Episode 5 of the Women’s Stories Program features Haifa Abdullah, a media professional and women’s rights advocate whose career spans public security broadcasting, civil defense media, and international advisory work. In this episode, she reflects on the role of media in shaping awareness, the importance of dialogue, and the responsibility of both journalists and citizens in building a more informed and cohesive society.

Haifa Abdullah’s Work in Media and Public Awareness
Haifa Abdullah has held multiple influential roles, including Head of the Media and Preventative Education Department, advisor on UN Security Council Resolution 1325, and former Head of the Media Office at the Civil Defense Directorate. Her experience also includes broadcasting for public security radio and training in life skills aimed at preventing violence and exploitation. Across these roles, her work consistently focuses on awareness, responsibility, and social impact.

A central theme in Abdullah’s perspective is the distinction between dialogue and argument. She defines dialogue as a process aimed at reaching shared understanding, while argument often seeks to impose one viewpoint over another. For her, effective communication, especially in media, is grounded in listening, mutual respect, and the pursuit of truth rather than dominance.

She also outlines key differences between types of media. Military media, she explains, is closely tied to national security and is built on verified information, official sources, and public trust. Civilian media, by contrast, supports the state while also holding it accountable through constructive criticism. This balance allows journalists to highlight issues and bring them to the attention of decision-makers, ideally contributing to informed solutions.

Digital media, in her view, represents a particularly influential space due to its wide reach, especially among young people. She sees it as a tool capable of reshaping societal perceptions, including challenging stereotypes about women. However, she also expresses concern that some young individuals pursue visibility or recognition rather than truth, emphasizing that media should prioritize accuracy and meaningful impact over popularity.

Abdullah places strong emphasis on youth engagement, arguing that their awareness must be built carefully using reliable information. She advocates directing young people’s energy toward strengthening national belonging, responsibility, and civic engagement. This philosophy is reflected in her initiative, the Citizen’s Footprint, which promotes active citizenship based on trust in institutions, a sense of belonging, and a commitment to contributing to society rather than only benefiting from it.

Her work in preventative education further illustrates this approach. Through programs targeting young people, she has helped raise awareness about disaster prevention, firefighting, and first aid. One example is the “Little Firefighting Magazine,” an initiative inspired by her children, designed to educate younger audiences in an accessible way.

Abdullah also highlights the psychological dimension of conflict through her involvement in media coverage during the 2012 Gaza war. She documented the work of psychological support teams sent to the region, emphasizing that the effects of war extend beyond political and economic damage to deeply impact mental health. She notes that such efforts played a role in supporting morale and demonstrating solidarity.

In discussing women’s roles, Abdullah reinforces the idea that women are central to shaping communities and promoting social peace, which she believes begins within the home. She acknowledges progress in Jordan through evolving laws and policies supporting women’s rights, while noting that continued collaboration and unified efforts remain necessary, particularly in addressing issues such as violence against women.

Ultimately, Abdullah presents media as both a tool and a responsibility. She urges journalists today to prioritize truth over attention, finding that dialogue must replace confrontation, and citizens, especially youth, should channel their efforts toward building awareness, accountability, and a stronger sense of national identity.

Episode Link: هيفاء العبدالله… من الميكروفون إلى صناعة الأثر المجتمعي | موقع عمان نت

This program is prepared and presented by Ataf Al-Rodan.

This podcast segment was prepared by our colleague Hadeel Al-Saabi.

The Women’s Series Program is funded by IMS.