Workshops 2023
Theme & Focus
We have learned from the experiences of the previous workshops and therefore adapted our concept slightly. The interest especially in the topic of gender was so high in the 2021-round of the Aswatona Program that we made it our main topic in both workshops in 2023. The topics of environment and power dynamics will be looked at through the gender lens.
What our participants can expect:
Our main goal for the workshops in 2023 was to have a safe space where people feel brave and safe to speak with each other. We also wanted it to be fun, interactive, and vivid for all participants – since we know that especially online workshops can be tiring.
Based on the needs of our participants the following topics and focal points were collected:
- Finding common ground for the discussion of gender topics.
- How to tackle cultural/political sensitive topics.
- How to establish a feminist storytelling.
- Tools and techniques we use for professional podcast production.
- And so much more...
For this we invited some great experts from the region, for the region, enriching the Aswatona network.
Mentors
Jury
Moderators
Experts
In this round of the Aswatona Program we included Mentors who are Alumni from the Aswatona Program 2021. They support and consult our participants with their podcast production. We are happy to present to you:
Nahla
“Podcast for me is a way to express thoughts, beliefs, fears, freely and without fear of being judged.”
Hajar
"Podcasting is a great way to get your thoughts across while using your voice. It is also a tool that allows people to speak up their minds and be heard without having to be seen.”
Tabarek
“Podcast for me is a magic effect on heart through the ear of the listener.”
Sadeq
"Podcasting for me is a way to express, release and communicate what I feel, know and have to say, it's a tool to deliver the voice of the voiceless."
Ines
"Podcasting for me is a powerful medium of self-expression and storytelling. The depth of conversations makes it unique, especially when the topic is challenging and triggering. I love listening to an episode and going for a walk, it helps me reflect and get another perspective."
Esraa
“Podcasting for me is contributing to building an oral history for women and keeping their stories.”
We also would like to introduce you to our five Jury Members, who chose our participants:
Raouia Khedr
Raouia is a journalist and podcaster from Tunisia. She produces and presents the podcast “Khidma Ndhifa” about classical or emerging professions in Tunisia. She is also currently a presenter at RTCI radio.
Nesmah Mansour
From Yemen, Nesmah is a Youth Human Rights Defender and Peace Activist. She has more than eight years of experience in human rights, including women and youth rights. She is currently the communication and advocacy officer at Peace Track Initiative and was the Project Coordinator at RNW Media's SRHR project Hobb Wa Tebb.
Heba Obeid
Heba Obeid is a Palestinian-Syrian journalist based in Berlin, specializing in cultural journalism of a political nature. She studied Arabic literature at the University of Aleppo and is currently pursuing her studies in the field of journalism and media in Germany. She writes for many German newspapers and magazines as well as producing radio and television.
Abir Sarras
Abir is a journalist and expert in the reproductive health field, currently, she is responsible of Middle East programmes at Rutgers foundation. Abir is the co-founder of "Love Matters Arabic" platform which provides young people in West Asia & North Africa with scientific and reliable information about their sexual health and rights.
Samar Elhussieny
Samar Elhussieny is from Egypt, she is the Programs officer in Egyptian Human Rights Forum, former regional officer MENA and Turkey in Coalition for Women in Journalism, and former director of Horytna radio.
Our 2023-workshops are moderated by this wonderful duo, that opens up a save and brave space for everyone to express:
Rula Asad
Rula is a Syrian feminist researcher, journalist, mentor, and trainer in the field of feminist media, events moderator, content creator, environmental activist, former football player. She is based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, since 2012. Rula is the Co-Founder of Stichting Syrian Female Journalists' Network (SFJN) and the Executive Director for ten years. She holds an MA in Gender Studies in Media, Culture, and Arts from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and a BA in Journalism from the University of Damascus. She started her career in journalism as a sports reporter back in Syria in 2002. She researches various topics, including culture, society, politics, revolutions and social movements, social justice, feminism, digital rights, environment, and women human rights defenders' safety and security.
Stella Saliari
Stella is a feminist researcher and social justice consultant who is committed to contributing to the vision and mission of organizations that strive towards achieving intersectional justice.
For more than a decade she has been collaborating with stakeholders in the Higher Education as well as not-for-profit sector by offering trainings, giving presentations and moderating events on topics such as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in higher education, knowledge production and power, inclusive language, intersectionality, the importance and creation of safer and braver spaces and feminist research principles.
As a feminist researcher she has been working with collectives and organizations focusing on impact and need assessments, organizational policy changes, inclusive workplaces by applying feminist research practice and principles.
