Journalists from several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, participating in a media fellowship on responsible representation in gender-based violence and child marriages, visited the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women office for a detailed briefing and dialogue.
Dr. Samira Shams, chairperson of the commission, welcomed the visiting journalists and outlined the commission’s mandate as a legal institution that advises the government, monitors women-related institutions, and provides policy guidance to advance gender equality across the province.
The chairperson emphasized the critical role of the media fellowship participants in shaping public narrative, saying that responsible reporting can expose gender injustices, strengthen institutional accountability, and ensure that survivors’ voices are presented with dignity and sensitivity. She urged fellows to use their platforms to highlight systemic gaps and drive constructive reform.
Dr. Samira Shams also shared recent achievements of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission, including the new women empowerment policy, the establishment of district protection committees, and the publication of a gender parity report as steps toward better protection and inclusion for women in the province.
The visit concluded with a question and answer session in which participants engaged deeply on operational challenges and collaboration opportunities. The commission provided detailed information on its objectives and ongoing initiatives, encouraging continued partnership with media professionals to promote informed, sensitive coverage of gender-based violence and child marriage.
