http://news.linktv.org Link TV News Videos (Filtered by topics: Women in Arab societies) en-us Fri, 26 Oct 2012 21:51:00 -0700 Copyright 2011 Link Media, Inc. http://news.linktv.org/videos/pop-goes-islam?start=0 4Shbab is the first Islamist musical channel ever launched in the Arab world. 4Shbab's story and its protagonists reflect the melting pot of cultural contradictions that is the Middle East today: how to be modern, fond of music, and Muslim? They want the same things anyone else does in the 21st century: fame, glory, and success. But they want it the Islamic way, without compromising their values. Pop Goes Islam will be a way of discovering the inner dynamics of Islam by following Abu Haiba, the boss of the channel, and veiled model Yasmine Osman as they try to achieve their dreams. Fri, 26 Oct 2012 21:51:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/pop-goes-islam 4shbab, Music video, Pop music, Women in Arab societies, Egyptian television, Women in Egypt, Women in Islam, Arab world, Arabic language, Islamism 4Shbab is the first Islamist musical channel ever launched in the Arab world. 4Shbab's story and its protagonists reflect the melting pot of cultural contradictions that is the Middle East today: how to be modern, fond of music, and Muslim? ---- They want the same things anyone else does in the 21st century: fame, glory, and success. But they want it the Islamic way, without compromising their values. Pop Goes Islam will be a way of discovering the inner dynamics of Islam by following Abu Haiba, the boss of the channel, and veiled model Yasmine Osman as they try to achieve their dreams. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101012?start=833 <p>Thousands march to demand justice for massacre of Copts in Cairo, Israel gears up for early elections amid Palestinian fears of renewed violence, Pakistani girl shot in head by Taliban remains in critical condition, and more.</p> Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101012 Syrian Civil War, Syria, Gaza, NATO, Benjamin Netanyahu, Afghanistan War, Israel Defense Forces, Afghanistan, Palestinians, United Nations Presenter, Female #1 Pakistani surgeons were able to extract a bullet from the body of a 14-year-old girl. The Pakistani Taliban shot her because of her support for girls' education, and because of her criticism of the Taliban movement. Doctors say that the girl is still in critical condition. She was shot in the head and neck yesterday after leaving school in the town of Mingora, in Pakistan's Swat Valley. Reporter, Male #1 Malala Yousufzai is a girl who has not left childhood just yet. But this did not prevent her from being shot by armed men from the Pakistani Taliban movement. Bullets were fired by armed men from the movement after they stopped the bus that was transporting Malala and her friends after they left school. One of the bullets pierced Malala's head, rendering her unconscious. Reporter, Male #1 Medical reports indicate that Malala's condition is still critical, and that the next three or four days of her life are important. The bullet penetrated her skull and remains near her neck. Malala was punished for recently leading a campaign that called for the right to education for girls in Swat Valley. It was a campaign that attracted tens of thousands of girls deprived of education at the hands of the Taliban, who control the valley. Reporter, Male #1 She has been writing to international media outlets since she was 11, revealing that girls in the region are being subjected to terror, death threats to prevent them from receiving an education, and the arson of their schools. Reporter, Male #1 Pakistani society went through a harsh shock after the assassination attempt on Malala. The attempt was claimed by the Pakistani Taliban, which vowed to track her down once more if she survived this time. Guest, Female #2 Malala Yousufzai is like our sister. We pray that she recovers soon. We hope that students can benefit from her enlightening beliefs. Guest, Male #2 I believe that this is evidence of an atrocity. This is not an attack on Malala alone. It's an attack on all the girls in the country. Reporter, Male #1 Malala has received the first National Peace Award from the Pakistani government, and she was nominated for the International Children's Peace Prize, which is awarded by the KidsRights Foundation. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100512?start=1153 <p>Thousands of Jordanians take part in Friday protests despite king's dissolution of parliament, Israeli forces clash with worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, Syrian rebels down military plane on outskirts of Damascus, and more.</p> Fri, 05 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100512 Syrian Civil War, Syria, Nuclear program of Iran, Syria-Turkey relations, Palestinians, Benjamin Netanyahu, Politics of Turkey, Sanctions against Iran, Damascus, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Presenter, Male #1 A presidential apology was issued over the case that has stirred up a large controversy in Tunisia. Tunisian President Moncef al-Marzouki offered a state apology to the girl who was raped by two police agents, saying that the rape only affected the honor of the perpetrators. In a presidential statement, al-Marzouki viewed the flaw as not being within the security institution, but rather in the mindset of some of its members. He stressed that the presidency will follow this case very closely, so that no political considerations rise above the rule of law. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100312?start=407 <p>Iranian riot police clash with demonstrators during currency crisis protests in Tehran, Bahrain launches crackdown on funeral for activist who died in custody, Tunisian woman accused of indecency after being raped by security forces, and more.