Stella is also the founder and host of the intersectional feminist podcast Salt the Podcast. She is a board member of the Syrian Female Journalists Network (SFJN) and an elected steering group member of the Inclusion and Diversity Community Group at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) where she is committed to initiate changes in educational and organizational policies to achieve diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in international education.
Stella has an MSc in Middle East Politics from SOAS and an MA in Gender Studies from Utrecht University. She also holds a degree in German and English language and literature from the TU Braunschweig and spent one year as an ERASMUS student at York university, studying linguistics. Academia and international education have been a true source of inspiration and change to her, they have been her constant companion and source of liberation.
Meet our Experts who help our participants to deepen their skills with their precious knowledge:
Maya Ammar
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Feminist storytelling
Bio
Maya El Ammar is a feminist writer, activist, and communications professional who has led nationwide feminist media campaigns on issues related to family violence, child marriage, personal status laws, and the kafala system, among other topics. She currently contributes to various independent media outlets as a journalist and translator. She occasionally produces short videos covering a range of feminist issues, alongside her job as a media strategist for a non-profit organization. Maya has experience in training civil society organizations and young activists in the fields of gender and media. She has a BA in journalism and an MA in communication studies.
Feminist storytelling
Bio
Maya El Ammar is a feminist writer, activist, and communications professional who has led nationwide feminist media campaigns on issues related to family violence, child marriage, personal status laws, and the kafala system, among other topics. She currently contributes to various independent media outlets as a journalist and translator. She occasionally produces short videos covering a range of feminist issues, alongside her job as a media strategist for a non-profit organization. Maya has experience in training civil society organizations and young activists in the fields of gender and media. She has a BA in journalism and an MA in communication studies.
Tomader Nourledeen
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
How to define gender?
Bio
Tomader Nour (she/They): is feminist, queer and Youth advocate, a researcher in social sciences, co-founder of Noon Feminist Movement - Sudan and a political activist working on gender issues and feminist political economy.
How to define gender?
Bio
Tomader Nour (she/They): is feminist, queer and Youth advocate, a researcher in social sciences, co-founder of Noon Feminist Movement - Sudan and a political activist working on gender issues and feminist political economy.
صابرين طه
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
General Steps in the Podcast Production
Bio
As an expert of podcast production, Sabreen has worked on producing many podcasts throughout the years with leading podcasts networks in the region. She has also worked with many news and media outlets before producing news stories and live coverage.
General Steps in the Podcast Production
Bio
As an expert of podcast production, Sabreen has worked on producing many podcasts throughout the years with leading podcasts networks in the region. She has also worked with many news and media outlets before producing news stories and live coverage.
رشا الديب
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
The Podcast-Market
Bio
Rasha Aldeeb has seven years’ experience as a podcast consultant, ten years’ experience as an audio producer and is AEIF-Winner 2022/23 (Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund). She produced and/or established a roundabout of 11 podcast-series, international, such as Political is personal for the Women's League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) or Mkany Mkank for the Robert Bosch Stiftung, and local productions such as she has a voice, Story About her or – her latest hosting production – qisassna – our stories. Moreover, she worked with different international organizations such as UNICEF, Care International and the Goethe Institute, was the podcast consultant for WANAS, a podcast application, and gives radio and podcasts trainings for the Wahedmena Coalition and Yasmin Kollektiv.
The Podcast-Market
Bio
Rasha Aldeeb has seven years’ experience as a podcast consultant, ten years’ experience as an audio producer and is AEIF-Winner 2022/23 (Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund). She produced and/or established a roundabout of 11 podcast-series, international, such as Political is personal for the Women's League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) or Mkany Mkank for the Robert Bosch Stiftung, and local productions such as she has a voice, Story About her or – her latest hosting production – qisassna – our stories. Moreover, she worked with different international organizations such as UNICEF, Care International and the Goethe Institute, was the podcast consultant for WANAS, a podcast application, and gives radio and podcasts trainings for the Wahedmena Coalition and Yasmin Kollektiv.
Nivin Serag
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Audio editing (advanced)
Bio
Nivin Serag el Din graduated from masscomm. Cairo university and the Higher Institute of theater Arts, Department of Acting and Directing. She worked in the field of video production, audio content, and audio engineering and dubbing training.
Audio editing (advanced)
Bio
Nivin Serag el Din graduated from masscomm. Cairo university and the Higher Institute of theater Arts, Department of Acting and Directing. She worked in the field of video production, audio content, and audio engineering and dubbing training.
