Yemeni Women Journalists “Speak for Peace”… Media as a Catalyst for Social Justice and Women's Rights
Supporting Peace, Social Justice, Gender Equality, and the Expansion of Women’s Participation in Media
The Global Region 2 of the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), led by Director Seoyeon Lee, announced that it attended the official launch ceremony of Yemen’s independent media initiative, “Media for Peace,” on the 29th of last month.
The launch focused on strengthening the capacity of women journalists and forming media discourse that supports peace, social justice, and gender equality. It drew attention as a significant step in activating women-led media initiatives within Yemeni society, which lies at the forefront of conflict and division.
Dr. Ikram Al-Akouri, Chair of the platform and keynote speaker of the day, stated, “This platform stems from the belief that the media can drive social change,” and emphasized, “It will serve to help women journalists step forward confidently as agents shaping public opinion and policy through critical awareness.”
She continued, “The platform will provide women journalists with a safe and free space and operate an integrated program including professional training, documentation, media campaigns, and professional communication,” adding, “We will also build a solidarity network of women journalists in cooperation with domestic and international institutions.”
Ms. Ahlam Abdul Raqib, during the presentation of the vision, stated, “This launch is not just a beginning but a turning point where women’s media becomes central to social dialogue,” and added, “We will especially focus on restoring communities based on peace.”
Professor Abdul Bari Taher, President of the Yemeni Journalists Association, said, “Now is the time to bring the voices of women journalists to the forefront of society,” urging for the active participation of women in the media field. Professor Nabil Al-Asidi, a member of the Yemeni Journalists Union Council, remarked, “The launch of such a platform amid these difficult circumstances is a symbol of hope itself.”
So-Young, Director of International Cooperation for IWPG Global Region 2, stated, “Peace must spread beyond borders, and the media is the key medium that makes this possible,” and added, “IWPG will continue to build peace networks with women journalists around the world, including in Yemen.”
During the launch event, a video showcasing IWPG’s activities in Yemen was screened, leaving a strong impression on attendees and concluding the ceremony as an opportunity to confirm the possibility of solidarity with local activists.
This launch is considered both symbolic and effective, as it marks the establishment of a media structure for peace by women themselves within Yemen, a conflict zone in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, IWPG is a global women’s NGO registered with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the Department of Global Communications (DGC), headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. It operates 115 branches in 122 countries and actively collaborates with over 800 partner organizations in 68 countries. With a vision of achieving sustainable world peace, IWPG strives to spread necessary global solidarity, promote a culture of peace, provide women's peace education, and advocate for the enactment of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).