Role of Print Media in Shaping Women's Voices in Karachi

Abstract

In socio-cultural contexts like Pakistan where women representation faces several obstacles at various levels, print media can play a pivotal role in framing talk, opinions, and voices. This research investigates the contributions of Pakistan’s leading English news outlets—Dawn and The News—in amplifying women’s voices in Karachi. Also, it uses interviews of two senior journalists about the topic of this study. Through a systematic analysis of news articles, editorials, and news features published If over the year, the research studies how these papers report on important women-related issues like gender equality, women empowerment, harassment, and education. Mixed-method approach constituted of content analysis and interviews was used in this study to discover patterns, themes, and prevent coverage gaps. Dawn, for example, appears to have an analytical style focusing more on systemic problems and policy debates, whereas The News' approach tends to be more human-interest, focusing on individual stories and societal consequences. But there are still gaps, especially intersectional lenses and issues bottom-up women or marginalized communities struggle with. This study draws attention to the importance of print media in increasing public awareness of women’s rights and shaping policy discussion. But it also points to the need for more nuanced and inclusive coverage that goes beyond tokenism. Frequency and recommendations include a more nuanced and consistent editorial approach, amplifying diverse women’s voices, integrating intersectional perspectives, prioritization of investigative journalism to uncover systemic barriers. In this way, print media will become an ever-more powerful ally in the struggle for women’s rights and for justice in Karachi, Pakistan, and perhaps as women everywhere.