From Aspiring Writer to Award Winner: The Journey of a Female Journalist from Balochistan
Zaheer Ahmed
Islamabad: When Balochistan is mentioned, it often conjures images of conflict, cultural rigidity, and deeply rooted patriarchal norms that limit women to traditional roles. Yet, within these challenges, emerge extraordinary women who defy the odds, breaking barriers with their courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication.
These trailblazers embody the strength to rewrite narratives, showing that determination and purpose can transform even the most challenging circumstances into opportunities for change and empowerment.
PenPK.com had the privilege of hosting Somaiyah Hafeez, an award-winning journalist, to spotlight her remarkable journey from a remote region of Balochistan to becoming a Thomson Foundation Award winner. This insightful conversation delved into her inspiring work and uncovered the secrets behind her extraordinary success.
Somaiyah, a trailblazing journalist from Balochistan, Pakistan, has made her mark by fearlessly reporting on critical issues such as human rights, politics, mental health, and culture. Her work also highlights pressing topics like climate change and the experiences of Afghan refugees.
Her dedication to impactful storytelling earned her a spot as a finalist for the prestigious Young Journalist Award by the Thomson Foundation, cementing her place as a voice of resilience and change from the region.
Q: How did you start your journey in the field of journalism?
Somaiyah: I always wanted to be a writer. As a teenager, I dreamed of writing fiction. However, as I grew older and had to choose my undergraduate degree, I decided to study Physics. Yet, the itch to write never went away.
During the second year of my undergraduate studies, I decided to write a personal essay about my mental health challenges as a teenager because I noticed it was a topic rarely written about in Pakistan. Upon submitting my article to an editor at Dawn, I was introduced to feature journalism. I was advised to revamp my essay into a feature by interviewing other people who faced similar challenges and incorporating a psychiatrist’s input.
I vividly remember the day that piece was published in print. The joy of seeing my byline made it clear to me that I wanted to pursue journalism and write stories that are often underreported.
From then on, I continued freelancing for Dawn and other international news outlets, covering a wide range of topics—from the Baloch dochgirs in Kuddan to the grave issue of enforced disappearances.
Becoming a journalist has undoubtedly been one of the most exciting decisions of my life, as it has allowed me to bring stories about communities I deeply care about to light and share them with the world.
Q: There are fewer women in the media field in Balochistan. What point in your career was the most difficult for you?
Somaiyah: I’ve been very fortunate to have a supportive family, which is often the first and biggest challenge for women in the media field in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan. Many women struggle to gain their family’s support when it comes to pursuing a career.
Opportunities for women in journalism are extremely limited, and on top of that, there are significant safety challenges. For women journalists, the constant worry about safety when traveling to remote areas, coupled with the fear of facing repercussions for reporting sensitive stories, creates an additional layer of anxiety.
Being a freelancer comes with its own set of challenges as well. You’re constantly on the lookout for work while also being your own boss and managing everything on your own. These aspects make the journey more demanding, but they also fuel the drive to keep going.
Q: When the BYC came to Islamabad, several students were arrested by the police, including you. What are your thoughts?
Somaiyah: The state’s policies on the missing persons issue, which is one of the most critical problems in Balochistan, are deeply disheartening. Without addressing this issue, progress in resolving the conflict is impossible. The state’s response to peaceful political resistance movements, which demand basic rights for the Baloch and the release of missing persons, reflects its disregard for justice. Such policies only deepen the sense of alienation among educated and peaceful Baloch citizens, pushing them further into despair.
Q: What is your perspective on the future of Baloch Movement leadership?
Somaiyah: In the past two years, Baloch women like Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch have brought the issues of Balochistan into the spotlight in ways that no previous leadership has managed. From Sammi receiving the Human Rights Defender of the Year Award to Mahrang making it onto the BBC’s Top 100 Women of the Year and TIME’s Top 100 Emerging Leaders, their contributions have significantly advanced the Baloch cause and the fight for rights.
In the face of resistance, Baloch women have stepped into leadership roles with remarkable courage and determination. Rather than traditional politicians, the leadership that the masses in Balochistan now trust and support lies in the hands of these brave women.
Q: What do you hope for the next generation of young women entering the journalism field?
Somaiyah: I hope to see many Baloch women journalists writing the stories of Balochistan. History is being created by Baloch women, and it must be documented by them as well. I hope they have equal opportunities in journalism and find their voices to share the narratives that matter.
Zaheer Ahmed is a graduating Media and Communication Studies student at NUML and is currently interning with The PenPK.com.