Jana Qazzaz
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Audio editing (beginners)
Bio
Jana Qazzaz is a Podcast Producer and Writer. She currently works with صوت Podcasts’ editorial team and has produced numerous shows on topics ranging from tech to economic justice to food. With a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication and experience from different institutions. Jana’s skills encompass a plethora of areas, including audio and multimedia production, scriptwriting and editing, and human centered design.
Audio editing (beginners)
Bio
Jana Qazzaz is a Podcast Producer and Writer. She currently works with صوت Podcasts’ editorial team and has produced numerous shows on topics ranging from tech to economic justice to food. With a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication and experience from different institutions. Jana’s skills encompass a plethora of areas, including audio and multimedia production, scriptwriting and editing, and human centered design.
Mabrouka Khedir
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Environmental challenges and civil society in Tunisia
Bio
Mabrouka khedir is a video journalist and a correspondent for DW TV and TV5. She is a freelance investigative journalist for Alqatiba, Al Arabiya channel and various other international media outlets. She is as well an environmental journalist and a founder of the environmental media project “COSMOS Media,” the first digital platform specialized in environmental and ecologic journalism in Tunisia.
Environmental challenges and civil society in Tunisia
Bio
Mabrouka khedir is a video journalist and a correspondent for DW TV and TV5. She is a freelance investigative journalist for Alqatiba, Al Arabiya channel and various other international media outlets. She is as well an environmental journalist and a founder of the environmental media project “COSMOS Media,” the first digital platform specialized in environmental and ecologic journalism in Tunisia.
Ichrak Klai
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Environmental challenges and the intersection of gender
Bio
Ichrak Klai is a jurist specialised in environmental law and sustainable development. She was a member of the Tunisian delegation at COP26 in Glasgow and COP27 in Sharm Sheikh. She is also a columnist on Radio Misk's Éco friendly program, in charge of the Éco geste section.
Environmental challenges and the intersection of gender
Bio
Ichrak Klai is a jurist specialised in environmental law and sustainable development. She was a member of the Tunisian delegation at COP26 in Glasgow and COP27 in Sharm Sheikh. She is also a columnist on Radio Misk's Éco friendly program, in charge of the Éco geste section.
Fatiha Abrar
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
The role of women in renaturation in Mining areas in Morrocco
Bio
Fatiha Abrar - future researcher with an unwavering motivation and a burning desire to innovate and develop novel solutions to address environmental challenges for the next generation.
The role of women in renaturation in Mining areas in Morrocco
Bio
Fatiha Abrar - future researcher with an unwavering motivation and a burning desire to innovate and develop novel solutions to address environmental challenges for the next generation.
Rym Amami
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Audio Editing workshop
Bio
Rym Amami is one of the co-founders of Freesh Production, where she spent seven years as the scriptwriter, director, and production manager of various audiovisual projects. In 2016, she then worked as a project manager at Lawyers Without Borders. Rym Amami was also a board member of the Chouf association, and a member of the organizing committee of the feminist art festival Chouftouhonna in Tunis. She is a comic book writer (Shift and Phaza 907 B) and has been producing podcasts at Inkyfada since 2021.
Audio Editing workshop
Bio
Rym Amami is one of the co-founders of Freesh Production, where she spent seven years as the scriptwriter, director, and production manager of various audiovisual projects. In 2016, she then worked as a project manager at Lawyers Without Borders. Rym Amami was also a board member of the Chouf association, and a member of the organizing committee of the feminist art festival Chouftouhonna in Tunis. She is a comic book writer (Shift and Phaza 907 B) and has been producing podcasts at Inkyfada since 2021.
Oussema Gaidi
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Audio Editing workshop
Bio
Oussema Gaidi, (aka « YnflX») is a Musician, Composer, sound designer and activist of the Tunisian Electronic Music scene since 2004. In addition to various albums, singles and live sets he channeled his productions towards sound works for cinema, musical pieces and live performances for theater, performing arts and interdisciplinary works. He joined Inkyfada Podcast team in January 2020 as a sound designer and sound editor. He was responsible for editing, designing the ambiances, atmospheres, jingles and commas, mixing, and consulting about story-telling from a narrative, musical and aesthetic point of view.
Audio Editing workshop
Bio
Oussema Gaidi, (aka « YnflX») is a Musician, Composer, sound designer and activist of the Tunisian Electronic Music scene since 2004. In addition to various albums, singles and live sets he channeled his productions towards sound works for cinema, musical pieces and live performances for theater, performing arts and interdisciplinary works. He joined Inkyfada Podcast team in January 2020 as a sound designer and sound editor. He was responsible for editing, designing the ambiances, atmospheres, jingles and commas, mixing, and consulting about story-telling from a narrative, musical and aesthetic point of view.
