Media is still a man’s world in Bahrain, say women journalists

Manama : There has been an immense change in the media since early 2000 with the publication of several newspapers but it is still a man’s world. Several women journalists consider inequality as a prominent obstacle hindering the growth of women in the media industry in the Kingdom. Journalists who spoke to DT expressedtheir aspirations and the areas that the press industry needs to improve on, mainly the empowerment of women in this significant field that has always been referred to as the fourth estate.  

“When I started out in the industry Bahrain was undergoing a transition period with the introduction of freedom of expression which led to the commencement of many newspapers. People wanted their voiced to be heard,” said Rasha Al Ebrahim, head of the reporters at Bahrain News Agency.

With over 17 years of experience in the media field Rasha Ebrahim considers inequality as a prominent obstacle hindering the growth of women in the media industry.

“Women in many sectors have already proven their quality in various ways. We aren’t lacking skills or education.

“We are sometimes more qualified than our male colleagues. People’s perspective with regard to a woman leading a press agency is a challenge, it’s their mentality,” she said.

“It’s still a man’s world,” she added.

She emphasized on the need for rights more than appreciation or recognition for accomplishments.

“We aren’t seeking gratitude or praise, we want our rights,” she emphasized. 

She added, “The supreme Council of Women is fighting for equal opportunities for woman in workplaces. If a woman deserves this position, she should have it, yet, many institutes make up excuses that are just tailored for women to stop them from growing,”

Competition fair, healthy: Scribe

Al Ayam journalist Hussain Alabed said the competition between newspapers is fair and healthy and has contributed towards the growth of the industry.

“After ten years of journalism, I believe that the media experience in Bahrain is pioneering. Bahraini journalists are among the best in the field. There is a fair competition between newspapers and media outlets in Bahrain to create news. One of the common problems facing the press in Bahrain is the difficulty in obtaining information. There is a reservation by the official authorities in providing information and in dealing with the press in some accounts. In addition to the lack of appreciation by some quarters, I think that wages in the press industry need to be improved. 

“The strengthening of the press sector needs more assurance to national cadres, allowing them to develop new vision in the world of information, especially in view of the development of this sector. Lastly, the state should give the press greater support both financially and encourage the press environment, which will raise the standard of living of Bahraini journalists.”

Programme producer and presenter on Bahrain International Atifa Alsayed began working  as presenter in December 2011 and went on to become a producer as well as an evening talk show host emphasizing on youth and women empowerment.

“The field of media is progressing, there are more women in the media industry,” she said.

“Every progress takes time; I believe we will be seeing a lot of women holding senior post in the future that men now hold. Women are capable of holding these posts,” she added.

“As a woman I believe we can work hard and accomplish what we want to accomplish, it doesn’t matter people thing. We should believe in ourselves,” she stated.

Atifa added that the freedom of expression granted by His Majesty the King opened doors to the industry to progress allowing an increase in the number of publications and journalists too.

“Tomorrow His Royal Highness presents the Khalifa bin Salman Award, the strongest reflection of how the leadership and government believe in the power of the press and its ability to contribute towards change in our beloved country.”

Shouq Mohamed started out her career in the media field at the age of 16 and is one of the youngest TV news presenters for Bahrain TV to grace televisions across Bahrain. 

“When I entered the new department I was very young and it a while for people to take me seriously, everyone I was working with was above their 30s. I had to prove myself to everyone including the people I had to interview. Now they recognize me and take me seriously” she stated. 

“The good thing of the media industry these days is that the older generation is very supportive of the younger that are just starting out in their career; they give us a lot of opportunities,” she said.

“Women are being given more opportunities in the media field for designations that are usually associated with men. We have female video editors as well as camerawomen,” She added.

“People need to be more open about the positions women can hold in the industry, we are very capable. My boss just gave birth and is on paternity leave now, yet she is still managing the entire English news team from her house, which man can do that?” she stated.

‘Media has flourished over the years’

Nayla Barakat, News Editor, Bahrain News Agency, said the media sector has flourished greatly in Bahrain over the years. 

“Not only has the print media but also the recent social media has excelled in the Kingdom. This is certainly possible with the freedom the press representatives are granted by the leadership of the country. Bahrain as one of the developed countries have given freedom of speech and expression to the press and media and I believe there are do’s and do not’s in every field. 

“I can speak for myself that as a journalist for the last 21 years I never had to face any problems as they say that, ‘Journalism is a Passion and not a Profession’. For a journalist its never to enough to add more feathers in his or her hat. We don’t really think about getting a targetted amount in our pockets, but to achieve our goals. The media sector has made a benchmark for many occasions in Bahrain where every area has worked tirelessly.”

Dr Mohammed Ali al Shabaan, Main News Anchor and Reporter, Bahrain International TV  believes that the  industry is very well developed here in Bahrain. 

“Thanks to the directives and constant support of the wise leadership, there are a number of well-developed industries of journalism in different languages whether be it in print, broadcast, or new media through electronic and digital platforms. Due to the geographical factor, the number of covered stories could be relatively limited. There is not much room for exclusives compared to larger countries. But this could be seen as a positive as it creates a strong bond and familiarity between journalists representing different publications and officials. Journalism as a profession is extremely demanding. “

Head of Bahrain International TV Mohammed Ali Janahi said the press industry has flourished in the era of HM the King, especially during the start of the reform process that was launched. 

“Since then 60 daily and periodical newspapers and magazine have enriched the media landscape in Bahrain. Also, the establishment of The High Authority for Media and Communication in June 2013 in Bahrain ensured all information outlets to comply with the code of press ethics and their rights. I think there is no major problems but at the same time, I think a journalist should be more hungry for new materials (news) and should seek out to get deeper content, like in terms of exclusive news.