Guardians of truth, targets of harassment: the untold stories of workplace harassment among Pakistani female journalists

There is a significant prevalence of gender-based discrimination and harassment towards numerous female journalists in Pakistan. It has been identified as one factor contributing to the absence or limitation of female perspectives within public discourse. Using social feminist theory as a lens, this research undertakes an exploration into both cause and effect concerning workplace-related sexism and maltreatment. The qualitative data used for analysis was collected through comprehensive interviews with seven female journalists from Pakistan who are victims of workplace harassment. Employing thematic analysis provided insight that permitted identification, interpretation, recording themes (patterns), and "analysing" them. The research findings underscore the fact that gender discrimination and harassment are persistent issues within Pakistan's media industries, typically orchestrated by insiders. This scenario significantly impacts women journalists, causing distress in their personal and professional lives. To cope with such situations often results in silence due to mistrust towards institutional systems designed for their protection. In some instances, this disillusionment might even lead them to withdraw from their duties or obligations