For Dina and Maryam, two Yemeni participants, Qisasna has ignited a transformative journey, empowering them to amplify underrepresented voices in Yemen and defy societal norms that often minimize women’s voices in the Middle East.
Through Qisasna’s virtual exchange, Dina and Maryam harnessed invaluable skills in cultural exchange, interviewing, and storytelling. They put their skills in action after receiving the honor of co-hosting podcasts and facilitating discussions at the Women’s Voices Without Borders (WVWB) Yemen’s workshop in Erbil, Iraq, organized by the Aide Humanitaire et Journalisme (AHJ) Organization and supported by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. This workshop, which mainly focuses on empowering women journalists, took place in November 2023 and covered various aspects of podcasting, including audio production, script writing, interviewing skills, podcast hosting, mobile studio setup, podcast design, and organizing live podcast events.
Leveraging their Qisasna experience, Dina and Maryam actively contributed to the two-week workshop, creating compelling content that resonated with participants, amplified women’s voices in the region, and launched more podcasting opportunities.
Now the impact of Qisasna extends far beyond the workshop. According to both Dina and Maryam, AHJ has recently inaugurated their first office and studio in Yemen through their Women’s Voices Without Borders Yemen initiative. This new space will support Dina and Maryam’s ongoing work, providing a dedicated platform for amplifying women’s voices and fostering societal change.
As they look to the future, Dina and Maryam are full of ambition and determination to further their advocacy through the media. “Our journey has just begun,” Maryam affirmed. “We will continue to use our voices to inspire change, challenge stereotypes, and create a more inclusive world for Yemeni women.”
The establishment of AHJ’s new studio is an important development for media representation in Yemen, demonstrating the growing recognition of the importance of empowering young voices and women through project-based exchange initiatives like Qisasna. Join us in celebrating Dina and Maryam’s remarkable achievements and the transformative impact of cross-cultural storytelling!
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Qisasna Program is implemented by Amideast and is supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI). JCSVEI is a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program administered by the Aspen Institute.
