Women journalists from Iraq, U.S., Italy discuss career challenges, successes

Published Feb. 1, 2010
By Senior Master Sgt Elizabeth Gilbert
407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

ALI BASE, Iraq -- A seminar of Iraqi women in traditional burqas and western women in dresses and pants is indicative of a new emerging trend in today's Iraq: women in journalism. A dozen Iraqi women journalists met with western and U.S. military women journalists to exchange ideas and promote journalism for women in Iraq Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 at Camp Mittica, Coalition Operating Base Adder, Dhi Qar Province, Iraq.

"It's a great opportunity to speak to these women today," said Gina Di Meo, an Italian reporter embedded with the 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division/Public Affairs, COB Adder, Iraq.

"I am as interested in them as they are in me and am honored to be their guest speaker," Di Meo commented.

The Iraqi women listened intently to Di Meo, hoping to enhance their journalism skills to prepare for Iraq's second democratic election scheduled for March 7.

Most of the Iraqi journalists at the conference hold higher education degrees in fields other than journalism. A few of the women received their journalism training as part of a program offered by the Provincial Reconstruction Team five years ago. They have a common goal, to learn and speak the truth through their writings.

"In 2004 when I was living in Baghdad, it was dangerous times," said Zanab, a math teacher who became a journalist two years ago.

"My family forbade me to be a journalist because women journalists report under cover and risk their lives," she said. "Since I moved to Al-Sumawa province, I can be a journalist, but with restrictions in what I write."

Other women like Zanab face many restrictions, hurdles and obstacles as an emerging journalist in a country where media is predominantly dominated by men.

"Women journalists in general encounter more difficulty than men in the field, not just here in Iraq but all over the world," said Di Meo. "The women who make it, make it big and are very successful."

There were a few male journalists present in the room as chaperones for some of the women, a tradition acceptable in Iraq. Though the seminar was designed for women, the men could not stay silent and gave their opinions as well.

When the men began to dominate the discussion, our host Anna Prouse, Italian PRT camp leader, quickly brought the discussion back in focus.

Prouse asked the men if they faced the same obstacles as women journalists. One man said that they don't have the pressures a woman has, but that they are restricted in the topics they may cover as well.

"Men look at women as inferior in journalism", said another male journalist in the room, "it is because of the previous government, but now we will try to treat them less inferior."

By mid-day lunch was prepared for all the conference attendees. The women proceeded to the mudhif, a small straw building common only in the southern marshy regions of Iraq. The women sat on a woven rug breaking bread with one another continuing their discussion of the upcoming election coverage.

The Iraqis face a dilemma that surpasses even the United States in a Presidential election; 5000 candidates versus the handful that run in the U.S. The women wanted to know how to choose a candidate to interview.

"When you interview someone, open your mind and don't be prejudiced," said Di Meo. "Be open-minded because there are always two sides to a story," she explained.

"Always verify what they tell you," De Meo continued. "If they tell you that they have a dog, investigate that they really have a dog."

Di Meo advised the Iraqi journalists to pick who they think the best candidate is and to always stick to the truth, even though it is difficult.

The Iraqi women journalists agreed that they would like more election coverage training before the upcoming elections in March. Prouse commented that she would schedule another women's seminar featuring an election coverage expert from Baghdad.