Women have an extremely important role to play in the media and it provides a support and thriving environment for Palestinian women Photo Instagram / @artby.aiesha
Palestine – According to Sejood Shneewra, an activist and journalist based in Gaza, being a woman in journalism is a remarkable achievement, considering the daily challenges faced by women in occupied Palestine. She believes journalism provides a supportive environment where Palestinian women can thrive and support each other, whether within the context of their lives under Israeli occupation or in civil society.
On a broader scale, Shneewra highlights the importance of the media as a platform for marginalised voices globally. She believes the media has the potential to help people, particularly women, break free from stereotypes and societal expectations while fostering positive change within communities.
Shneewra stresses the vital role of Palestinian women in the media, with many journalists, writers, and filmmakers using their stories to shed light on their lives, realities, and social challenges and, most importantly, reveal the truth about the hardships endured by Palestinians under apartheid Israel.
“Working in the media for women is something which is really hard, but women could succeed in it. [They can] change the stereotype about them. Make their voices heard by the world and by their communities. Through the media, Palestinian women succeed at shedding light on their lives, on their realities and on social issues … They fight these expectations and challenges when they appeal to their communities as writers, filmmakers and journalists.”
The Need for More Palestinian Journalism
Having personally experienced the Israeli transgressions in Palestine, Shneewra strongly believes journalism plays a vital role in supporting Palestinians in their fight against the challenges of the occupation.
In her view, it is the responsibility of all Palestinians to speak up about their struggles, sacrifices, and cause. Therefore, the active participation of both men and women in the media is crucial, as it is only through their collective efforts can they bring about the desired change.
“It is our duty, every person in Palestine, to talk about the issues of Palestine. About the issues that they want to fight and struggle for. It is important for us, not just men, to be engaged in media but also women because when all of us are working in a strong field like media, this will [bring about] better change.”
Moreover, Shneewra sets an example and aims to pave the way for more women to become active and engaged in the media. She seeks to make the press more inclusive by amplifying powerful voices within their communities.
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The Power of the Truth
Major international media outlets with ties to Israel and its partners have primarily downplayed the Palestinian struggle and its losses over the years. However, the emergence of social media and independent journalism has bridged the gap, bringing people worldwide closer to the harsh realities on the ground and, most importantly, exposing the truth.
“This is the first step to liberating our land. Because by powerful voices speaking the truth, all the people will know. [One day, the narratives pushed by] the mainstream media will not work because the powerful people and women who engage in this field and speak the truth and be strong will not make anybody underestimate us.”
Individuals like Shneewra and others now feel a sense of responsibility to amplify this truth by speaking out against the crimes committed by the Israeli occupiers and settlers. According to Shneewra, using the media in this manner and providing a platform for Palestinian voices marks the initial step towards liberation and, hopefully, a step towards the end of the occupation.
