KARACHI: The Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Thursday honoured 25 women journalists for their meaningful contribution in various fields of journalism.

The journalist awardees included Malka Afroz Rohila, Asma Ayoub, Sumeha Khalid, Mariam Hassan, Irum Noor, Kaukab Mirza, Bushra Khalid, Rabina Yasmin, Sheher Bano, Uzma Ambreen Qazi, Lubna Khalid, Zakia Batool, Surayya Bano and Noreen Shams.

Speaking on the occasion, senior journalist and academic Shahida Kazi recalled the day in 1963 when she took her first step into the world of journalism by being the first female to get admission in the Department of Mass Communications at the University of Karachi. “After that, I was offered a job in the biggest English newspaper Dawn. After working there for some years, I joined Pakistan Television to then come full circle by teaching journalism at the university from where I learned journalism,” she said.

Sindh Commission on the Status of Women chairperson Nuzhat Shirin said that she also began her career as a journalist.

Senior journalist, and former editor of The News Hummaa Ahmad said that one needs to prove oneself to get anywhere in life. “And if you are a woman, you have to double prove yourself,” she said.

Finally, senior journalist and the author of several books Razia Sultana earned a standing ovation when she said that she only has herself to thank for where she is today. Some women in the hall got teary-eyed listening to how hard she had to struggle.

“So many people in my own family held me back. But I had good bosses to appreciate my work and lend me support. Today, I have developed glaucoma in my eyes. I have had several surgeries, too. But I won’t let it get in the way of my work because the day I stop working will be the day I die,” she said.

Director General of the Press Information Department Karachi Irum Tanveer, social worker Aliya Sarim Burney, Jamaat-i-Islami leader Asma Safeer, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s Fiza Zeeshan, sportsperson Mahiya Moin, Radio Pakistan’s Naheed Zamir, KPC president and secretary Saeed Sarbazi and Shoaib Ahmed and governing body member Kulsoom Jahan also spoke.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2023