Feras Arrabi
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Audio editing workshop online
Bio
Feras Arrabi is a dedicated Jordanian Musician and Sound Editor based in Amman, Jordan. With a profound passion for creating captivating sounds and music productions, he humbly contributes to the craft of producing immersive audio experiences. Through each project he undertakes, he strives to maintain a harmonious balance of technical expertise and artistic sensibility, aiming to deliver high-quality outcomes that consistently engage and captivate listeners.
Audio editing workshop online
Bio
Feras Arrabi is a dedicated Jordanian Musician and Sound Editor based in Amman, Jordan. With a profound passion for creating captivating sounds and music productions, he humbly contributes to the craft of producing immersive audio experiences. Through each project he undertakes, he strives to maintain a harmonious balance of technical expertise and artistic sensibility, aiming to deliver high-quality outcomes that consistently engage and captivate listeners.
Stella Saliari
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Feminist knowledge production and podcasting
Bio
Stella is a feminist researcher and social justice consultant who is committed to contributing to the vision and mission of organizations that strive towards achieving intersectional justice. For more than a decade she has been collaborating with stakeholders in the Higher Education as well as not-for-profit sector by offering trainings, giving presentations and moderating events on topics such as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in higher education, knowledge production and power, inclusive language, intersectionality, the importance and creation of safer and braver spaces and feminist research principles. As a feminist researcher she has been working with collectives and organizations focusing on impact and need assessments, organizational policy changes, inclusive workplaces by applying feminist research practice and principles. Stella is also the founder and host of the intersectional feminist podcast Salt the Podcast. She is a board member of the Syrian Female Journalists Network (SFJN) and an elected steering group member of the Inclusion and Diversity Community Group at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) where she is committed to initiate changes in educational and organizational policies to achieve diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in international education. Stella has an MSc in Middle East Politics from SOAS and an MA in Gender Studies from Utrecht University. She also holds a degree in German and English language and literature from the TU Braunschweig and spent one year as an ERASMUS student at York university, studying linguistics. Academia and international education have been a true source of inspiration and change to her, they have been her constant companion and source of liberation.
Feminist knowledge production and podcasting
Bio
Stella is a feminist researcher and social justice consultant who is committed to contributing to the vision and mission of organizations that strive towards achieving intersectional justice. For more than a decade she has been collaborating with stakeholders in the Higher Education as well as not-for-profit sector by offering trainings, giving presentations and moderating events on topics such as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in higher education, knowledge production and power, inclusive language, intersectionality, the importance and creation of safer and braver spaces and feminist research principles. As a feminist researcher she has been working with collectives and organizations focusing on impact and need assessments, organizational policy changes, inclusive workplaces by applying feminist research practice and principles. Stella is also the founder and host of the intersectional feminist podcast Salt the Podcast. She is a board member of the Syrian Female Journalists Network (SFJN) and an elected steering group member of the Inclusion and Diversity Community Group at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) where she is committed to initiate changes in educational and organizational policies to achieve diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in international education. Stella has an MSc in Middle East Politics from SOAS and an MA in Gender Studies from Utrecht University. She also holds a degree in German and English language and literature from the TU Braunschweig and spent one year as an ERASMUS student at York university, studying linguistics. Academia and international education have been a true source of inspiration and change to her, they have been her constant companion and source of liberation.
Mentors
In this round of the Aswatona Program we included Mentors who are Alumni from the Aswatona Program 2021. They support and consult our participants with their podcast production. We are happy to present to you:
Nahla
“Podcast for me is a way to express thoughts, beliefs, fears, freely and without fear of being judged.”
Hajar
"Podcasting is a great way to get your thoughts across while using your voice. It is also a tool that allows people to speak up their minds and be heard without having to be seen.”
Tabarek
“Podcast for me is a magic effect on heart through the ear of the listener.”
Sadeq
"Podcasting for me is a way to express, release and communicate what I feel, know and have to say, it's a tool to deliver the voice of the voiceless."
Ines
"Podcasting for me is a powerful medium of self-expression and storytelling. The depth of conversations makes it unique, especially when the topic is challenging and triggering. I love listening to an episode and going for a walk, it helps me reflect and get another perspective."
Esraa
“Podcasting for me is contributing to building an oral history for women and keeping their stories.”
Jury
We also would like to introduce you to our five Jury Members, who chose our participants:
Raouia Khedr
Raouia is a journalist and podcaster from Tunisia. She produces and presents the podcast “Khidma Ndhifa” about classical or emerging professions in Tunisia. She is also currently a presenter at RTCI radio.