</p> Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-100312 Syrian Civil War, Syria, Israel, Human rights, Aleppo, Free Syrian Army, Palestinians, Iran, Damascus, Activism Presenter, Male #1 The Tunisian judiciary charged a girl with public indecency, after police said they had arrested her in a car under what they described as "suspicious circumstances" this past September. The girl had accused security agents of raping her. The judge ended the session, which he held to listen to the victim, who for now is a defendant, until further review of the case and the rest of the accusations at a later time. This came at a time when the square of the Palace of Justice was filled with hundreds of people showing solidarity with the girl. Ramzi Hefayad reports from Tunisia. Reporter, Male #2 At the closing of the first session of a controversial trial, whose sessions may drag on, the examining judge directed a charge of public indecency against the girl, who accused security agents of raping her. Guest, Female #1 We need justice. These are needs that can't be ignored. We did not revolt so that we would get falsely accused in the end. We're going back. We want justice, we don't want oppression. Guest, Female #2 Have we forgotten what we worked hard for? We don't trust the police anymore. We're afraid to be stopped by them. This is no longer a safe country. Reporter, Male #2 Everything leaked from the court's corridors and the investigating bureau indicates that there will be no quick solution to this case, in which the girl remains both victim and defendant. This situation doesn't frighten the 80 lawyers who took up the girl's case. Guest, Male #3 (Abdel Sattar Bin Moussa, President of Tunisian League for Human Rights and the Girl's Lawyer) They are malicious accusations. Security agents, who were the ones accused of the rape, cannot be the witnesses. This means that the ruling on the investigation will not issue its decision today. It will take days. I believe that the decision will be directed towards maintaining the accusations brought against her, which will be very dangerous. Reporter, Male #2 The broad popularity of this case, as well as its media following, are once again rousing the tense relationship that has always existed between employees of the Tunisian Ministry of Internal Affairs and the rest of the population. Reporter, Male #2 Whatever the outcome of the case may be, the girl's complaint in itself proves that employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are no longer a red line, as in the previous era. This is a new situation that is unfamiliar to all of the defendants, plaintiffs, and observers. Ramzi Hefayad, Dubai TV, Tunisia. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-092712?start=545 A report that was recently issued by the British organization Oxfam revealed that Yemen is suffering from hunger and malnutrition, and the victims are mostly women and children, reports BBC Arabic. Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-092712 UN General Assembly, Syrian Civil War, Palestinians, Iran, Syria, Israel, Nuclear program of Iran, United Nations, Ramin Mehmanparast, 2012 South Sudan–Sudan border conflict Presenter, Male #1 A report that was recently issued by the British organization Oxfam revealed that Yemen is suffering from the problems of hunger and malnutrition. The victims are mostly women and children, who account for more than half of the country's population. The worsening food and economic crisis will threaten Yemen's stability and development if it is not addressed promptly. This is a matter that will limit the dreams of millions who went out into the streets demanding change and reform. Reporter, Female #1 This woman's eyes are filled with tears. She is complaining, as millions of other Yemeni women have, of the bad living conditions that she and her family are living through, due to the worsening economic crisis, and the recent spread of hunger and poverty in the country. Reporter, Female #1 A recent report by the British Oxfam organization, which was titled, "Still Waiting for Change in Yemen," reported that the condition of 4 out of 5 women has worsened over the last year. Reporter, Female #1 Yemeni women, who participated in the popular uprising, are affected the most by the food crisis there. Despite the optimistic atmosphere that accompanied the power handover from former President Ali Abdullah Saleh to current President Abd Rabbu Mansur Hadi, the desired improvement for the economic situation did not happen, according to the Oxfam organization's report. Reporter, Female #1 The hunger crisis has hit nearly half of Yemen's population, including about a million children who suffer from severe malnutrition. Several humanitarian relief agencies promptly responded to this crisis. They called on the Friends of Yemen Conference, which is scheduled to be held today in New York, to rapidly respond to the calls for relief. They also called on them to disburse the pledges they promised in 2006, which amounted to nearly USD 5 billion. Yemen has so far only received 10 percent of that amount. Guest, Female #2 (Amel Alariqi, Spokeswoman for Oxfam Organization in Yemen) There are deep concerns that the humanitarian situation is deteriorating day after day. We now have 10 million people who cannot find enough food. We have a million children who are suffering from malnutrition. It's very important that this aid arrives as soon as possible, so that the humanitarian conditions in Yemen don't worsen. Reporter, Female #1 Aside from the stability in Yemen, the crisis also threatens the future of Yemeni children, which is in jeopardy. It was reported that Yemen's malnutrition rates are amongst the highest in the world. Yemeni women complain of being unable to buy food and find job opportunities. Many of them were forced to take their children out of school and have them beg in the streets. Guest, Male #2 (Ahmed al-Ansi, Yemeni Health Minister) Yemen is going through a very difficult and critical situation, and it needs all efforts and all opportunities available. Reporter, Female #1 It seems that Yemen needs a strategic plan to guarantee its exit out of this crisis, which is worsening day after day, as well as a prompt response to the urgent needs on the ground. It needs a comprehensive strategy that guarantees the resolution of the root causes of the crisis. Reporter, Female #1 This country's citizens took to the streets a year ago, in search of freedom, reform, security, and stability. But their Spring has brought poverty, malnutrition, and further deprivation. Samah Hamdan, BBC. http://news.linktv.org/videos/saudi-arabias-first-women-only-city?start=0 In Saudi Arabia, the government is planning to construct a women-only city in the Eastern Province's Hofuf to boost the number of women in the Saudi workforce while still adhering to Sharia laws preventing men and women from working side-by-side. Mon, 13 Aug 2012 16:51:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/saudi-arabias-first-women-only-city Women in Arab societies, Women's rights in Saudi Arabia, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia, Women in Islam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, Sex segregation, Shia Islam, CNN In Saudi Arabia, the government is planning to construct a women-only city in the Eastern Province's Hofuf to boost the number of women in the Saudi workforce while still adhering to Sharia laws preventing men and women from working