he 2023 National Report on the Status of Women highlights the persistent prevalence of violence against women and girls in Pakistan. This violence manifests through domestic abuse; sexual and physical assault; workplace and public place harassment; ‘honour’ killings; trafficking; and forced marriages. Recently, the rise of cyber harassment has underscored women’s vulnerabilities in digital spaces. Addressing these issues is vital for reducing gender inequality, advancing justice and achieving sustainable economic development.

Societal norms and systemic barriers often obscure gender-based violence. These realities struggle to find sufficient space in mainstream conversations and even the media. To address these gaps, GenderLens.pk was established as the first women-led digital news platform. Focusing and reporting on gender-based violence, marginalised communities and minorities, the platform aims to offer a voice to the voiceless.

Reporting on gender issues in Pakistan faces numerous obstacles, including male-dominated newsrooms and a misplaced perception that paints these stories as ‘NGO narratives,’ ignoring the severity of an issue that pervades through society.

Citing societal stigma and fear, victims often hesitate to share their experiences. According to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (2017-18), 23 percent of ever-married women reported experiencing physical violence. Higher rates were observed in rural areas and among less-educated women. Research by the International Centre for Research on Women underscores the economic toll of violence against women and girls. Pakistani households lose $146 million annually due to such violence, with an additional $19 million spent on violence-related expenses. The country faces a staggering direct cost of $189.7 million each year due to gender-based violence.

These figures underscore the urgency of addressing this societal challenge. Yet, we continue to be challenged by scores of issues that prevent these issues from being reported on.

GenderLens.pk has highlighted significant challenges while reporting on marginalised communities, particularly transgender individuals. Their reluctance to approach the police due to harassment, and limited accessibility, further isolates them from justice.

Workplace harassment remains rampant. More than 90 percent of working women report experiencing harassment, yet over half remain unaware that such behaviour is a punishable crime. Only 17 percent report incidents, revealing a severe gap in awareness and enforcement of laws protecting women.

GenderLens.pk also aims to address the digital dimensions of gender-based violence. With increasing internet penetration, cases of online abuse and harassment have surged. Women comprise 68 percent of victims in such cases. Despite the expansion of reporting channels, cultural and systemic inertia often undermines justice.

While the establishment of gender-based violence courts, women police stations and progressive judgments mark steps towards greater gender equity, Pakistan ranked 145th out of 146 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index 2022. The country’s poor performance on global indices reflects deep-rooted structural and cultural barriers.

Mainstreaming gender issues demands more than acknowledgment; it requires data-driven, evidence-based advocacy that connects with society’s conscience. Unfortunately, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Women Empowerment Department remains overshadowed, clubbed with social welfare under a male leadership in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s cabinet.

A concerted effort, bolstered by platforms like GenderLens.pk, can bridge the gap between awareness and action. With inclusive policymaking, media representation and societal engagement, Pakistan can move closer to a future where equality is a lived reality, not just an aspiration.

The writer is a journalist and filmmaker. She is the founder of GenderLens.pk