Open to opportunities

Sanam Tanzeel

@sanamtanzeel

Investigative journalist and human-rights advocate specializing in gender-based violence and policy-driven storytelling.

Pakistan

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek roles where I can research and address legal and systemic gaps in honor-based violence, lead impact communications, and develop cross-sector prevention and survivor-support initiatives.

I am an investigative journalist, human-rights advocate, and communications strategist with over a decade documenting gender-based violence, honor crimes, and legal inequities across South Asia and diaspora communities. I have published 100+ pieces, served as sub-editor at DAWN, founded the Pakistan Working Women’s Association, and author two forthcoming books that combine survivor narratives with policy guidance.

My work blends legal advocacy, culturally grounded research, and impact communications to influence public discourse, parliamentary debate, and frontline practice. I design donor reports, training manuals, and outreach campaigns that prioritize survivor-centered prevention, cross-sector solutions, and practical tools for law enforcement and service providers.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Impact & Advocacy Writer

Current

Pakistan Development Organization

Jan 2019 - Present (6 years 9 months)

Developed multilingual brochures, donor-facing reports and campaign literature for rural rights and women’s rights programs, translating community impact into clear materials for donors and policymakers.

Report Writing

Current

Investigative Journalist

Current

Freelance / Independent Outlets

Jan 2012 - Present (13 years 9 months)

Reported extensively on honor killings, forced marriages and gender oppression across South Asia and diaspora communities, publishing 100+ pieces that influenced public discourse and parliamentary debate.

Investigative Reporting Qualitative Research Storytelling Legal Analysis Interviewing Ethical Reporting

Author & Researcher

Independent

Jan 2023 - Dec 2025 (2 years 11 months)

Authoring two books on honor-based violence and policy/training for practitioners, combining field reporting, survivor interviews, legal commentary and international best practices to inform prevention and response.

Research Policy Analysis Survivor Interviewing

PR & Communications Consultant

Freelance

Jan 2015 - Dec 2021 (6 years 11 months)

Designed communications strategies and campaign materials for NGOs and public-sector partners, supporting education, women's health, sanitation and anti-drugs initiatives and boosting stakeholder engagement.

Communications Strategy Campaign Development Donor Reporting Content Creation Stakeholder Engagement Canva Google Workspace

Sub-Editor

Dawn

Jan 2015 - Dec 2019 (4 years 11 months)

Managed editorial oversight for federal news coverage including Parliament and Supreme Court, ensuring legal fact-checking and ethical compliance while championing women's and labor rights coverage.

Editing Ethics Content Commissioning