On 7 October 2020, we teamed up with the Hands Up Foundation to present a virtual conversation, chaired by BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet, about how women, families and vulnerable communities in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq were coping in the face of multiple crises.
The panellists in this online conversation were:
- Lyse Doucet, BBC Chief International Correspondent & MCJN co-founder (Chair)
- Maya Gebeily, Lebanese journalist in Iraq & MCJN member
- Dr. Zahera Harb, Lebanese journalist, academic & MCJN mentor
- Waad al-Kateab, Syrian journalist, filmmaker & MCJN mentor
- (Sadly, Dr. Rouba Mhaissen, who was due to attend, was unable to join at the last minute).
The panellists discussed how August's devastating explosion in Beirut brought to a head the fury and helplessness felt by many people in the Middle East, and how COVID-19, protests and collapsing economies from Syria to Iraq and Lebanon were presenting unparalleled challenges to local communities. The panellists also shared how, despite all these ongoing crises, they consistently heard stories of hope and resilience from people who deal with unimaginable difficulties head-on.
This online discussion was a ticketed event that aimed to raise funds for both The Marie Colvin Journalists' Network and Hands Up Foundation. Some 140 attendees joined and approximately £7000 was raised, which will be split equally between MCJN and Hands Up. For more information about the event please click here, and please continue to support our work by donating here.
(updated 2/11/20)
