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Description

This study group will explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by female leaders in the media industry operating in conflict zones within conservative communities. It will delve into how gender, religion, and tradition intersect with leadership, examining the stereotypes, taboos, and stigmas that shape their experiences. Using an interdisciplinary approach grounded in Harvard and Cambridge methodologies, the group will analyze strategies these leaders adopt to navigate complex societal dynamics. Through case studies, interactive discussions, and expert insights, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the barriers and resilience of women who lead in media during conflict. This study group offers an opportunity to engage with critical questions about gender equity, leadership, and the transformative power of media in challenging environments. Join us to unpack how female leaders redefine possibilities in some of the world's most restrictive settings.

Registration will be first come, first served. This event is only open to HUID holders. Preregistration is required. Please be sure to register separately for each session you plan to attend.

Location/Time:

This Study Group will take place over the course of three sessions:

• Session 1: Thursday, 3/13/2025, 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM EST
• Session 2: Tuesday, 3/25/2025, 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM EST
• Session 3: Thursday, 4/10/2025, 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM EST

Recommended Reading - Session 3 - Programmatic Case Study: Media as a Catalyst for Change: Women Challenging Stereotypes in Conflict Zones

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Instructor Bio:

Lina Chawaf has a career spanning over three decades, she has had the privilege of working across TV, radio, and print media since 1992. She has created hundreds of TV commercials and numerous clips for UNICEF, and she has been deeply involved in the media landscape, establishing two radio stations in Syria, including Arabesque, where she served as the Program Manager for seven years. Her work has extended to writing for newspapers like Baladna in Syria and Almoustakbal in Canada, as well as magazines such as Shabablek and Sabaya in Syria. She is a recognized writer for international media including the Washington Post, Globe & Mail, Boston Globe, etc.

As a media consultant with IMS in the Middle East, she has been part of several initiatives, including founding many radio stations in conflict zones like Libya, Yemen, and Syria, training thousands of Arab journalists and media worker, coaching media leadership in conflict areas, and public speaking at numerous conferences, workshops and international events. One of her proudest achievements is founding Rozana Radio in Paris, a station supported by international organizations that now operates in Paris, Gaziantep, and Syria. she also served as the President of CMFE, advocating for human rights, women’s rights, and freedom of expression through media. In recognition of her efforts, she received the 2018 Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Award. Additionally, she has shared her knowledge as a teacher at ESJ (Ecole Supérieure de Journalisme) in Paris, France. She received the Nieman Fellowship from Harvard for 2024-2025 to research female media leadership in conflict settings and write her memoir.