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As known to everyone, Saudi Arabia is well known for its strict religious policies, particularly when it comes to restricting the freedom of the women community.



Under the dictatorial rule of the religious groups and too many influential leaders, even the liberal attitude of His Majesty King Abdullah becomes non-existent. In the kingdom of Riyadh, it is almost impossible for a woman to drive a car and go out alone without a male companion.



However, few female journalists, by the dint of the loose-threaded liberalism of King Abdullah have taken the step of cautiously treading into the sensitive zone of the media industry and have largely succeeded in making a mark.



Razia (name changed) a vivacious young Saudi women in the print media said that her family have encouraged her throughout her struggle; rather it is the society who have demoralized her efforts since the very first day.



The most hazardous of all the things are the constraints laid down by the religious police, such as:



-No women are allowed to work in late night shifts.



-Conducting an interview in a hotel lobby is an offence.



-They have to cover their face while interacting with the public as well and this proves to be big barrier.



-While attending a conference, Saudi women have to maintain a safe distance from the male journalists.



Nevertheless, for the young photographer and journalist Adlah, her working experience so far has been very fruitful, as she has always been given a positive feedback.



The media bosses in Jeddah have quite a liberal approach towards the female journalists and this has helped many women in carving a niche in the leading English-language newspapers.



According to Sabria Jawhar, Bureau Chief, Saudi Gazette, ‘The girls don’t have any fears. They were told the first day that it’s not an easy job. It’s a matter of will power - they will find a way if they really want to‘.



Another noteworthy factor is the changing face of the Small Screen industry. The TV channels today have started recognizing the efforts and the talent that a woman reporter can put into their work, and this has boosted up the recruitment of a good number of women as TV reporters.



Via: ALJAZEERA