The advent of electronic media in Pakistan opened new avenues of opportunities for females in journalism, it is yet to give them equal space as compared to men. However, there are few brave women who rose to the top beating all the odds. One of them is Farzana Siddique, the only female crime reporter in the entire Faisalabad region.
Not only has she mastered the art of reporting, but she has also made history by being elected as the first-ever woman Vice-President of the Faislabad Press Club in about 30 years.
Despite having an LLB degree, Farzana found peace in journalism’s most challenging beat, crime reporting. She describes her journey to the position in the following words:
After completing my LLB, I realized that journalism was my passion. Having started my journey in 2015 from 92 News channel, I got addicted to journalism and never looked back.
Farzana worked as a court reporter at the channel till 2018, she went for crime reporting with a news channel within Faisalabad, ’24 News HD’s City 41.’ She is now the only female crime reporter in the city and has a strong grip on her beat.
Nothing Comes For Free
While talking to a reputed media outlet, Siddiqui shared her success story revealing that it had come on the heels of many obstacles and catcalling from her fellow journalists.
I was told that women could not go to murder sites, and hence, she was always let down by those around her.
With a brave heart, Farzana credited her senior, the bureau chief of City 41, Zafar Dogar for her success, adding that he never restricted her from doing anything professionally and offered her his endless support.
Gender Disparity in Media Houses
Siddique said she was character assassinated and was told that she wouldn’t be able to achieve her dreams.
If media organizations give women a safe space, they can do whatever they want.
In her message for aspiring women journalists, she advised them not to be ‘blackmailed’ and stand firmly against everyone who lets them down.
Watch her full interview here:
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