side-by-side. Funding for the city is estimated at USD 130 million, and could create as many as 5,000 jobs for women in the country. http://news.linktv.org/videos/breaking-barriers-saudi-arabias-female-olympic-athletes?start=0 Judo athlete Wojdan Shahrkhani and 800-meter runner Sarah Attar are the first females to represent Saudi Arabia at the Olympics. Their presence at the games reflects an unprecedented move from the Saudi Arabia Olympic Committee, which previously banned females from participating. Sun, 05 Aug 2012 09:22:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/breaking-barriers-saudi-arabias-female-olympic-athletes 2012 London Olympics, Women's rights in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia, Women in Islam, Olympic Games, Women in Arab societies, Women's rights, Judo, Al Arabiya For the first time in Olympic history, female athletes are represented in every country competing in the London games. Judo athlete Wojdan Shahrkhani and 800-meter runner Sarah Attar are the first females to represent Saudi Arabia in the summer games. Their presence reflects an unprecedented move from the Saudi Arabia Olympic committee, which banned female athletes from the Olympics ever since the kingdom first started participating in the games in 1972. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071212?start=573 In addition to Saudi Arabia's female athletes, the London Olympic Games has also set another precedent with the participation of 17-year-old Kuwaiti female swimmer Faye Sultan, who will compete in the 100-meter freestyle race, BBC Arabic reports. Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071212 Iron Dome, Eilat, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Palestinians, Israel, Israel Defense Forces, 2012 insurgency in the Azawad, 2011-2012 Saudi Arabia protests, Rivers State, Ehud Olmert Presenter, Female #1 The International Olympic Committee announced that Saudi women athletes will be participating for the first time ever in the London Olympic Games. The committee said the Saudi delegation to the London 2012 Olympics will include female judo athlete Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim and runner Sarah Attar, who will be competing in the 800-meter race. The two athletes are participating following an invitation by the International Committee that conducted extensive negotiations with the Saudi Olympic Committee. And with that, the London Olympic Games will make history by being the first European game to include the participation of female athletes from all countries. Presenter, Female #1 These Olympic Games also set another precedent with the participation of a Kuwaiti female swimmer. And despite swimmer Faye Sultan's modest aspirations of wining an Olympic medal, she hopes that her pioneering participation will add another contribution to women's achievements in the conservative Kuwaiti society. Reporter, Male #1 Kuwaiti women scored another accomplishment, as swimmer Faye Sultan will be the first Kuwaiti woman to participate in the Olympic Games. Faye is training here in Calella, Spain, before traveling to London to participate in the games. The 17-year-old girl, who will compete in the 100-meter freestyle race, is aware of her achievement's impact and is proud of it, despite her careful evaluation of her abilities and opportunities in the championship. Guest, Female #2 (Faye Sultan, Kuwaiti Swimmer) Hopefully I can improve my time, my own personal record, and not come last. Reporter, Male #1 Faye started her swimming training relatively late when she was a 9 year-old child. She stopped swimming for some time to learn to dance, and then started seriously training again two years ago. The Kuwaiti training team believes in the swimmer's abilities. Guest, Male #2 (Jose Baltar Leite, Kuwaiti Swimmers' Coach) She was in the World Junior Championship in Lima, Peru, last year. She did well, and she has a promising future. Reporter, Male #1 Faye says she will enroll in a university soon, and hopes to be able to participate in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, before she retires. And while she bears the Kuwaiti flag, Faye and the other members of the Kuwaiti team are not competing under their country's banner; rather, they are participating under the Olympic flag. The International Olympic Committee suspended the Kuwaiti Olympic Committee after accusing it of making politically-motivated decisions. Resolving the dispute between the two committees will undoubtedly enhance the symbolism of Faye's participation. http://news.linktv.org/videos/egyptian-women-fight-back-against-sexual-harassment?start=0 For years, Egyptian women have put up with sexual harassment, simply for walking down the street. Now they are saying 'enough is enough." But female protestors even came under attack at an anti-sexual harassment rally in Tahrir Square last month. Tue, 03 Jul 2012 08:55:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/egyptian-women-fight-back-against-sexual-harassment Egyptian Revolution, Sexual harassment, Egypt, Women in Egypt, Tahrir Square, Violence against women, Women's rights, Protest, Women in Arab societies, Women in Islam For years, Egyptian women have put up with sexual harassment, simply for walking down the street. Now they are coming out into the open to say 'enough is enough'. At a rally in Tahrir Square last month, female protestors came under attack. Water was thrown into the crowd in an attempt to repel the mob of men who were groping women and trying to remove their clothes. An anti-harassment demonstration became itself a target for harassment. What used to be a silent shame has now been thrust into the open, with exhibitions and events. The revolution in Egypt has raised the expectations of many women. Al Jazeera's Jacky Rowland reports from Cairo. http://news.linktv.org/videos/can-turkish-tv-contribute-to-social-change-in-the-middle-east?start=0 The "Arab Spring" has changed several political regimes in the Middle East and is shaping modern culture in the region. Given Turkey's historical and political influence, how much sway does the country's television and movie exports hold in contributing to this social change? Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:33:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/can-turkish-tv-contribute-to-social-change-in-the-middle-east Arab Spring - duplicate, Media of Turkey, Turkey, Middle East, Arab culture, Social change, Arab world, Television, Film, Media The "Arab Spring" has changed several political regimes in the Middle East and is shaping modern culture in the region. Given Turkey's historical and political influence, how much sway does the country's television and movie exports hold in contributing to this social change? http://news.linktv.org/videos/gaza-women-strike-a-blow-for-female-equality-by-working-as-waitresses?start=0 Renad al-Ghouz has been working as a waitress in Gaza since she graduated from university but she continues to face many challenges. It is not common for women to work in this industry, but the 24-year-old says she ignores negative comments. Wed, 06 Jun 2012 15:53:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/gaza-women-strike-a-blow-for-female-equality-by-working-as-waitresses Gaza City, Women in Palestine, Women in Arab societies, Women in Islam, Gaza, Gender equality, Unemployment, Waiting staff, Graduate unemployment, Restaurant industry Renad al-Ghouz has been working as a waitress in Gaza since she graduated from university but she continues to face many challenges as it is not common for women to work in this industry. "I got my first degree seven years ago and kept searching for jobs until I found one at Dira restaurant. Although women do not work in this field, I worked at Dira for two years. Then I started work here at al-Salam restaurant after getting my second degree. It is really hard to find a job, so I will never leave this line of work," she said while taking orders from diners. The 24-year-old, who serves customers at al-Salam restaurant in Gaza City, says she ignores negative comments from some members in the community, but most diners at the restaurant have become used to seeing a waitress attend to them. "It is hard for a woman to work in this field. But now people are used to seeing us and it is OK," said Ghouz. Asmahan Nasser is another waitress who has learned to shrug off criticism. "In the beginning I had problems. When I used to take orders from an all-male table they would make fun of me and my job. I would listen and then forget about it," said the 21-year-old waitress. Both women say they work to support their families. Women in Gaza have traditionally worked as fruit and vegetable pickers in family farms. However, Ghouz represents a new group of women are taking on jobs usually reserved for men in the conservative enclave. Female professionals are predominantly employed in the health and educational sectors but they say jobs opportunities in general are increasingly limited. Analysts say conservatism and traditionalism in the Middle Easter is the primary reason women lag behind men in such fields. The General Director of al-Salam restaurant, Salah Abu Hasira, says hiring female tourism graduates allows them to work in a relevant field. "Having women work in the tourism industry enables them to be gainfully employed. At the restaurant, a tourism graduate will offer her woman's perspective in work towards clients, also women dressed in Muslim attire can feel more comfortable," said Hasira. Women like Ghouz earn about 1,000 shekels ($260) for 26 days of work. Waleed Kiddeh, a member of the Association of Tourism Services says the company has seen an influx of work-related requests from local women seeking employment in fields similar to Ghouz's. According to the United Nations, 40 percent of the population in Gaza is unemployed while local officials estimate 96 percent of women are unemployed. By Noora Faraj. http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-saudi-woman-defies-religious-police?start=0 A Saudi woman films her ordeal as she stands up to harassment from Saudi Arabia's religious police for wearing nail polish in a shopping mall. However, she may have violated the law by videotaping the religious police at work. Fri, 25 May 2012 16:25:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-saudi-woman-defies-religious-police Women's rights in Saudi Arabia, Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, Women in Islam, Women in Arab societies, Saudi Arabia, Women's rights, Twitter, Mutaween, Shopping mall, Nail polish A Saudi woman films her ordeal as she is harassed by Saudi Arabia's religious police for wearing nail polish in a shopping mall. She refuses to comply with an order from the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (CPVPV) to leave the area; instead, she records the whole encounter and seeks the help of mall security and the police. However, she may have violated the law by videotaping the religious police at work. In the video, the woman threatens to post the video to social media sites; indeed, the footage has gone viral in the few days since it was posted, with a number of journalists and women's rights activists cheering her on through Twitter. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040212?start=1340 <p>Israel moves Palestinian hunger striker from detention to large open air prison, Syria agrees to April 10 peace deadline as protests continue, Iraq asks Qatar to hand over fugitive vice-president, and more.</p> Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-040212 Israel, Israelis, Palestinian prisoners in Israel, West Bank, Israeli-occupied territories, Hana Shalabi, Marwan Barghouti, Migron, Mateh Binyamin, Haredi Judaism, Israeli–Palestinian conflict Presenter, Male #1 Amid the Arab Spring, Saudi women are also experiencing their own spring. Reporter, Female #1 Saudi women's participation in social and political life remains controversial among the kingdom's hardliners. And every time a sign of hope appears for women, its opponents kill it with Islamic jurisprudence debates and doubts. But more recently, a multi-layered mobilization around women's issues started. Guest, Female #2 Today is June 17 in Janna. I'm going to the grocery store. In the name of God. Reporter, Female #1 A number of Saudi women, headed by Manal al-Sharif, violated the driving ban and organized campaigns with the aim of defying that ban, the most prominent of which was called "Women 2 Drive". Saudi women are also moving towards taking part in the Olympic Games for the first time in their history, rendering the London 2012 Olympic Games a witness to female participation from all countries. Additionally, a Saudi woman is getting ready to place her name in the Guinness World Records book. Reema Abdullah, founder of the first women football team in Saudi Arabia, became the first Saudi Arabian female athlete to carry the Olympic torch on its way to London. Meanwhile, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Fahd wondered on his personal Twitter account about the benefit of a Saudi woman carrying the Olympic torch: Is either to provoke monotheists, or is indicative of Western hypocrisy? He called on scholars to condemn the action, saying he would exert efforts to stop it. Media reports