Hawwa Mohamed has bagged Women in Media Award

Hawwa Mohamed has bagged Women in Media Award

• December 10, 2021

As a young girl with an ambition to be a journalist seemed like a dream that was far out of reach to me. In my adolescent naivety I had equated journalism to being the poised and pretty news anchors who presented news on the one local channel that was broadcasted throughout the country. The dream remained elusive to me and was packed deep in a baggage of responsibilities, societal norms and expectations of a woman, and a level of ignorance to the world. When life pushed me to realize my dreams, it opened my eyes to what journalism truly was. Being a beacon of light in a dark world of obliviousness. One I myself had been shrouded in. one I was finally realizing that I was in. I am Hawwa Mohamed. I am a journalist who finally has understood what it truly means to be one. I am here as a woman, with my mic to broadcast the voice of the women.

My first inlet to connecting with the people was an RJ in Atoll radio in 2008. Having produced and hosted programs revolving around social issues with listener interactions was my foremost experience in feeling the variance, gravity and depth of the struggles on another side of a spectrum. Opinions that clashed with my own provided with reasoning that made me question my own convictions. This was when I truly believed that ignorance was truly bliss. Ignorance to the economic changes and the political undercurrents affecting them which generated rippling effects. 

The political awakening in the early 2000s gave birth to a new era of journalism in Maldives. Democracy in its infancy country created havoc and the trial was covered by journalists redefining their roles. The country had outgrown its only state lead, controlled and censored sources of journalism. I was eager to be part of this revolution. Both to enlighten my own self and my fellow country men and women. With no higher education or specific training in the field my options were limited. Hence, I completed a program production course and a TV presenting workshop to facilitate my entry into deeper aspects of journalism. 

My experience in Rajje TV was essential in making me the journalist I am today. It kept me up to date and on pulse of the happenings in the country and to a certain extent world affairs. I was recognized for my presenting skills which admittedly was choppy to begin with. My production skills and my cognizance of the plight and flight of the country sharpened. Over the years I had covered many high-profile events from elections, monumental bills in parliament and prime time events. I had the pleasure of acquainting and interviewing men and women who shaped the country. Through them I learnt valuable lessons of professionalism and leadership which carried over to my time as a Deputy Contact head in channel news Maldives (CNM). This was my opportunity to foray into journalistic research, production and management

Being a woman in a male dominated field which demands observation of another male dominated field, I became increasingly aware of the lack of women both seen and heard in both spheres. Decisions about women, made for women, implemented on women which eventually has no positive end result on them. In a country with multiple laws legislated to benefit women, the targeted population remains unaware, ineligible or inaccessible to them. I believe journalism plays a vital role. As a female journalist this is a role I am privileged and intend to fulfil. 

Women of this nation deserve to be in the forefront in shaping the country. They deserve to be heard in the political sphere and be a driving force in the ongoing reform movement rather than being in the back seat. They have a right to make their own life rather than it being handed to them. Their achievements and efforts need to be recognized and applauded. I am incredibly grateful for being recognized as a “women in media” by “Women Icon Powered by Times Women ''. Having had a much later start in my career than most of my peers, with several personal and professional setbacks, I have continued on this road picking myself up despite numerous fallings and failings. My three children have been my strength in moving forward as I want them to see their mother as a capable person. A hero in her own right. This is a sentiment I do share with multiple other women despite their field of work or ambition. My attempt in standing up for myself and finding myself and finally running to achieve my dreams has made me aware of other women like me, who are set back and bound to their responsibilities and woes. 

I take it as my duty and absolute pleasure to ensure that these women have a voice and they have a trustable platform they can turn to educate themselves. In a media where news is sold rather than reported I aim to provide an unbiased outlet for discussion and dissemination of current on goings. Working as a freelancer has given me the opportunity to be more unbiased and make informed opinions on the current political environment of the country. With my newfound perspective I aim to be a stepping stone for women to establish themselves as legislatures, government officials and other principal position holders in the country. I humbly thank Women Icon Powered by Times Women once again for acknowledging my effort thus far and providing me with much needed appreciation, validation and encouragement for my vision ahead.