Karachi: National Media Fellowship’s second cohort (2023-24) has concluded, with 39 fellows producing total of 165 print, digital, television and radio stories, along with two standalone documentaries.

Cohort comprises of one year training and mentoring period. These stories by fellows of NMF-2 highlighted crucial issues such as economic and health challenges, rising violence against women and struggles of transgender and marginalised communities. Chairperson of National Commission on Status of Women Nilofar Bakhtiar expressed her heartfelt gratitude to partners UNFPA and CEJ-IBA for their unwavering support in launching National Media Fellowship on Women’s Rights.

She praised fellows, stating, “I am immensely proud of you all fellows who have produced 165 impactful stories and two documentaries, shedding light on crucial issues of gender-based violence and child marriage. Their diverse backgrounds, representing all regions of Pakistan, have enriched our initiative. Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan Nasar commended efforts of NCSW in advancing women’s rights. “All of these media fellows have done an outstanding job.”  UNFPA’s country representative in Pakistan Luay Shabaneh emphasised commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment through strategic partnerships. 

Participants included reporters, copy editors, multimedia journalists, district correspondents, op-ed writersand current affairs show hosts.