mentioned that Saudi Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz approved of the participation of Saudi female athletes in the Olympics, as long as the sport is appropriate for women's nature and decency, and does not contradict Sharia teachings. Reporter, Female #1 It is worth mentioning that physical education in Saudi Arabia is limited to state-run all-boy schools, and women are forbidden to participate in any sport inside the kingdom. Just as sports, women are barred from working in the judiciary. So while Saudi women were unable to study law due to a lack of women's law schools, today, women are graduating from faculties of human rights and political science. However, they can only work as legal consultants. But the ambitions of Saudi women do not stop, so they demanded their right to practice law. And after many rounds of appeals and trips to the ministries to ask that women lawyers be granted licenses to defend women in specific personal cases, the Saudi justice minister stated there is no Islamic law or state law that forbids Saudi women from being lawyers. Perhaps the most prominent movement was witnessed in the universities of Riyadh, when Saudi female students helped organize the "Awakening of the Universities" campaign to support Saudi female prisoners in the kingdom's jails. So to summarize, this is only the tip of the iceberg the women's movement is witnessing in Saudi Arabia. Perhaps this is the women's chapter of the Arab Spring. And Saudi women imposed themselves, and are still attempting to do so despite male dominance. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031912?start=1373 Twenty-eight-year-old Mariam al-Safar became the first woman to work as a metro driver in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East, reports Palestine TV. After years of working in the banking sector, she decided to obtain a license to drive for Dubai's metro. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-031912 Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Israel, United Nations, Palestinians, Gaza–Israel conflict, Gaza, Syria, 2003 invasion of Iraq, Bahrain Uprising, Jews Presenter, Male #1 Twenty-eight-year-old Mariam al-Safar became the first woman to work as a metro driver in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East. After years of working in the banking sector, she decided to obtain a license to drive Dubai's metro. Reporter, Male #2 She is not just a passenger riding the train from one place to another; she is conducting the train. On the two train rails, she professionally conducts the train and skillfully plans the routes and movements of the train. Mariam al-Safar is the first woman in the United Arab Emirates, and the Middle East, to work as a train conductor. Guest, Female #1 The metro system in Dubai is new, so I decided to enter this sector since I am interested in this site and field. I will enter this sector and quickly move up. This is the idea that sparked my interest to work here and operate the train. Reporter, Male #2 Dubai's metro is considered one of the most advanced metro systems in the world. It is fully automated; however, it sometimes requires manual activation, especially in case of emergencies and during maintenance. Guest, Female #1 I drive the train manually if there is a problem with the train. We've faced problems before. For example, if the train is stuck at the station and we must evacuate the passengers, that's when we manually drive the train. But the train is normally completely automated through the control center. Reporter, Male #2 Besides the automatic and manual control of the train, Mariam's responsibilities include patrolling the automatic train to determine if all its technical parts are functioning. Guest, Female #1 Of course, before I start the train on the trajectory, I inspect the electronic parts of the metro and make sure that the brakes, batteries, and the doors are all fully functioning, and ensure the cleanliness of the train. We check all of those things before the train is operational. Reporter, Male #2 It is worth mentioning the UAE's government is exerting major efforts to encourage its local citizens to be involved in the country's various fields. Mariam, the 28-year-old young woman, is considered a beneficiary of these policies that attempt to change the world's view on the Emirati women's abilities. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030812?start=33 <p>The cry for "bread and roses" continues across the Middle East, Afghan women still struggling for their right to an education, Israeli forces attack Palestinian women challenging occupation policies, and more.</p> Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030812 International Women's Day, Saudi Arabia, United Nations, Nuclear program of Iran, Women's rights, Palestinians, Women in Arab societies, International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran, Violence against women Presenter, Male #1 Today, Lebanon and the world celebrated International Women's Day. So why is March 8 Women's Day? And what does it signify? Maha Hotayt reports. Reporter, Female #1 On March 8, 1908, thousands of women textile workers protested on the streets of New York under the slogan "bread and roses." They carried dry bread and roses, demanding shorter work hours, voting rights, and an end to child labor. This demonstration marked the start of the women's movement in the United States, especially after middle-class women joined the wave of demand for equality and justice. They adopted slogans demanding political rights, and particularly voting rights. On May 8, 1909, National Women's Day was celebrated for the first time in commemoration of the protests in New York. In 1977, May 8 was declared International Women's Day. Journalist and poet Joumana Haddad says Women's Day belongs to every woman who was told by someone that she "cannot," and she proved them wrong. Guest, Female #2 (Joumana Haddad, Journalist and Poet) For a lot of people, International Women's Day is linked to the illusion of celebrating a woman for being a woman. I view this as positive discrimination that I am against. International Women's Day is a reminder of all the women, and even men, who fought for a better world for women, a more equal world, and those who are still struggling today. So it is a day to commend those people. It is the day of the woman who believes in her power, and takes action. It is a cry to rise up and do something against the continued assault on women's dignity, and even their most basic human rights, by our patriarchal society. I believe it is disgrace for Lebanon that its parliament still hasn't adopted a law that protects women from domestic violence. It makes me feel ashamed to be Lebanese. Reporter, Female #1 Many say it's strange that women are demanding their rights in Lebanon since they have received most of them, an argument that falters when faced with a United Nations report indicating that the largest number of crimes of honor worldwide takes place in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq and Palestine, pointing out that 66 murders were recorded between 1999 and 2007 in Lebanon, this being the most extreme type of violence against women. