Dialogue session explores media’s role in strengthening social protection

AMMAN — The Feminist Integral Centre for Research and Innovation (FICRI) on Monday held a virtual dialogue on media influence on extending social protection coverage and strengthening social awareness.

Speaking during the dialogue session, Mayyada Abu Jaber, founder and CEO of JoWomenomics, noted that “media presents people’s stories and plays an essential role in bringing their voices to the world”.

Media has the potential to bring people together and in Jordan media personnel and journalists are present across all governorates, which helps in creating organic stories, she added.

For her part, Tunisian journalist Radia Al Seidi who held senior media positions, talked about media training and education and their importance to enable journalists and media personnel while getting coverage.

Seidi pointed out that “representation of women in media positions, particularly senior positions is still low”, however, she added that the low presence of women in this sector is not only in Arab countries, but even in Western countries.

The dialogue also discussed the role of media in shaping the scope of policy, the importance of media reaction in policymaking, and the influence of Arab media today.

Having media partners helps in effective dissemination of information, said Adel Saleh, associate professor of political communication at the British University in Egypt.

“Combining social media with traditional media creates a dual approach,” according to Saleh who also noted that conducting more detailed studies would help in building effective policies.

He added that bringing about change in societies will not be achieved without having “supportive media policies”.

The session was moderated by Bayan Al Tal, media development, literacy and communication specialist.