Nesmah Mansour
From Yemen, Nesmah is a Youth Human Rights Defender and Peace Activist. She has more than eight years of experience in human rights, including women and youth rights. She is currently the communication and advocacy officer at Peace Track Initiative and was the Project Coordinator at RNW Media's SRHR project Hobb Wa Tebb.
Heba Obeid
Heba Obeid is a Palestinian-Syrian journalist based in Berlin, specializing in cultural journalism of a political nature. She studied Arabic literature at the University of Aleppo and is currently pursuing her studies in the field of journalism and media in Germany. She writes for many German newspapers and magazines as well as producing radio and television.
Abir Sarras
Abir is a journalist and expert in the reproductive health field, currently, she is responsible of Middle East programmes at Rutgers foundation. Abir is the co-founder of "Love Matters Arabic" platform which provides young people in West Asia & North Africa with scientific and reliable information about their sexual health and rights.
Samar Elhussieny
Samar Elhussieny is from Egypt, she is the Programs officer in Egyptian Human Rights Forum, former regional officer MENA and Turkey in Coalition for Women in Journalism, and former director of Horytna radio.
Moderators
Our 2023-workshops are moderated by this wonderful duo, that opens up a save and brave space for everyone to express:
Rula Asad
Rula is a Syrian feminist researcher, journalist, mentor, and trainer in the field of feminist media, events moderator, content creator, environmental activist, former football player. She is based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, since 2012. Rula is the Co-Founder of Stichting Syrian Female Journalists' Network (SFJN) and the Executive Director for ten years. She holds an MA in Gender Studies in Media, Culture, and Arts from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and a BA in Journalism from the University of Damascus. She started her career in journalism as a sports reporter back in Syria in 2002. She researches various topics, including culture, society, politics, revolutions and social movements, social justice, feminism, digital rights, environment, and women human rights defenders' safety and security.
Stella Saliari
Stella is a feminist researcher and social justice consultant who is committed to contributing to the vision and mission of organizations that strive towards achieving intersectional justice.
For more than a decade she has been collaborating with stakeholders in the Higher Education as well as not-for-profit sector by offering trainings, giving presentations and moderating events on topics such as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in higher education, knowledge production and power, inclusive language, intersectionality, the importance and creation of safer and braver spaces and feminist research principles.
As a feminist researcher she has been working with collectives and organizations focusing on impact and need assessments, organizational policy changes, inclusive workplaces by applying feminist research practice and principles.
Stella is also the founder and host of the intersectional feminist podcast Salt the Podcast. She is a board member of the Syrian Female Journalists Network (SFJN) and an elected steering group member of the Inclusion and Diversity Community Group at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) where she is committed to initiate changes in educational and organizational policies to achieve diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in international education.
Stella has an MSc in Middle East Politics from SOAS and an MA in Gender Studies from Utrecht University. She also holds a degree in German and English language and literature from the TU Braunschweig and spent one year as an ERASMUS student at York university, studying linguistics. Academia and international education have been a true source of inspiration and change to her, they have been her constant companion and source of liberation.
Experst
Meet our Experts who help our participants to deepen their skills with their precious knowledge:
Maya Ammar
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Feminist storytelling
Bio
Maya El Ammar is a feminist writer, activist, and communications professional who has led nationwide feminist media campaigns on issues related to family violence, child marriage, personal status laws, and the kafala system, among other topics. She currently contributes to various independent media outlets as a journalist and translator. She occasionally produces short videos covering a range of feminist issues, alongside her job as a media strategist for a non-profit organization. Maya has experience in training civil society organizations and young activists in the fields of gender and media. She has a BA in journalism and an MA in communication studies.
Feminist storytelling
Bio
Maya El Ammar is a feminist writer, activist, and communications professional who has led nationwide feminist media campaigns on issues related to family violence, child marriage, personal status laws, and the kafala system, among other topics. She currently contributes to various independent media outlets as a journalist and translator. She occasionally produces short videos covering a range of feminist issues, alongside her job as a media strategist for a non-profit organization. Maya has experience in training civil society organizations and young activists in the fields of gender and media. She has a BA in journalism and an MA in communication studies.
Tomader Nourledeen
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
How to define gender?
Bio
Tomader Nour (she/They): is feminist, queer and Youth advocate, a researcher in social sciences, co-founder of Noon Feminist Movement - Sudan and a political activist working on gender issues and feminist political economy.
How to define gender?