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030812?start=529 In the city of Kandahar, girls risk their lives for an education to secure their future, a reality created by the security situation and the social norms that are prevalent in the area. Al Jazeera brings Mosaic this special International Women's Day report. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030812 International Women's Day, Saudi Arabia, United Nations, Nuclear program of Iran, Women's rights, Palestinians, Women in Arab societies, International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran, Violence against women Presenter, Male #1 In Afghanistan, women suffer from many problems. Most notably, women are denied an education in many provinces due to the deteriorating security condition and tribal norms. Presenter, Female #1 Our reporter Walli-Allah Shahine observed the situation of women in southern Afghanistan's province of Kandahar. Reporter, Male #2 Nearly 800 girls study at this institute, which is funded by the Canadian government. In the city of Kandahar, girls risk their lives to secure their future in an attempt to change the reality of women living in southern Afghanistan, a reality created by the security situation and the social norms that are prevalent in the area. Guest, Male #3 In this part of Afghanistan, women suffer a lot. For example, a girl here must convince her family to allow her to receive an education. The government is trying to do something; girl's schools are available in the city, but they are in need of eligible employees to improve the situation of women. Reporter, Male #2 Girls who are able to go to schools, institutes, and universities consider themselves lucky. It is a rarity for women to have the opportunity to study and gain knowledge despite the many girls' public schools in various Afghan cities. In contrast, schools are scarce in the villages and countryside. Guest, Female #2 The biggest problem women face in the southern part of Afghanistan is that they are deprived from receiving an education. Whenever any girl tries to seek an education, she finds many obstacles in her way. They are attacked with burning acid and they are harmed on the road. And their families are also harassed, forcing girls to stay at home. Reporter, Male #2 It is dangerous for women to join the job market in Kandahar. Some were killed and others were threatened. Nevertheless, some women still challenge the reality, and get a job to break the daily routine imposed by the reality of living in southern Afghanistan. Guest, Female #3 The situation has become more complicated and more dangerous. Nobody feels safe. Every one is thinking, "Will I make it home, or will I be killed on the way? And which group might target me?" We no longer only fear the Taliban and the foreign troops. Reporter, Male #2 When it comes to rights and responsibilities, equality between men and women is a subject that concerns many around the world. But in Afghanistan, everyone agrees that men and women are equal in the misery they share on a daily basis. Walli-Allah Shahine, al-Jazeera, Kandahar. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021312?start=607 Recent media reports said the Ministry of Women's Affairs is imposing a dress code on female employees that infringes on their personal freedoms and religious beliefs, reports Al-Iraqiya, but the minister strongly denied the claim. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-021312 Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran, Algeria, Pakistan, Algiers, United States, Barack Obama, Iran-Israel relations, Syrian Civil War Presenter, Female #1 Recent media reports said the Ministry of Women's Affairs is imposing a dress code on female employees that infringes on their personal freedoms and religious beliefs, but the minister strongly denied the claim. Presenter, Male #1 The ministry said the recommendation by the Higher National Committee for the Advancement of Iraqi Women stresses the importance of female employees adhering to wearing appropriate clothing to work in government institutions. Reporter, Male #2 The Ministry of Women's Affairs issued a set of guidelines suggesting that female employees should wear appropriate clothing to work in government institutions. The decision has been interpreted differently by the relevant ministries and organizations. This led activists to organize a women's rally in al-Mutanabi Street to demand constitutional compliance. They said women's rights are equal to those of men, and that singling out women in their workplaces and undermining their reputation is an act that infringes on their honor. Guest, Female #2 (Dr. Bashari al-Abeedi, Women's Rights Activist) No one has the right to decide what others should wear. This decision is guardianship over women and undermines women's citizenship. This is wrong. Reporter, Male #2 For her part, the Minister of Women's Affairs said the decision was recommended by the Higher National Committee for the Advancement of Iraqi Women, which is subordinate to the Ministry and consists of 37 members representing various ministries and government institutions. She said the decision gives women the freedom to wear what they see as appropriate, provided they respect public decency. Guest, Female #3 (Ibtihal Gasid, Minister of Women's Affairs) The dress code stipulates that female employees should wear appropriate clothes to work in the government. I believe that such a dress code gives women the freedom to wear the clothes they choose, but those that are also appropriate for the government institution they work in. Reporter, Male #2 Another point that activists brought forward against the Minister of Women's Affairs, which is the subject of controversy and debate, is that the minister does not acknowledge equality between men and women, but advocates men's guardianship over women. Guest, Female #2 When she said she does not believe in equality between men and women, she broke her oath because she violated Article 14 of the Constitution, which stipulates that all Iraqis are equal before the law. Reporter, Male #2 The minister of Women's Affairs denies she advocates men's guardianship over women. She confirmed that certain statements about her private family life were not correctly interpreted. Guest, Female #3 Media outlets said I don?t leave my home, or go to work, or to a parliamentary meeting unless my husband allows me to, and that is completely false. Reporter, Male #2 Issuing a dress code that forces female employees to wear formal clothing rendered the ministry a center of protests by women activists. They view the guideline as an encroachment on women's freedom, while their minister affirms it was issued for their benefit, not to limit their freedoms. From Baghdad, Ta'adi Ghazala, al-Iraqiya. http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-egypt-shocked-by-brutal-beating-of-female-protestor?start=0 Egyptians have been angered by a video showing military police violently beating a prone female protester in ongoing clashes in Cairo. The images are particularly shocking in this Arab country because the soldiers also violate the woman's modesty by pulling her clothing over her head, exposing her bra and midriff. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:46:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-egypt-shocked-by-brutal-beating-of-female-protestor Egypt, Tahrir Square, Military police, Women in Egypt, Protest, Abaya, Cairo, Baton (law enforcement), Violence against women, Bra WARNING: Graphic Content: Egyptians have been shocked by a video showing military police beating a prone female protester in recent clashes. The ongoing violence centered around Cairo's Tahrir Square has left at least 10 people dead and hundreds injured. ­The video, uploaded to YouTube Sunday, shows army soldiers in full riot gear attacking a seemingly unconscious female protester. These images are startling to Egyptian eyes due not only to the obvious violence against a defenceless female, but also because the soldiers violate the woman's modesty by pulling her clothing - a black abaya - over her head, exposing her bra and midriff. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111811?start=445 Protests against President Ali Abdullah Saleh continued in a number of Yemeni cities under the slogan "Friday of loyalty to the revolution's female martyrs." It was the 40th Friday protest in Yemen. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111811 Syria, Israel, Damascus, Kuwait, Iran, Cairo, Bahrain Uprising, Yemen Uprising, Syrian Civil War, 2011-2012 Jordanian Protests Presenter, Female #1 The UN Security Council session on Monday will review the developments of the Yemeni crisis in light of President Ali Abdullah Saleh's refusal to step down and the ongoing violence. Meanwhile, protests against the Yemeni president continued in a number of Yemeni cities under the slogan the "Friday of loyalty to the revolution's female martyrs." Reporter, Male #1 It is the 40th Friday protest in Yemen. Its organizers, who are demanding the downfall of President Ali Abdullah Saleh's regime, named it the "Friday of the peaceful revolution's female martyrs" Guest, Female #2 We live for peace and we die for freedom. Reporter, Male #1 Here in Taiz, where a number of women died, protestors held funerals for several victims and demanded to bring the president and his aides to justice. In the remote southern city Aden, men and women protestors took to the street to condemn the deaths of those who perished during the uprising. Guest, Female #3 We demand the Arab League take a serious stance in support of the Yemeni people and to stop the bloodshed of Yemeni women and men. Reporter, Male #1 Protestors in the city of al-Bayda denounced what they referred to as the killing and targeting of women protestors. Demonstrators in the nearby city of Rada' also demanded to rush the elimination of Saleh's regime. In the city of Damt in al-Dalea Province, protestors saluted what they called the sacrifices of the women of the revolution. Also in al-Dalea, protestors in Juban demanded the prosecution of those they said gave orders to open fire on women protestors. Damar, south of Sanaa, also witnessed demonstrations honoring women's sacrifices. In Hajjah, in northwestern Yemen, protestors affirmed their solidarity with the families of the uprising's female victims. In addition, protestors in Sa'ada condemned what they referred to as the regime's massacres against peaceful protestors. The capital Sanaa witnessed a massive demonstration demanding the prosecution of what protestors called killers of women and children. Guest, Female #4 Ali Saleh is killing the women of Yemen; this did not happen in the age of ignorance. Women were honored and respected by everyone. But you, you humiliated us, insulted us! Reporter, Male #1 On the other hand, tens of thousands of President Saleh's supporters gathered in Sanaa's Sabeen Square in what they described as the "Friday of National Accord." Guest, Male #2 (Sultan al-Burkani, Assistant Secretary-General of the Ruling Party) We hope to overcome the crisis or reach an agreement in the coming hours, or in two or three days at the latest if our brothers are on board. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111511?start=750 New images emerging from the occupied ad-Dakhla governorate show a Sahrawi woman being severely beaten by Moroccan police, causing her to lose her eyesight. This took place in light of the deterioration of the refugees' situation due to scarce aid. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111511 Israel, Iran, Israeli settlement, Shimon Peres, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Syrian Civil War, Yemen Uprising, Bahrain Uprising, Mossad, Islam in the United States Presenter, Male #1 The Sahrawi people continue to suffer from the Moroccan occupation's repression. New images emerging from the occupied ad-Dakhla governorate show a Sahrawi female citizen being severely beaten by Moroccan police, causing her to lose her eyesight. This took place in light of the deterioration of the refugees' situation due to scarce aid. Our correspondent Fawzi Eitali reports. Reporter, Male #2 Her only crime was chanting for "self-determination" in her occupied country and only one part of her tragedy is revealed in these leaked images. Lella Busoula lost her eyesight while being abused by Moroccan police, but her vision shines through the faith and rightfulness of the cause. Guest, Female #1 (Lella Busoula, Sahwari) We were peacefully chanting slogans, peacefully. And Moroccan aggression interfered. Even if I were to regain my eyesight, I would not abandon my goal. Reporter, Male #2 And from inside the occupation, she cries out in