Towards Strengthening the Role of Qatari Women in Media

Women worldwide are striving for equal opportunities in the media industry and the removal of cultural stereotypes that prevent their full integration into public life.  Women can excel when given the chance to make their voices heard, and when using the power of the written word to deliver their messages to their communities.  Governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and media outlets need to end the marginalization of women and encourage gender equality in the media.

In December 2008 the Qatar Media Services (QMS), supported by the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Local Grants Program, commenced the first in a series of three-day workshops to enhance the participation of women in the media industry and develop stronger support, from the private sector and CSOs, for Qatari women’s progress in this field.  The workshop, entitled “Eliminating Media Illiteracy for Qatari Women," was held December 15 – 17, and provided training for female media professionals to expand their technical, technological, and informational capabilities in the field - and as a result, boost media attention to women. 

“This first conference for Qatari media women is a turning point for a new generation of female media professionals, and a path towards an evolving future for Qatari media”, commented Mr. Mohamed Fikry, Executive Producer and Filmmaker at QMS.  Mr. Fikry is very pleased with the outcome of the workshop to date, and added that the project received positive feedback from participants and community members.  The remaining series of workshops and other project components will be completed in conjunction with training centers, he added.

The training covered topics on the rights of women journalists in Islam, the image of Qatari women in the Arab world, the experience of Qatari women in political, economic, and sports participation, the status of Qatari women and their image in Qatari media, how to create greater understanding and engagement of women in society, and the role of Qatari media in supporting and advancing women.

The event was published in local print media including Al Raya page 18, Al Watan page 7, and Al-Sharq, and was covered by Al-Jazeera and Qatar TV.