Press Release

Friedman Supports Media Women Forum with a Press Conference

Sana’a, Yemen, February 3, 2010 /Media Women Forum - Today, Media Women Forum held a round table discussion in honor of a visit from Thomas Friedman, American NY Times columnist and Pulitzer Prize winner. Friedman exchanged opinions with ten leaders of the Yemeni media addressing the current situation as well as US contribution and tactics in the fight against Al-Qaeda.

Friedman spoke honestly with conference members, acknowledging that America’s interest in Yemen is as the result of activity with Al-Qaeda and began a discussion concentrating on the main issues in Yemen (education, development, security, etc.) and the methods that need to be pursued in order to remedy such obstacles.

Also raised was the question of the United States administration and how it will interact with Yemen as a result of current developments. Friedman cemented the point that Yemen must take responsibility for its country and should focus on development from within. Until this is achieved, support from the United States will be ineffective. Before concluding, Yemeni journalists expressed enthusiasm for Friedman’s visit and left a message with Friedman for the US, that Yemen is in the making, not in the failing, and that we will find a way to unite and better our country for the benefit of its people.

After thanking Media Women Forum and its guests profusely, Friedman told the Forum, “I have two daughters and one day, I hope that I can bring them here.” This was perhaps the ultimate form of flattery and support for both Media Women Forum and the cause for which they are fighting. Should Thomas Friedman visit Yemen again, it would be their pleasure to welcome him back to their organization.

This conference took place in the capitol of Sana’a at 11:30am at the Media Women Forum’s personal conference room, Amat Al-Aleem Alsusua, and included various members of the Women Media Forum and respected local journalists and media institutions. Such members included:
Rahma Hugaira (President of MWF)
Fares Sanabani (Editor-in-Chief of Yemen Today)
Fares Alsaqqaf (Chairperson of General Board of Books)
Danielle Giacchetti (Public Relations and Program Officer at MWF)
Murad Hashem (Director of Aljazira Office in Yemen)
Hamood Monasar (Director of Al Arabia Office in Yemen)
Khaled Alhamadi (Correspondent the Agency of Arabic Quds)
Naif Hassan (Editor-in-Chief of Alshare'a Newspaper)
Mohamed Alassadi (Journalist)
Bushra Alamira (Journalist)
Fiadh ALnoa'man (Journalist)

Media Women Forum is a non-governmental organization conducting initiatives for Yemeni media professionals to introduce objective journalism and enhance the media’s role in promoting issues surrounding human rights, democracy and development.