Bio
Tomader Nour (she/They): is feminist, queer and Youth advocate, a researcher in social sciences, co-founder of Noon Feminist Movement - Sudan and a political activist working on gender issues and feminist political economy.
صابرين طه
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
General Steps in the Podcast Production
Bio
As an expert of podcast production, Sabreen has worked on producing many podcasts throughout the years with leading podcasts networks in the region. She has also worked with many news and media outlets before producing news stories and live coverage.
General Steps in the Podcast Production
Bio
As an expert of podcast production, Sabreen has worked on producing many podcasts throughout the years with leading podcasts networks in the region. She has also worked with many news and media outlets before producing news stories and live coverage.
رشا الديب
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
The Podcast-Market
Bio
Rasha Aldeeb has seven years’ experience as a podcast consultant, ten years’ experience as an audio producer and is AEIF-Winner 2022/23 (Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund). She produced and/or established a roundabout of 11 podcast-series, international, such as Political is personal for the Women's League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) or Mkany Mkank for the Robert Bosch Stiftung, and local productions such as she has a voice, Story About her or – her latest hosting production – qisassna – our stories. Moreover, she worked with different international organizations such as UNICEF, Care International and the Goethe Institute, was the podcast consultant for WANAS, a podcast application, and gives radio and podcasts trainings for the Wahedmena Coalition and Yasmin Kollektiv.
The Podcast-Market
Bio
Rasha Aldeeb has seven years’ experience as a podcast consultant, ten years’ experience as an audio producer and is AEIF-Winner 2022/23 (Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund). She produced and/or established a roundabout of 11 podcast-series, international, such as Political is personal for the Women's League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) or Mkany Mkank for the Robert Bosch Stiftung, and local productions such as she has a voice, Story About her or – her latest hosting production – qisassna – our stories. Moreover, she worked with different international organizations such as UNICEF, Care International and the Goethe Institute, was the podcast consultant for WANAS, a podcast application, and gives radio and podcasts trainings for the Wahedmena Coalition and Yasmin Kollektiv.
Nivin Serag
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Audio editing (advanced)
Bio
Nivin Serag el Din graduated from masscomm. Cairo university and the Higher Institute of theater Arts, Department of Acting and Directing. She worked in the field of video production, audio content, and audio engineering and dubbing training.
Audio editing (advanced)
Bio
Nivin Serag el Din graduated from masscomm. Cairo university and the Higher Institute of theater Arts, Department of Acting and Directing. She worked in the field of video production, audio content, and audio engineering and dubbing training.
Jana Qazzaz
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Audio editing (beginners)
Bio
Jana Qazzaz is a Podcast Producer and Writer. She currently works with صوت Podcasts’ editorial team and has produced numerous shows on topics ranging from tech to economic justice to food. With a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication and experience from different institutions. Jana’s skills encompass a plethora of areas, including audio and multimedia production, scriptwriting and editing, and human centered design.
Audio editing (beginners)
Bio
Jana Qazzaz is a Podcast Producer and Writer. She currently works with صوت Podcasts’ editorial team and has produced numerous shows on topics ranging from tech to economic justice to food. With a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication and experience from different institutions. Jana’s skills encompass a plethora of areas, including audio and multimedia production, scriptwriting and editing, and human centered design.
Mabrouka Khedir
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Environmental challenges and civil society in Tunisia
Bio
Mabrouka khedir is a video journalist and a correspondent for DW TV and TV5. She is a freelance investigative journalist for Alqatiba, Al Arabiya channel and various other international media outlets. She is as well an environmental journalist and a founder of the environmental media project “COSMOS Media,” the first digital platform specialized in environmental and ecologic journalism in Tunisia.
Environmental challenges and civil society in Tunisia
Bio
Mabrouka khedir is a video journalist and a correspondent for DW TV and TV5. She is a freelance investigative journalist for Alqatiba, Al Arabiya channel and various other international media outlets. She is as well an environmental journalist and a founder of the environmental media project “COSMOS Media,” the first digital platform specialized in environmental and ecologic journalism in Tunisia.
Ichrak Klai
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Environmental challenges and the intersection of gender
Bio
Ichrak Klai is a jurist specialised in environmental law and sustainable development. She was a member of the Tunisian delegation at COP26 in Glasgow and COP27 in Sharm Sheikh. She is also a columnist on Radio Misk's Éco friendly program, in charge of the Éco geste section.
Environmental challenges and the intersection of gender
Bio
Ichrak Klai is a jurist specialised in environmental law and sustainable development. She was a member of the Tunisian delegation at COP26 in Glasgow and COP27 in Sharm Sheikh. She is also a columnist on Radio Misk's Éco friendly program, in charge of the Éco geste section.
