The Sabz Journalism Conference, organized by the Global Neighbourhood for Media Innovation (GNMI) with support from the U.S. Embassy Islamabad and the U.S. Department of State, took place on August 31, 2024, at Islamabad Hotel. This groundbreaking event celebrated the contributions of women environmental journalists and addressed the challenges they face in the field and newsroom.

The conference engaged government officials, journalists, media professionals, and civil society organizations to discuss the intersection of gender and environmental journalism. It also highlighted the impactful stories produced by women journalists under the Sabz Journalism Fellowship Program, an initiative designed to empower journalists and digital content creators with the skills to tackle climate change through data-driven and investigative reporting.

https://www.nation.com.pk/02-Sep-2024/experts-urge-greater-support-and-inclusivity-for-women-journalists-facing-growing

Key Highlights

• Opening Presentation – Husnain Raza, GNMI’s Director of Programs, presented the outcomes of the Sabz Journalism Fellowship Program, showcasing inspiring investigative reports by women journalists.
  

• Expert Insights – Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, Climate Change Advisor at the Planning Commission of Pakistan, emphasized the importance of inclusive, fact-based environmental reporting to address Pakistan’s climate vulnerabilities.

• Panel Discussion: Gender & Environmental Journalism – Experts from media, policy, and civil society, including Haroon Rashid (The Independent Urdu), Samina Nazeer (PODA), Nayyer Ali (New One & National Press Club), Noorulain Naseem (GIZ Islamabad), and Hunain Ameen (Yeni Şafak Urdu), explored challenges such as gender disparities, underpayment, lack of representation, and limited support for women journalists. The discussion highlighted the need for technical training, policy reforms, and gender-sensitive reporting, especially in rural areas.

• Networking & Collaborative Action – The event concluded with an interactive networking session, fostering partnerships between media and civil society organizations to enhance environmental awareness and advocacy.

Impact & Recommendations

📊 97% of participants pledged to support women journalists in overcoming barriers in climate reporting.

Key recommendations:

• National awards to recognize the contributions of women in environmental journalism.
• Technical training & mentorship programs by media organizations.
• Collaborative forums to strengthen gender-sensitive reporting and policy implementation.

The Sabz Journalism Conference marked a crucial step toward empowering women journalists and enhancing the quality and impact of environmental reporting in Pakistan.