Grants >> Grantee Spotlight: Yemen Female Media Forum
Middle East and North Africa
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  • MENA Grantee Spotlight


    • 2005 Middle East and North Africa Program Descriptions:

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    In the past decade, Yemen has taken modest steps toward advancing democratic reforms, holding competitive elections for the first time in modern history. However, the current political atmosphere and longstanding social constraints have severely limited the participation of women in journalism. In response to these obstacles, a group of highly motivated women journalists dedicated to increasing participation and access for women working in the media in Yemen established the Yemen Female Media Forum (YFMF) in February 2004.

    The YFMF has since developed a program dedicated to expanding the role of Yemeni women journalists in local, regional, and national media organizations and helping them overcome obstacles that inhibit their professional advancement. In 2005, the Forum conducted nine months of media training for 30 local women journalists that covered various thematic issues such as journalism ethics, legal aspects of reporting, women in the media, women's rights in international law, and gender equality. Practical skills such as writing and evaluating feature stories, interview techniques, and internet and research skills were also included. The training helped to strengthen the role of independent media, supporting the development of a cadre of highly trained, indigenous, professional female journalists.

    YFMF realizes that proper training can go only so far-women journalists also need a forum to access opportunities for employment, training, networking, and exchanging information. The Forum held an unprecedented one-day conference on gender and the media which received high-level exposure and national attention. The conference gave YFMF an opportunity to launch its website, which is dedicated to offering women journalists access to training opportunities and resources, news related to women in the media, and a forum for networking. In addition, YFMF produced the first ever Yemeni female journalist database and directory, which consists of the names, affiliations, addresses, and job descriptions of 360 women journalists. The website and directory provide critical resources to serve women journalists in their efforts to organize and take on leading roles in the media, and to raise awareness among Yemeni government officials and media professionals of the need to expand opportunities for women journalists.

    YFMF also conducted a study on working conditions for women journalists-a first of its kind for Yemen. Among the most common discriminatory practices reported were a shortage of training opportunities, few executive and managerial positions, and the inability to participate in events that take place abroad. Conclusions and recommendations suggested by the surveyed journalists include calls for more training, including mastering a foreign language, and the establishment of a fair standard of wages and bonuses.

    The discrimination that Yemeni women journalists face on a daily basis is a significant stumbling block on the path to Yemen's democratic advancement. The Yemen Female Media Forum will continue to support the empowerment of women in media and raise awareness among the government and the public of the need for greater opportunities for women in journalism. * Indicates Department of State Funding Beyond NED's Annual Appropriation

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