Women Lead The Towns Journalism

Local newspapers in the small town of Edremit, 300 miles to the south of Istanbul, are governed by women. In contrast to male-dominated Turkish press, women, comprising the majority of the journalistic staff in the town, hold both editorial and managerial posts in the two local newspapers published in Edremit district.

Managers of the two newspapers, Körfezde Olay and Körfez Star, Kezban Hareser and Serem Basaran, are of the opinion that women comprising majority in the newsrooms is a chance. They also point to the advantages of working with women.

Women also work as reporters

The publisher of newspaper "Körfez'de Olay" is however a man, Necati Uygun; Kezban Hareser, the woman journalist is the manager. Three other women journalists also work in the news center.

"Of course, it is hard for a woman to work as a journalist, but it is tipsy," says Hareser.

More Emotional, More Sensitive

"Among the public, some jobs are considered as men's while others are women's. In fact, every one can do every job. Only men are thought to become journalists. But it is just a prejudice," she believes.

"We, women, act more emotionally and sensitively in publishing the newspaper. It is so nice women working as journalists."

Working With Women: A Tipsy Chance

Five women journalists work for the newspaper "Körfez Star Gazetesi" owned by Ilhan Küçük and the manager is a women: Serem Basaran

Basaran believes women comprising the majority is "a tipsy chance". "I like working as a journalist" says Basaran. "There is a nice competition among all newspapers," she concludes.(AE/GG/EK/Translated by: Gültekin Göllü)