the face of an unjust siege imposed to conceal the scale of violations that may parallel those that took place in Gdeim Izik. Guest, Male #3 (Abdelkader Taleb, Prime Minister of Sahrawi) They attacked residential neighborhoods and killed Sahrawis. A number of people were martyred. They burned houses and cars, and did not spare anyone. Reporter, Male #2 On the eastern side of the separation wall, a different kind of suffering is endured every day by the Sahrawi refugees due to the scarcity of aid. The Sahrawi Red Crescent's containers are almost completely empty of essential supplies. Guest, Male #4 (Yehyah Bouhabayni, Head of Sahwari Red Crescent) We are sending out an urgent call to the international community to pay more attention to the situation of Sahrawi refugees and provide enough aid so that the refugees can have their most basic needs met. Guest, Female #2 The support from organizations is scarce. Guest, Male #3 The humanitarian aid delivered to the refugee camp is always very scarce. Guest, Female #3 People have lost weight due to the lack of nutrition. Reporter, Male #2 The Sahrawi people are tormented between the fists of repression and harassment in the occupied regions, and the clamps of displacement and the scarcity aid in the refugee camps. The alarm bell is sounding on both sides. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111411?start=1271 The European Union decided not to broadcast a film on Afghan women who are in Kabul prisons on moral-related charges. The EU made the decision out of concern for the safety of the women prisoners portrayed in the film. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111411 Iran, Israel, Nuclear program of Iran, Lebanon, Women's rights, Politics of Sudan, Syrian Civil War, Yemen Uprising, Libya, Mossad Presenter, Female #1 The European Union decided not to broadcast a film on Afghan women who are behind bars on moral-related charges. The EU made the decision out of concern for the safety of the women prisoners portrayed in the film. Reporter, Male #1 This is a quick look inside the secret world of the special women's prisons in the Afghan capital Kabul. Half of the women prisoners in Afghanistan are accused of what is called "moral crimes," such as escaping forced marriages or domestic violence from their husbands. This woman was raped, and when she reported her case to the police, she was accused of committing adultery. Guest, Female #1 (Gulnaz, Prisoner) I submitted an appeal when I received a two-year prison term and it was enforced. Then my appeal was rejected and the sentence was extended to 12 years. I didn't do anything, why am I being punished with this harsh sentence? Reporter, Male #2 In the documentary film, Gulnaz gave an account of what she endured, but the EU did not allow the broadcast of this film in fear of her life. On the other hand, human rights workers are urging the release of these reports from Afghanistan. Guest, Female #2 (Heather Barr, Human Rights Watch) It's very important that people understand that there are these horrific stories that are happening now, ten years after the fall of the Taliban government, ten years after what was supposed to be a new dawn for Afghan women. Reporter, Male #2 So ten years have passed, yet the so-called new dawn for Afghan women has still not come. There are many women like Gulnaz, who have been robbed of their lives and voices. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111411?start=1380 Two weeks ago, central Beirut witnessed a protest called for by a Facebook page titled, "No to violence against women," which has over 13,000 participants. Activists call for a law that protects women from abuse, rape and other forms of gender-based violence. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-111411 Iran, Israel, Nuclear program of Iran, Lebanon, Women's rights, Politics of Sudan, Syrian Civil War, Yemen Uprising, Libya, Mossad Presenter, Female # 1 Not only does domestic violence show no mercy toward women in Lebanon but the country's laws do them no justice either. And the issue remains extremely private. My colleague Afif al- Jardali reports. Reporter, Male # 1 The spring of Arab women is manifested by Lebanese women breaking the wall of silence. They cried out: "No to violence against us." The stories of many battered women are revealed day-by-day to confirm the need to enact a new law that protects women and takes into consideration Lebanese social standards. Thirty-year-old Samah recounted her story and the experiences she had with her husband. She endured marital rape, continuous violence, and threats of depriving her of her four daughters. Guest, Female # 2 I would take the kids to the bedroom; he would say "Take them away; I don't want any kids here." I would put them to sleep and when they would fall asleep he would be watching TV; he would be watching pornographic films. I would be sleeping when he would be done watching these films but he would come harass me. I would ask him to leave me alone but he wouldn't accept. He would say that this is his right and I will give him that right whether or I like it or not. There was no one to protect me. When I called the relevant parties, they said "handle it yourself." I demand all the ministries to stand by us and help us. The same way they have children and seek to protect them; the same way they protect their female relatives they fear for and want to keep safe, they should protect us as well. Reporter, Male # 1 After central Beirut witnessed a protest two weeks ago that came in response to a call by a Facebook page titled, "No to violence against women," the issue became public given the page has over 13,000 participants. Guest, Male # 2 (Tarek Abou Zeinab, 'No to Violence Against Women' Page Creator) We created the page in March 2010 to honor Lebanese women on Mothers' Day and the International Day of Women. There are violations of human and women's rights in Lebanon. The second issue, which is both funny and sad, is that some ministries are looking to find new holidays, including the day of the alphabet and I don't know what else. Instead of parliament looking for holidays to acknowledge, they should look for laws that protect Lebanese women and protect Lebanese children. Reporter, Male # 1 In light of the ongoing debate over a law that would protect women from domestic violence, the plan continues to be held hostage to the legal opinion that views the law as fragmenting the essence of family. At the same time, implementing the law is hindered by the fear of religious men and devotion to the power of men. Afif al- Jardali, New TV. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org