Womanthismonth.com December 2024 29 PEOPLE | interview nations have become astronauts, entrepreneurs and political leaders transforming their societies in remarkable ways. However, other regions, like Afghanistan and Iran, have seen setbacks, with regimes actively suppressing women’s voices. It’s heart-breaking to witness these regressions, especially when women continue to fight courageously for their rights. My own mother, who was a passionate advocate for girls’ education, remains my inspiration. Her efforts to ensure girls had access to schooling, even in impoverished areas of Lebanon, taught me the importance of education in empowering women. Today, I see a new generation of Arab women breaking barriers, but the road ahead remains long. How did your mother’s advocacy for female education shape your views on women’s empowerment? My mother was a true pioneer. Although she passed away when I was young, her legacy has been a guiding force throughout my life. She worked tirelessly to promote girls’ education, even establishing schools in conflict-affected. Her belief that men and women are equal partners in society became central to my own advocacy. Growing up, I watched her urge families to send their daughters to school, even when it was uncommon. Her determination inspired me to continue her work, advocating for women’s rights through my journalism and other efforts. How do you see the role of media in shaping societal change, particularly in the context of gender equality? Media plays a crucial role in challenging societal norms and amplifying the voices of the marginalised. While state-controlled media in parts of the Middle East can limit progress, independent platforms and digital media offer new opportunities for change. Journalists have the power to expose injustices, tell true stories that inspire action, and advocate for equality. In the Arab world, we’ve seen women journalists cover conflict zones and societal issues with bravery and professionalism. However, the rise of misinformation is a growing challenge, threatening the integrity of journalism and hindering progress on critical issues like gender equality. As a mother, how did you encourage your children to pursue their own paths? I’ve always believed in letting my children follow their passions. I have four children –two daughters and two step-sons – and I encouraged each of them to leave a footprint that can bring change in the world and explore what truly made them happy. Amal and Tala, for instance, have pursued careers in law, academia, entrepreneurship and design, and I’m incredibly proud of all my children’s accomplishments. My emphasis has always been on values like hard work, integrity and compassion. These principles have guided my children in becoming the strong, independent individuals they are today. What role do you hope your work will play in inspiring future generations? I see journalism as a powerful tool for social change. My goal has always been to use my platform to raise awareness about critical issues like women’s rights, diversity, education and justice. I hope to continue sharing stories that inspire, mentoring aspiring journalists and writing books that reflect the lessons I’ve learned over the years. Ultimately, I want my work to encourage young people, especially women, to believe in themselves, fearlessly pursue their passions and contribute to building a more equitable world.
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