JEDDAH: Journalists in the Kingdom have called on the Saudi Journalist Association (SJA), which held board elections in Riyadh last week, to be proactive, help women journalists and protect the rights of journalists in general. Sawsan Al-Homidan, director of Asharq Al-Awsat’s women’s office in Riyadh, called on the new board, which includes seven editors-in-chief, to implement all decisions and do more than just express words.
“The association has a huge responsibility. We’re hoping the new board members will provide all services ... I hope it won’t be just names on paper, payment of fees and then nothing,” she told Arab News. Al-Homidan said the SJA should provide journalists, especially women journalists, with training and legal help.
The SJA was established in 2004. Although four years have passed, the organization has made little contribution other than charging journalists membership fees, many people say.
Ebtihaj Menyawi, former editorial director of Okaz newspaper’s women’s division, described the SJA performance during its first four years as “useless.” “We have seen nothing since its establishment. The SJA is in a deep slumber and has no clue about the problems journalists face,” she said.
Menyawi said the association should play a more tangible role. “Candidates should be reconsidered. If there is a journalist who wants to complain about his editor-in-chief and goes to the SJA, he would most likely find his boss on the board. How would such a journalist get justice then,” she added.
Immediately after the SJA’s recent election, a number of journalists asked the board to provide job training and protection from arbitrary dismissals and pressure to reveal sources. Part-time reporters and freelancers are often exploited. “Getting fair remuneration for their work is a right which must be protected. When someone protests against non-payment, they say go to the Labor Office,” she added.
Menyawi said there is a need for transparency in the way the SJA operates and that this is crucial for justice.
Nayrooz Housawi, a journalist who writes for Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper, also feels pessimistic about the SJA and the way women journalists are treated in the industry. “Most men journalists and editors-in-chief talk of equal treatment to women but in practice they behave in a dictatorial way when dealing with their female colleagues,” she added.
Hisham Kaaki, managing editor of Al-Hayat newspaper’s Western Province office, said he hopes the association will pass through its preparation stage successfully. “There is a need for improved organization and planning. As journalists, we hope to have an association that would support us. Their success would be our success,” Kaaki added.
