Speaking at the conference -- titled The Arab Media Woman and her Strategic Role in Combating Violence -- organized by the Arab Women Media Center last week, Princess Basma said the main role of women journalists is to increase dialogue and raise awareness about human rights.
The journalists spoke about many issues affecting them. Some spoke of the violence that women face in wars and conflicts in spite of UN resolutions on the issue.
Some spoke how violence is depicted in a very marked fashion in the media, especially in entertainment, news and even in children’s programs. Dr. Rola Al-Horoob, an educational psychologist, said the constant depiction of violence in the media has made people passive to it.
The Israeli occupation was one issue that Palestinian journalists touched on. They mentioned how the occupation limits their ability to report. “Israel institutionalizes or legalizes violence against people in the occupied territories, as 85 percent of Palestinian children have lived or witnessed at first hand one or more form of violence, while 39 percent have lost a kin in a violent act,” said Haneen Zoabi, a member of the Israeli Knesset.
The issue of editorial independence was another issue that was discussed at the event. Tunisian academic Salma Al-Jalassy was one of the women who spoke about this. She also spoke about how the contemporary depiction of women on TV is oppressive and stereotypical.
“Even satellite channels like the one for young children, Toyor Al-Jannat, stresses on belittling women and their role in families and society,” she said, adding that women should be in decision-making positions.
Others, however, said there has been great progress in the role of women journalists. Najat Sharf Al-Deen, a Lebanese presenter for Future TV, said, “Although including women in the live coverage of news in wars and conflicts could be considered a means to attract audiences and viewers, women have been able to take advantage of the situation and prove themselves,” she said.
