Pakistan
She/Her
2023 Cohort
Jamaima Afridi is the only female journalist working in her area. She is a Pakistan-based freelance journalist working with Nikkei Asia, Asia Democracy Chronicles, TNN, Maati TV, Voicepk.net, The Friday Times, and Empower Women Media.
Investigative article 
Jamaima Afridi is a freelance journalist and documentary filmmaker from Pakistan, working with diverse national and international media outlets. Her work concentrates on pivotal issues, including women's issues, religious freedom, climate change, and Afghan refugees. Notably, she reports on human rights in Pakistan's conflict zones. Afridi's dedication to storytelling and amplifying marginalized voices has garnered national and international recognition. Her notable achievements include winning the Lorenzo Natali Prize for Emergency Journalism in Brussels, awarded by the European Commission. She was also the runner-up for the prestigious #TFYoungJournalalist Award, organized by the Thomson Foundation in the UK.
During her fellowship Jamaima’s project tackled marital rape in Pakistan, breaking cultural and religious silence. Through in-depth pieces, expert opinions, and victim voices, it addressed legal, cultural, and societal dimensions. The project created a safe space for married women to discuss experiences and learn about consent. Key outcomes included increased awareness of consent and pleasure in marriage, advocacy for legal protection, and a shift towards consent-driven relationships, ultimately contributing to a more informed and supportive society for Pakistani women.
Jamaima is currently working on a project that empowers the local community to identify their own challenges and define peace on their own terms. Rather than imposing external solutions, she facilitates a process that enables the community to take ownership of their experiences and aspirations. This approach not only fosters meaningful community engagement but also ensures that the solutions developed are contextually relevant and sustainable.
Highlights
Jamaima plans to work on an investigative article, to bring light on the frequently disregarded aspects of consent and women’s sexual autonomy within the framework of sex and marriage in Pakistan.
Jamaima’s project successfully addressed the long-standing issue of marital rape in Pakistan, where cultural and religious norms have historically perpetuated silence and suffering. She focused on the legal, cultural, and societal dimensions of marital rape, amplifying victims' voices and expert opinions through an in-depth piece. A follow-up article highlighted the importance of shared consent and safety as essential for healthy and satisfying sexual relationships, contributing to a cultural shift within Pakistani marriages. Jamaima also organized a session with married women to create a safe space for open discussions on these topics.
The project achieved several key outcomes:
I've always felt a sense of comfort and freedom when interacting with groups of people who create a non-judgmental space. It's incredibly empowering to discuss topics that are often considered taboo in our society, and I appreciate environments where I can express myself openly and honestly without fear of criticism or repercussions.
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The Pleasure Project is an initiative by Taking Action for Sexual Health CIC.
© 2025 The Pleasure Project.
All rights reserved.
The Pleasure Project is an initiative by Taking Action for Sexual Health CIC.
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