The provincial Media Fellowship was inaugurated at the University of Peshawar in a ceremony organised with support from UNFPA and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Social Welfare department. The event marked a collaborative step toward promoting responsible reporting, proper representation and stronger narratives against gender based violence and child marriage.
The opening took place at Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Auditorium and brought together the Vice Chancellor of the University of Peshawar, representatives from Social Welfare, UNFPA and SPO, faculty members, media representatives and human rights advocates. The gathering underscored the shared commitment of institutions and civil society to improve media coverage on sensitive social issues.
The Chairperson of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women spoke about the media’s critical role in social change and said every headline, image and word has a deep impact on society. She emphasised that the Media Fellowship will focus on evidence-based reporting and responsible representation, particularly on topics such as GBV and underage marriage.
The commission has placed ending child marriage among its top priorities and is working to activate District Child Support Wings to ensure survivors receive timely, dignified and effective services. Journalists taking part in the Media Fellowship will receive training, technical guidance and support for evidence-based advocacy so that reporting moves from awareness to concrete action.
Fellows were encouraged to highlight emerging threats such as the digital exploitation of women in political life and to use their reporting to protect rights and dignity. The ceremony concluded with presentation of honorary souvenirs to distinguished guests in recognition of their participation and cooperation, reinforcing a collective call to build a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where every story reflects truth, dignity and responsibility.
