Fatima tells Arab media to focus on women's issues

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak yesterday gave a call to Arab media to give special attention to Arab women's issues and concerns from the Arab-Islamic perspective in order to find sound solutions to them.

"Open deliberations on these issues through media organs will help increase awareness of women, notably those living in rural regions," said Sheikha Fatima, Wife of the UAE President and Chairperson of the UAE Women's Federation.

In an exclusive interview to the Egyptian daily Akhbar Al Youm published yesterday, Sheikha Fatima said that she was in favour of launching a special satellite TV channel for woman provided that it does not seek to segregate man (husband) from the woman (wife) because they constitute the backbone of the family and each one's role compliments the other's in regard to family and community.

Asked about the best way to mirror a true image of Arab women in media, Sheikha Fatima said "Arab media can never reflect the real status of Arab women unless current Arab media leaders have softened their control on the industry and intellectual and cultural affiliations have been put aside. Requirements of Arab women, she added, should be placed on top of media priorities.

"Shedding extensive light on certain issues concerning women, while turning a blind eye to others, does not give a true position of Arab women. It also underlines how the media fails to catch up with achievements made by women in all walks of life".

She noted that the best way to highlight the role of women in public life is to report the positive developments attained by women in the political, cultural and social sectors and their engagement in trade unions.

She blasted the Arab media for its injustifiable distance from the controversial issues such as the personal status law and the social causes of women crimes.

Sheikha Fatima gave special credit to the National Women's Council in Egypt as one of the most successful and unique experiments in the Arab world, adding that she always consults Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak, wife of Egyptian President and Head of the Council, on a host of issues concerning Arab women.

She also praised Mrs. Mubarak for her great efforts in holding the first Arab Women's Summit and other forums.

On the Muslim women's image in Western world, Sheikha Fatima said the stereotype image of Muslim women in the West is unfair.

"We should have effective media organs capable of delivering the true image of Muslim women in western countries," she said.

On the Arab Women Media Forum which concluded in Abu Dhabi last week, Sheikha Fatima said the gathering was held at the right time and issued a code of ethics for Arab women.