Raberin — Women’s participation in media and social movement management has expanded significantly in recent years in Raberin, Kurdistan Region. However, social obstacles, economic conditions, and the absence of a unified discourse for women still pose serious challenges.

Habiba Baban, the first journalist and TV/radio presenter in Raberin, highlighted the current situation of women in media. She began her media career in 1994. Over 13 years, she worked in the editing and production department at the Eighth Headquarters Radio in Raberin, before moving on to host a rural women’s program that ran for eight consecutive years. Later, she supervised the radio station for a period and currently works in the field of law.

She noted that job opportunities for women in Raberin’s media sector have developed significantly compared to previous years. Previously, women’s roles were limited to appearing as presenters. Today, with the proliferation of independent channels, women’s presence is more comprehensive, participating in journalism, presenting, arts, photography, and other media fields, making them a fundamental pillar of media success.

Baban explained that female media professionals aiming to work in all areas (journalism, presenting, technical roles) often face challenges related to time and effort, which may hinder full achievement in any field. Specializing in a specific area offers greater opportunities for development, self-expression, and deeper, more impactful accomplishments.

She added, “Journalistic work, especially investigative and field reporting, is among the most dangerous and challenging professions. Male-dominated culture and family or marital obligations often act as obstacles to women continuing in this field, as it is preferable that women avoid such difficulties.”

Baban criticized the weak role of civil society organizations and relevant authorities in recent years, noting that they have failed to provide adequate support or stand by women as needed. Financial barriers are among the main challenges facing female journalists: “When women enter media, they have a genuine desire for service and creativity, but the lack of financial support from organizations or the government forces many to stop working.”

She pointed out a major weakness among women in media: the lack of unity and coordination. This fragmentation mainly stems from personal commitments and working for private interests, which has prevented them from forming a pressure group or a unified voice capable of achieving shared goals and conveying women’s real voice to society.