Women in media responsible for leading public opinion — Princess Basma

AMMAN — Arab media women have a lot to celebrate this year but also a lot to reflect on, as challenges still abound when it comes to effecting change to the situation of women from different walks of life, journalists said Sunday.

Arab Media Women’s Day is observed annually to highlight the need for more efforts to bridge the gap between official and public discourse through promoting a balanced image of women in the region and contributing to transforming social behaviour against them, they said at a ceremony.

HRH Princess Basma, honorary chairperson of the Arab Women’s Media Centre (AWMC), noted that women in the media are responsible for elevating the awareness of nations and spreading culture.

"They are also responsible for leading public opinion and supporting women’s causes in this time of turbulence the Arab world is going through."

During the ceremony, Princess Basma honoured several Jordanian journalists who have contributed to the advancement of the country and women's empowerment through their accomplishments, knowledge and experience.

In her address at the ceremony, the princess urged the journalists to continue their duties despite the challenges, which can sometimes be life-threatening.

''Jordanian women in the media have proved their significant role alongside their male peers in using media tools to change negative stereotypes, armed with their knowledge and education," she said.

Initiated by the AWMC, the event was this year observed in support of UN Women "Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality" — which asks governments to make national commitments that will close the gender equality gap through laws, media and action plans.

AWMC Director Mahasen Al Emam underlined the important role the media plays in the political, intellectual and economic reform process.

On the sidelines of the ceremony, Princess Basma inaugurated a photo exhibition organised by the USAID Takamol-Gender Programme, which celebrates human stories and reflects the diversity of life choices of men and women within society through storytelling.

Established in 1999 upon Princess Basma's directives, AWMC seeks to empower Arab women journalists, providing specialised media tools and studies to raise their awareness about rights issues and sustainable development through training, workshops, specialised conferences and documentaries.