All-women journalism center at Al-Jazirah
Published: Mar 28, 2010 00:13 Updated: Mar 28, 2010 00:13
RIYADH: For the first time in the Kingdom women handle editing, sub-editing, layout and design at a women’s journalism center at Al-Jazirah newspaper.
“If the step is exclusive for Al-Jazirah, it is worthless,” says Al-Jazirah Editor in Chief Khaled Al-Malik, adding that the real value of such a step is to open the door for women to work in journalism, enable them to take control and pave the way for other newspapers to open more job opportunities for women journalists.
Al-Malik agrees that other newspapers have women as editors, sub-editors, journalists and reporters, but he believes that it is not enough.
“Women should work in all journalist-related jobs, and there are not many women who are specialized in areas such as sub-editing and photography,” he added.
The new women’s center is attached to the main building, but Al-Malik pointed out that with the new technology women could work “without breaching social traditions.”
“All that is provided to male journalists and reporters is also provided to women,” says Al-Malik, stressing that the newspaper’s aim is to offer women the opportunity to become active members and partners in the development of the Kingdom.
“Fifty years have passed since the establishment of media institutions in the Kingdom, and women are still working only as reporters covering news. It is about time they become more involved in the whole process of newspaper production,” said Al-Malik.
The center has 38 staff members, all of whom underwent eight months of on-the-job training.
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