Women in Development and Peace – Afrah Borji
Yemeni women are a pivotal pillar in various fields and service sectors such as education, medicine, engineering, and media. Their presence is important as they are capable of working like men, as evidenced by female role models capable of bringing about change and influence. However, society’s view of women remains divided, with some supporting their role in the workforce, especially in the media, while others oppose it. Negative attitudes opposing the work of Yemeni women in the media are governed by adherence to customs and traditions still present in Yemeni society. Conversely, some believe in their influential and important role in the media, as they can effectively convey societal issues and stories, and have the ability and right to discuss issues affecting women affected by conflict. Yemeni women have a beautiful and worthy message suitable for outstanding media work, and their significant contribution to the media is evident. They have proven that they can compete with men in the field of media, and at times even surpass them. In recent years, we have seen and heard of Yemeni women excelling in visual, written, and auditory media. The impact of their media performance is not diminished by their gender; rather, it is enhanced. Being a mother or a wife does not hinder a woman working in the media field.
In this regard, the media professional Tasneem Al-Muhammadi says, “Society’s view in the field of photography, especially television photography, is still confined to men due to customs, traditions, and upbringing that have imposed the specialization of most professions on males, thus depriving women of the freedom to choose and practice professions without restrictions.” Tasneem continues, “As a female journalist, I face many obstacles, the biggest of which is the narrow-minded view of society that restricts the opportunity to shoot reports and films from multiple angles, and limits the advancement of my career to reach a global level.”
Al-Muhammadi further adds, “The absence of women in field photography, especially in most Yemeni governorates, such as shooting television reports or visual scenes, is due to the low culture, the concentration of customs and traditions in society’s view, and the unfortunate significant male dominance in the field.”
Positive Perspective
Journalist Haifa Al-Adaini says, “My view of Yemeni women working in the media is purely positive, regardless of the opinions and discourse prevalent in society. A Yemeni woman working in the media is no different from those working in medicine, education, engineering, or even homemaking.”
Al-Adaini continues, “I am speaking about the society we live in, a society governed by certain restrictive beliefs and ideas. Despite all the obstacles, women have managed to make their voices heard, showcasing the struggles and successes of Yemeni women with great skill.”
She adds, “I applaud every Yemeni woman working in the media, as she faces a struggle, firstly with herself, and secondly with the society itself, as she brings forth issues and stories, whether they depict the struggles or successes of Yemeni women.”
Worthy of Work
Yemeni women are worthy of working in this field, according to Samira Badhawi: “I have reached a point where I am the editor-in-chief in a military security institution, a position that was once difficult to attain. It carries great responsibility, and being in this position has made me more cautious and responsible in my work, as I strive to avoid errors in the news section, which falls under my responsibilities.”
She explains, “This role is challenging for me as a woman in the media field, and I have faced many challenges, including being a woman responsible for a media team of editors and photographers, some of whom have extensive experience in the media profession.”
On the other hand, journalist Samah I’mlaq mentions that Yemeni women have proven their presence in several fields of work and responsibility, whether in the media or judiciary. Recently, attention has been drawn to the success achieved by Yemeni women in the media, especially in programming, radio and television, and public administration, playing a significant role in alternative media such as social media.
I’mlaq adds, “Women have been successful in all sectors, whether in media or any other sector, and Yemeni women are competing on the global stage, like Asma Rajih on Al-Hadath television network and other Yemeni women who have paved their way just like men.”
Challenges
Samira Badhawi explains that there are challenges based on society’s inferior view of women working in the media sector. In a conservative society, women are limited to specific professions such as teaching and nursing, and face exclusion and marginalization within media institutions, with most opportunities given to men.
She continues, stating that in some Yemeni communities, men are considered more suitable for media coverage and certain journalistic tasks. The exclusion of female journalists from managerial positions is a major challenge faced by Yemeni women in the media field.
In the same context, Samah I’mlaq added: “There are social challenges facing women, which are complex, including those within and outside the home. For women, they encounter many difficulties in all fields, especially in the media. This is because the media is associated with the conservative society, which views women as confined to household chores in all its forms. If they work, they are limited to certain fields and are unable to engage in commercial interaction, such as in the fields of medicine and education.”
I’mlaq also pointed out that many women have proven their presence and have shown that female journalists achieve a lot, make significant progress, discuss their society’s issues, and also offer many solutions while adhering to all the customs and traditions mandated by the Islamic religion.
Furthermore, Mirfat Al-Rabi’ee stated: “Journalists face significant risks, and female journalists encounter many challenges, including lack of access to sources, information, and resources, limited training and professional development opportunities for journalists, as well as decreased public trust in the media being a major challenge. Additionally, there is a lack of financial return and societal perceptions of women working in journalism and media in all its departments, all of which are challenges and difficulties faced by female media professionals.”
Solutions & Treatments
According to Tasneem Al-Mohammadi: “In my opinion, the solution is to give women the right to pursue any profession they desire, without discrimination or racism, by involving them in the field without compromising their rights or status. This can only happen through sufficient awareness within institutions, among employees, and in society.”
On the other hand, Samira Badhawi clarified the approaches from her perspective: “Addressing the aforementioned challenges and difficulties should be through perseverance, embracing all the positives, learning from the negatives, developing capabilities, honing skills, and actively participating. This enhances self-confidence and the confidence of others in female journalists in society, allowing them to choose a media specialization that aligns with their abilities, knowledge, inclinations, and is in line with the values and principles of the Islamic religion.”
In her view, Badhawi adds: “Choosing media content that aligns with the society’s culture, highlights its positive aspects, and provides a positive and satisfying impression, as well as actively participating in local coverage that interests a wide segment of society and addresses their concerns, all of this leads to a positive change and transformation in the community.”
Samah Al-I’mlaq shares her opinion and recommendations: “Women can address challenges by being successful role models who pave the way for others. If she proves to this adaptable society that she has preserved its traditions without rebelling against them, while simultaneously serving her country and land, then everyone will applaud, encourage, and take pride in her. The Yemeni society lacks successful female role models like this.”
Meanwhile, journalist Mirfat Al-Rabi’ee states: “State and supporting entities should work on assisting journalists in accessing information and resources, exercising the right to information, providing training and professional development opportunities, and raising awareness in the community about the importance of media in conveying their struggles to regain public trust in the media. All of these points are effective solutions that help female journalists confront the challenges they face.”