established to address the underrepresentation of women in mainstream media, particularly in Urdu journalism, and the lack of opportunities for women to gain practical field experience. She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to providing quality media training and preparing women for professional careers.
Renowned analyst Huma Baqai said women had demonstrated their ability to excel in serious journalism. She stressed that they should now move beyond professional roles and take on greater responsibilities in leadership and decision-making positions.
A panel discussion brought together senior journalists and former WMC trainees, who shared experiences of how the centre had shaped their professional journeys.
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Shehla Mahmood, associated with the Arts Council of Pakistan, recalled that WMC was the first institution where she learned the practical aspects of journalism.
Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Haya Fatima Iqbal said she first handled a camera during a WMC workshop in 2007, describing the experience as an important step in her professional development.
Documentary filmmaker Zainab Younus, who hails from Quetta, said WMC provided her with an early opportunity to gain practical journalism and fieldwork experience.
Senior anchor Saadia Ghaus called for an end to the practice of assigning women journalists primarily to traditionally designated soft beats. She emphasised the need for more institutions like WMC to prepare women for a wider range of reporting and broadcasting roles.
Senior journalist Shaheen Atiq credited the centre with inspiring her to pursue journalism and teaching her the fundamentals of news writing.
Mania Shakeel, a journalist associated with Deutsche Welle (DW), said WMC had laid the foundation for her career and helped her develop confidence in front of the camera.
The event also highlighted the importance of professional networking, collaboration and mentorship in helping women journalists advance their careers and take on leadership roles.
The programme concluded with the presentation of commemorative shields to the panel guests. Participants acknowledged WMC’s contribution to journalism training, professional growth and the effective representation of women in the media industry over the past two decades.