Fatiha Abrar
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
The role of women in renaturation in Mining areas in Morrocco
Bio
Fatiha Abrar - future researcher with an unwavering motivation and a burning desire to innovate and develop novel solutions to address environmental challenges for the next generation.
The role of women in renaturation in Mining areas in Morrocco
Bio
Fatiha Abrar - future researcher with an unwavering motivation and a burning desire to innovate and develop novel solutions to address environmental challenges for the next generation.
Rym Amami
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Audio Editing workshop
Bio
Rym Amami is one of the co-founders of Freesh Production, where she spent seven years as the scriptwriter, director, and production manager of various audiovisual projects. In 2016, she then worked as a project manager at Lawyers Without Borders. Rym Amami was also a board member of the Chouf association, and a member of the organizing committee of the feminist art festival Chouftouhonna in Tunis. She is a comic book writer (Shift and Phaza 907 B) and has been producing podcasts at Inkyfada since 2021.
Audio Editing workshop
Bio
Rym Amami is one of the co-founders of Freesh Production, where she spent seven years as the scriptwriter, director, and production manager of various audiovisual projects. In 2016, she then worked as a project manager at Lawyers Without Borders. Rym Amami was also a board member of the Chouf association, and a member of the organizing committee of the feminist art festival Chouftouhonna in Tunis. She is a comic book writer (Shift and Phaza 907 B) and has been producing podcasts at Inkyfada since 2021.
Oussema Gaidi
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Audio Editing workshop
Bio
Oussema Gaidi, (aka « YnflX») is a Musician, Composer, sound designer and activist of the Tunisian Electronic Music scene since 2004. In addition to various albums, singles and live sets he channeled his productions towards sound works for cinema, musical pieces and live performances for theater, performing arts and interdisciplinary works. He joined Inkyfada Podcast team in January 2020 as a sound designer and sound editor. He was responsible for editing, designing the ambiances, atmospheres, jingles and commas, mixing, and consulting about story-telling from a narrative, musical and aesthetic point of view.
Audio Editing workshop
Bio
Oussema Gaidi, (aka « YnflX») is a Musician, Composer, sound designer and activist of the Tunisian Electronic Music scene since 2004. In addition to various albums, singles and live sets he channeled his productions towards sound works for cinema, musical pieces and live performances for theater, performing arts and interdisciplinary works. He joined Inkyfada Podcast team in January 2020 as a sound designer and sound editor. He was responsible for editing, designing the ambiances, atmospheres, jingles and commas, mixing, and consulting about story-telling from a narrative, musical and aesthetic point of view.
Feras Arrabi
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Audio editing workshop online
Bio
Feras Arrabi is a dedicated Jordanian Musician and Sound Editor based in Amman, Jordan. With a profound passion for creating captivating sounds and music productions, he humbly contributes to the craft of producing immersive audio experiences. Through each project he undertakes, he strives to maintain a harmonious balance of technical expertise and artistic sensibility, aiming to deliver high-quality outcomes that consistently engage and captivate listeners.
Audio editing workshop online
Bio
Feras Arrabi is a dedicated Jordanian Musician and Sound Editor based in Amman, Jordan. With a profound passion for creating captivating sounds and music productions, he humbly contributes to the craft of producing immersive audio experiences. Through each project he undertakes, he strives to maintain a harmonious balance of technical expertise and artistic sensibility, aiming to deliver high-quality outcomes that consistently engage and captivate listeners.
Stella Saliari
Aswatona Workshop Expertise
Feminist knowledge production and podcasting
Bio
Stella is a feminist researcher and social justice consultant who is committed to contributing to the vision and mission of organizations that strive towards achieving intersectional justice. For more than a decade she has been collaborating with stakeholders in the Higher Education as well as not-for-profit sector by offering trainings, giving presentations and moderating events on topics such as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in higher education, knowledge production and power, inclusive language, intersectionality, the importance and creation of safer and braver spaces and feminist research principles. As a feminist researcher she has been working with collectives and organizations focusing on impact and need assessments, organizational policy changes, inclusive workplaces by applying feminist research practice and principles. Stella is also the founder and host of the intersectional feminist podcast Salt the Podcast. She is a board member of the Syrian Female Journalists Network (SFJN) and an elected steering group member of the Inclusion and Diversity Community Group at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) where she is committed to initiate changes in educational and organizational policies to achieve diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in international education. Stella has an MSc in Middle East Politics from SOAS and an MA in Gender Studies from Utrecht University. She also holds a degree in German and English language and literature from the TU Braunschweig and spent one year as an ERASMUS student at York university, studying linguistics. Academia and international education have been a true source of inspiration and change to her, they have been her constant companion and source of liberation.
