ABU DHABI // Having more Emirati women in the media will bring broader news coverage and allow for more focus on topics considered sensitive, according to communication experts.
"It is extremely important that women engage in media. The media today has the power to create something or to kill something," the Iraqi writer Haifa Zangana said on the sidelines of the recent International Book Fair, at a debate entitled Outspoken that focused on the role of women in the press.
"No one is talking about the situation of women [in Iraq]. There is almost a complete blackout now, which is affecting everything."
Zangana, a novelist and former prisoner during Saddam Hussein's regime, has written several works on how the Iraqi occupation has impacted society in the country, particularly women. Her experiences reflect those of many others in the country, and through her work she hopes to relay her message loud and clear.
"We are experiencing [a paradox] where the older generation is more educated than the younger generation," Zangana said.
"Women need to be given the resources so they may continue educating their children at home. Since the occupation, there has been a huge decline in women's rights. The priority right now is survival - it is the basic necessity."
Dr Matt Duffy, assistant professor at the College of Communication and Media Sciences at Zayed University, agreed. "It is a delicate time for the press," he said. "And this is exactly why we need more Emirati journalists. UAE nationals are the voice of the people from the country. It's time to develop new Emirati media leaders."
The role the media plays in forming social perceptions and opportunities for change is evident, he said. It is crucial that women participate in the industry to represent the female population.
Young women have recognised this and are actively pursuing media careers, he said.
At Zayed University, for example, 112 students are enrolled in the College of Communication and Media Sciences, nearly a 20 per cent increase from last year.
Eighty-five per cent of those students are Integrated Strategic Communications majors, which includes a strong journalism component. Part of the challenge, Dr Duffy said, is convincing students to think of journalism as a career.
One factor is the perceived lack of freedom in reporting, which is a common concern shared by many students.
"There really isn't much of a culture of journalism as a noble profession in this country," Dr Duffy said. "We're trying to change that."
According to a survey conducted for Al Aan TV by YouGov, nearly 20 per cent of women in the UAE would like to work in media-related industries including journalism and television.
Despite the fact that it has become more acceptable, cultural sensitivities about women joining the media industry still exist.
Of the male respondents surveyed, nearly 30 per cent said that they would never allow their female relatives to pursue a job related to journalism, media or television.
mismail@thenational.ae
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
At Eternity’s Gate
Director: Julian Schnabel
Starring: Willem Dafoe, Oscar Isaacs, Mads Mikkelsen
Three stars
The Bio
Name: Lynn Davison
Profession: History teacher at Al Yasmina Academy, Abu Dhabi
Children: She has one son, Casey, 28
Hometown: Pontefract, West Yorkshire in the UK
Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite Author: CJ Sansom
Favourite holiday destination: Bali
Favourite food: A Sunday roast
SPECS
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Power: 235hp
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Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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RESULTS
Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) beat Azizbek Satibaldiev (KYG). Round 1 KO
Featherweight: Izzeddin Farhan (JOR) beat Ozodbek Azimov (UZB). Round 1 rear naked choke
Middleweight: Zaakir Badat (RSA) beat Ercin Sirin (TUR). Round 1 triangle choke
Featherweight: Ali Alqaisi (JOR) beat Furkatbek Yokubov (UZB). Round 1 TKO
Featherweight: Abu Muslim Alikhanov (RUS) beat Atabek Abdimitalipov (KYG). Unanimous decision
Catchweight 74kg: Mirafzal Akhtamov (UZB) beat Marcos Costa (BRA). Split decision
Welterweight: Andre Fialho (POR) beat Sang Hoon-yu (KOR). Round 1 TKO
Lightweight: John Mitchell (IRE) beat Arbi Emiev (RUS). Round 2 RSC (deep cuts)
Middleweight: Gianni Melillo (ITA) beat Mohammed Karaki (LEB)
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Flyweight (Female): Carolina Jimenez (VEN) beat Lucrezia Ria (ITA), Round 1 rear naked choke
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On the menu
First course
▶ Emirati sea bass tartare Yuzu and labneh mayo, avocado, green herbs, fermented tomato water
▶ The Tale of the Oyster Oyster tartare, Bahraini gum berry pickle
Second course
▶ Local mackerel Sourdough crouton, baharat oil, red radish, zaatar mayo
▶ One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Quail, smoked freekeh, cinnamon cocoa
Third course
▶ Bahraini bouillabaisse Venus clams, local prawns, fishfarm seabream, farro
▶ Lamb 2 ways Braised lamb, crispy lamb chop, bulgur, physalis
Dessert
▶ Lumi Black lemon ice cream, pistachio, pomegranate
▶ Black chocolate bar Dark chocolate, dates, caramel, camel milk ice cream
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
