THERE's always a point in the life of women working in the media, where they are asked: What's a lady like you doing in a field like this? It's true that the media represents a huge departure from traditionally acceptable women's occupations. The erratic work hours and pressures, the feeling of always being on the go, the chase for the next big story may all be exhilarating, but the adrenaline rush definitely takes its toll, socially and personally. If this is true of more liberal societies, one can only imagine the degree of challenge faced by Saudi women in the media. Amjad M. Reda's book is an eye-opener in this respect, tracing the journey of Saudi women in the media --from the first pioneers to the present generation of broadcasters and print journalists. The writer, herself a veteran journalist explains the need for this book in the foreword: “As media practitioners, we admit that the word has a great impact on the mind where it paves the way for global dialogue across cultures or it may lead to culture clashes if it is badly used. How can the Other see us? Can we narrow the gap -- in that context -- with others when showing our true and realistic image or the gap may widen and become deeper when the Other expresses doubts and fears?” In spite of all this, we will continue our efforts and attempts to achieve our goals and ambitions to change the misleading ideas about Muslim women in general and Saudi women in particular.” The book highlights the strengths and successes of Saudi women in the media, focusing on their current working conditions and exploring prospects for the future. It features the translation of a study conducted on women in the mass media, which is the first such resource made available in English -- a fact which has been applauded by various important literary figures and intellectuals internationally and within the Kingdom. The author dedicates the book to “everyone who aspires to understand the role of Saudi women in the media”, and is a must-read to all those who want to understand the complex reality of women in Saudi Arabia, in their own idiom. __
