Action, Empathy, and Collective responsibility

Experiences, stories, and reflections from the Mediterranean Women Journalists Forum: a journey through the courage of women in journalism and the importance of combining information and education for social change.

When I applied for this internship at the Mediterranean Women Journalists Forum, held during the week of November 25, 2024, I didn’t have high expectations of being selected. My perspective on the world is more shaped by the field of social education than by the professional side of journalism. However, throughout the forum, I realized that my experience in this area not only brought a unique perspective but also complemented the discussions and reflections that were shared.

Participating in an event focused on women journalists was deeply meaningful to me. These are opportunities that I likely wouldn’t have so soon—or perhaps ever. This space allowed me to understand a different side of journalism, a field I am only superficially familiar with, but one that proved to be enriching and full of transformative stories.

CWhen addressing the role of women in journalism, we often associate it with professionals who appear on the news, reading what’s written, while being perceived primarily as a “good image” to broadcast. However, the forum brought to light the reality of women journalists who go far beyond that. Women who risk their own safety to tell stories, who give a voice to minorities, face constant threats, and often live without stable income. Some even leave their home countries in search of opportunities to expose truths and create impact.

These women speak about feminism, fight for freedom of expression, and confront the difficulties of practicing journalism in contexts such as Africa and Palestine. One of the most striking moments was hearing Leah Pattem’s account of the journey from Africa to southern Spain, highlighting the harsh reality of unidentified bodies. The story of families exploited by clandestine businesses as they try to identify their loved ones—lifeless bodies lying on stretchers—was shocking and revolting. These are people who lost everything, including their lives, while striving for a more dignified existence.

Another inspiring story was that of Iliana Papangeli, who entered journalism out of financial necessity, with no initial training in the field. What began as a practical opportunity turned into a passion that led her to carve out her space, culminating in her current position as executive director of the investigative newspaper Solomon in Greece.

Lastly, stories like that of Jumana Shaheen shed light on the reality in Gaza and the impact of journalism in extreme conflict scenarios. These stories, and many others, not only illuminated the role of women in journalism but also echoed deeply human and universal issues, such as motherhood, mental health, and leadership.

Reflecting on all of this, I couldn’t help but think about the victims of violence who, so often, live on the margins, not knowing how or where to seek help or find a safe place to take refuge. Here lies my connection with social education, a field that teaches me that the first step to helping someone is to establish a bridge of trust and communication. How can we do this discreetly, without causing alarm, but effectively?

Journalism and social education have a fundamental role in this process. Through humanized reporting, impactful stories, and campaigns encouraging people to speak out, it’s possible to reach those who need it most. For these victims, building an effective support network is essential. There must be accessible and confidential reporting channels so they don’t fear retaliation. Nongovernmental organizations, public health services, law enforcement, and legal institutions need to work together to provide safe shelter, psychological support, and legal guidance.

Furthermore, as a social educator, I firmly believe that awareness and education are key to transforming realities. Learning doesn’t happen only in schools; education is a collective responsibility. Journalism, when aligned with this perspective, can be a driver of social change. Well-told stories awaken empathy, provoke reflection, and inspire actions that transform lives.

During the forum, it became clear to me that we live in an increasingly digital age where news must be truthful, grounded, and ethical. Education and journalism are complementary tools that, together, can build bridges between communities and create solutions to social challenges. It is our role, as a society, to foster critical thinking and inquiry from an early age so that we can move towards a fairer and more inclusive world.

In the end, the Mediterranean Women Journalists Forum was not just a space to learn about journalism. It was an invitation to action, empathy, and collective responsibility. I left the event more aware that, regardless of my initial training, I can be part of this transformation, contributing to a world where stories are not just told, but also heard and made transformative.