Promoting Labour Rights, Gender Equality and Freedom of Association in Pakistan’s Media
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), with support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), has been actively advocating for media labour rights and fostering unionism in Pakistan since 2020. The project aims to engage stakeholders within the Pakistani media industry to push for labour rights reforms, particularly addressing contractualisation.
To achieve the aim IFJ employs a multifaceted approach, engaging Pakistani journalists, journalist unions, media houses, and relevant government entities through online and offline organizing efforts, digital initiatives, and innovative strategies informed by thorough research. Through these methods, IFJ raises awareness, facilitates training sessions, conducts surveys, and holds meetings to foster collaboration.
Key to IFJ's strategy is conducting in-depth research and mapping exercises to understand the nuances of the Pakistani media landscape. This research informs targeted training programs and advocacy campaigns promoting institutional reforms within media organizations and legislative changes at union and government levels.
IFJ actively advocates for broader institutional labour rights reforms within media houses and unions, while also lobbying for legislative amendments. Leveraging its network and expertise, IFJ seeks to influence policymakers to enact substantive reforms benefiting media workers.
The project prioritizes gender inclusivity, focusing on engaging women and digital journalists through leadership programs, digital campaigns, and the establishment of a women's media forum. A women's task force amplifies impactful voices on women's issues, while mentorship programs and leadership promotions aim to enhance women's representation and influence within the media.
IFJ is committed to providing equity, equality, and safety training to empower women in the Pakistani media industry, challenging societal norms, and fostering a supportive environment. Through these efforts, IFJ aims to empower women journalists and catalyse broader societal change towards greater gender equality in the media sector.
Duration: 2018 - 2022
This project is funded by National Endowment for Democracy
IFJ-UTU Union Strengthening Projects - 2022
As part of the IFJ Global Union to Union project the IFJ launched its program of projects for 2022 to enable IFJ affiliates working to reform and strengthen their unions in the Asia-Pacific. The aim is for our affiliates to undertake national projects to address some of the key issues faced by journalist representative organisations and media unions, including adapting to the digital economy, reforming union approaches, recruiting, organising and campaigning for journalists’ rights and freedom of association, and developing best practice skills and training.
Free Media Movement (FMM) - Union Strengthening and Promoting Professional Journalism in Sri Lanka
Project Objectives
The purpose of the project is to reinforce professional and ethical journalism and create a more sustainable media in Sri Lanka through effective research and by strengthening capacities of young and working journalists in union leadership and raise voice on the issues that affect them in their professional work as journalists.
Indian Journalists Union (IJU) - Strengthening Unions: Engaging Young Journalists Towards Digitalisation
Project Objectives
To strengthen the union towards the protection and promotion of media rights and enhance media professionalism through research, communications, campaigns, and advocacy, including in the digital media landscape.
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) - Revival of Union Organizing in the Philippines
Project Objectives
To teach digital media workers on labour rights, reverse the stigma of union organizing and lay the groundwork for union building.
SINDIKASI - Advocating for Freelance Journalist Social Security
Project Objectives
Strengthening the capacity of the SINDIKASI to advocate for freelancer’s rights to secure social security.
Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) - Young and Women Journalists for Enhanced Media Freedom
Project Objectives
Reform the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) by revising the SLWJA constitution to include more women and young journalists in the SLWJA executive committee and by providing responsible digital journalism training.
Federation of Media Employees Trade Unions (FMETU) - Equipping Young Media Workers for Union Leadership in the Digital Economy
Project Objectives
Mobilise and empower young media workers and journalists to steer the Federation of Media Employees Trade Unions (FMETU) within the digital environment by mapping the professional status of FMETU’s members, providing evidence-based lobbying and advocacy for professional rights, and networking with young journalists so they may play an active role in unionisation.
Featured Action
SINDIKASI - Collective Bargaining Agreement
SINDIKASI signed a collective bargaining agreement between Project Multatuli and Sindikasi, Greater Jakarta chapter, as part of SINDIKASI's fifth anniversary celebration. Watch the video here!
