HEWAR MEHEMED

Sulaymaniyah- Edibe Ehmed Semin has worked as a journalist for 20 years. Her family always supports her since she became a journalist. Edibe is also an activist working for women’s organizations and charities. She is well known by all people living in Darbandikhan, a town in the governorate of Sulaimaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan. We visited her at her home and we were welcomed with Kurdish hospitality. Edibe began her journalistic career as a reporter, and then she worked for many TV channels, newspapers, and magazines. She is now a journalist of the SPEDE channel and SPEDE radio in Darbandikhan.

“Some female journalists had to leave their jobs due to social pressure”

Edibe Ehmed Semin was supported by her older sister when she began her journalistic career. “All female members, particularly my older sister, supported me. And now, my husband supports me. Marriage and low income affect women journalists leaving their jobs. Some women began to work as journalists but they had to leave their jobs due to social pressure,” she told NuJINHA.

“Women should be free”

Edibe pointed out that women are important in the press, “Female journalists work harder than male journalists. But they shouldn’t be prevented from doing their journalistic activities. Female journalists should be free to work effectively.”

Edibe is not only a journalist but also an activist. She has actively worked for women’s organizations and charities for years. She opened a gym just for women in Darbandikhan. There are thousands of women, youth, and citizens who need help. I work as a journalist and for charities but I never get tired because I do everything voluntarily. Working for charities makes me feel that life has more meaning.”