Journalist to Media Icon

Maria Memon talks to MT on Gender Bias, Authenticity, and Thriving in Pakistani Journalism

by Aisha Sarwari | Published September 01, 2024

Maria Memon is an extraordinary figure, both as a professional and as a person, balancing her celebrity status with humility. I write this as her friend and admirer, defining qualities through seven key features. First, Maria is a punctual and committed professional, always respecting others' time. Second, her pragmatic approach to life emphasizes simplicity and discipline, focusing on fundamental values like education and health. Third, as a Karachi native, she embraces diversity and remains self-assured despite challenges in her career. Fourth, her infectious humor and ability to laugh at herself create a refreshing presence in a field often marked by seriousness. Maria's charm lies in her authenticity, dedication, and grounded nature, making her a true inspiration.

Maria Memon embodies the principle of "body as a temple," maintaining exceptional physical fitness and discipline. Her commitment to health is unwavering, with a goal-oriented approach that blends physical and mental well-being. She is courageous, tackling challenges with intensity, and shares her vulnerabilities, as seen when she openly discussed her experience with COVID-19 and the grief of losing her mother. Six, Maria also nourishes her mind through extensive travel, exploring diverse cultures and sharing her insights with her followers. Despite her success, she remains grounded, refraining from harboring any animosity. Maria's only flaw, if any, is her intolerance for intellectual laziness, expecting others to match her level of introspection and accountability. Her presence motivates others to improve themselves, encouraging a light-hearted, proactive attitude.

I stick to authenticity;
it’s much easier to live with

Accidental Journey into Journalism
“I never knew that I would become a journalist – it was accidental. I call myself a destiny’s child. But yes once mic was handed over to me, i really loved doing this job and i worked really hard.” She admired Christiane Amanpour but never envisioned being on TV in Pakistan until private media emerged in 2002, creating unexpected opportunities for her.

Finding Authencity
She gained fame in her mid-twenties as a Geo News newscaster, but quickly learned that fame is fleeting. This taught her the importance of focusing on authenticity, avoiding shortcuts, and staying grounded by surrounding herself with people who keep her true to her values. “When I started my career, I made the mistake of trying to imitate others, hoping to become like the famous newscasters who had already made a name for themselves. But I soon realized that there’s no point in becoming a second-rate version of someone else. So, I decided to work on myself and develop my own style. My advice is to focus on creating your own identity and voice, no matter how long it takes. It's crucial to have your own signature style, rather than trying to replicate someone else's.”

Learning Grounding
She experienced periods of feeling lost, especially in her twenties, despite assumptions that, she has life figured out. It wasn't until her thirties that she began understanding life better. Each decade brings new challenges, mistakes, and learning opportunities, and she acknowledges that no one has all the answers.

Role journalism in empowering women
“I think journalism has definitely given women more choice, a stronger voice. 15-20 years ago, there were women, but not so many. Now, the number of women in this field has increased a lot. Because of this, you can see their voice on themainstream media, on different issues. Many women's well-being and gender-based violence, 15 years ago, the narrative was completely different. Women have reshaped it. Language has changed. How to report these things has changed. Women issues are important and we have been successful in bringing this to the mainstream. However, we have a long way to go”.

Gender Biases In Pakistani Media Houses
We cannot address gender bias or discrimination in Pakistani media unless we address it in our society. It is very deep-rooted in the society. Our women have internalized patriarchy and it will take a couple of more generations for them to figure out and to understand how patriarchy ensures that women stay subservient. Until we address it in our society, discrimination will not end. It will not happen even in the media. We all come into this field with the same inherent behavior.

Biggest Challenges As A Woman In The Pakistani Media Industry
“I think the biggest challenge is of networking. Being a woman, there is a kind of unfair advantage because I cannot network with men in my field as compared to the male colleagues I have”. We as females cannot do this as our reputation will be at stake. If we get to meet with any male politician or any male newsmaker or any certain, after 11 pm at night, females will be highly criticized over it which is very normal and casual thing in case of men. And yes, because of this, in the longer term, there is an unfair advantage for women in this field.

Work Life Balance for a Pakistani Working Woman
"I’m just myself. Whether I’m having a great day or a tough one, I let people see the real me. It’s all about being genuine and relatable. If you try to put on a show or be someone you’re not, that mask is bound to slip eventually. So, I stick to authenticity; it’s much easier to live with.”

Advice to Pakistani women:

Recognise your own worth and understanding that you are not inferior to anyone else. For Pakistani women, this mindset is crucial for personal growth.
Prioritize self-improvement. Take time to reflect on how you handle different situations and understand the factors that shape your personality.
Seek financial stability. Promote your daughters to earn their own money from a young age. Teach them skills so they can be financially independent.

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