Abstract:

The news media plays a powerful role in the empowerment of women and advancing the global Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS). The paradoxical relationship between news media’s influence and women’s empowerment presents challenges for traditional societies in the Arabian Gulf as they balance modernization, the influx of liberal Western influences, and longstanding conservative tribal traditions. The State of Qatar, in particular, stands out due to its influential Al Jazeera Media Network and official stance on advancing WPS; however, there is disconnect between policy and practice. Because WPS’ advancement requires media reflecting WPS policies and news media reflecting WPS policies requires governmental commitment to WPS in a concrete way, it is clear that a Qatari National Action Plan and framework for WPS (QNAP) is needed. Strengthening WPS in Qatar requires the media and strengthening gender balance within the Qatari news media requires a QNAP; the concepts are interlinked.