When Shumaila Afridi decided to become a journalist, she knew the cost would be steep—but she pursued her dream regardless. Hailing from Dara Adam Khel and working with TNN, her family disowned Shumaila for choosing a profession they deemed inappropriate for a woman. “They severed all ties with me, which left me in a vulnerable position with no support,” she shared. Despite the setback, she continued reporting from the region, navigating cultural restrictions that often require her to wear a burqa and headscarf.

Due to deeply entrenched societal norms, Shumaila has faced significant discrimination—both socially and professionally. Yet her persistence has turned her into a voice for the voiceless. Reporting on issues like gender-based violence, denial of education to girls, and workplace discrimination, she has become a conduit for women’s stories within her community. Her work has inspired many others to speak out about their own struggles.

She is not alone in this battle. Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), women journalists walk a tightrope between professional duty and personal risk—trapped between threats, conservative expectations, and male-dominated newsrooms.

When Sidra Ayan steps out to report, she carries more than a notebook—she bears the weight of being a woman in one of Pakistan’s most conservative provinces. As a freelance reporter in KP, Sidra faces street harassment, limited access to sources, and the looming threat of violence. Without the support of a newsroom, legal protections, or peer networks, each assignment becomes an act of quiet defiance.

Still, she perseveres—covering social issues, women’s rights, and stories that often go untold in mainstream narratives. Her work stands as a testament to the courage of women who refuse to be........

© The Spine Times