Feminist knowledge production and podcasting
Bio
Stella is a feminist researcher and social justice consultant who is committed to contributing to the vision and mission of organizations that strive towards achieving intersectional justice. For more than a decade she has been collaborating with stakeholders in the Higher Education as well as not-for-profit sector by offering trainings, giving presentations and moderating events on topics such as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in higher education, knowledge production and power, inclusive language, intersectionality, the importance and creation of safer and braver spaces and feminist research principles. As a feminist researcher she has been working with collectives and organizations focusing on impact and need assessments, organizational policy changes, inclusive workplaces by applying feminist research practice and principles. Stella is also the founder and host of the intersectional feminist podcast Salt the Podcast. She is a board member of the Syrian Female Journalists Network (SFJN) and an elected steering group member of the Inclusion and Diversity Community Group at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) where she is committed to initiate changes in educational and organizational policies to achieve diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in international education. Stella has an MSc in Middle East Politics from SOAS and an MA in Gender Studies from Utrecht University. She also holds a degree in German and English language and literature from the TU Braunschweig and spent one year as an ERASMUS student at York university, studying linguistics. Academia and international education have been a true source of inspiration and change to her, they have been her constant companion and source of liberation.
Farah
Favorite Podcast: Podcast that raises different issues in a creative way
Interests: I am interested in issues close to the citizen and touching human rights, even if the issue at hand is political, scientific, environmental, health, cultural, sports, or social. The important thing is that the human stories are present.
Secret talent: Innovation, innovation, innovation
Interests: I am interested in issues close to the citizen and touching human rights, even if the issue at hand is political, scientific, environmental, health, cultural, sports, or social. The important thing is that the human stories are present.
Secret talent: Innovation, innovation, innovation
Dhouha
Favorite Podcast: Jssadi
Interests: cinema, music and feminist topics
Secret talent: singing
Interests: cinema, music and feminist topics
Secret talent: singing
Aya
Favorite Podcast: It’s hard to pick only one. I generally like podcasts that discuss social topics and conversational ones where a different interviewee is hosted in each episode to discuss a different topic
Interests: Writing, going out, traveling and exploring new places
Secret talent: I can mimic different weird sounds -babies, witches, monsters,etc…
Interests: Writing, going out, traveling and exploring new places
Secret talent: I can mimic different weird sounds -babies, witches, monsters,etc…
Participants
In 2023, we were thrilled to receive 781 applications for our workshops from across West Asia and North Africa. We had the opportunity to grant scholarships to 18 skilled participants from Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Palestine, Sudan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan. Each of our scholars brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, united by their shared enthusiasm for podcasts and podcasting. In addition to podcasting, our scholars possess a wide array of interests, skills, and hidden talents. Get to know them better by visiting their profiles here!
Mariem
Favorite Podcast: I don't really have a favorite podcast yet. However I prefer podcasts that talk about arts, culture and women empowerment.
Interests: Arts, feminism and nature.
Secret talent: I'm a beginner actress.
Interests: Arts, feminism and nature.
Secret talent: I'm a beginner actress.
Bayan
Favorite Podcast: Dom tak and Masaha by SOWT
Interests: Hiking, Reading non-fiction books, Yoga, and Gardening
Secret talent: Writing children's Literature stories
Interests: Hiking, Reading non-fiction books, Yoga, and Gardening
Secret talent: Writing children's Literature stories
Fatiha
Favorite Podcast: Finjan
Interests: As an individual, I am passionate about supporting women and promoting gender equality. Women have historically been disadvantaged and faced various forms of discrimination, including limited access to education and employment opportunities, unequal pay, and gender-based violence. I believe that every woman deserves the same rights, opportunities, and respect as man. By using my voice to advocate for women's rights and promote gender equality, I hope to help create a world where women are empowered and have equal opportunities to succeed. I am committed to supporting women by listening to their experiences, amplifying their voices, and advocating for policies that promote gender equality.
Secret talent: have always been fascinated by the power of storytelling to connect people, share experiences, and inspire change. Whether it's through writing, speaking, or other forms of communication, I am able to craft compelling narratives that engage and captivate my audience
Interests: As an individual, I am passionate about supporting women and promoting gender equality. Women have historically been disadvantaged and faced various forms of discrimination, including limited access to education and employment opportunities, unequal pay, and gender-based violence. I believe that every woman deserves the same rights, opportunities, and respect as man. By using my voice to advocate for women's rights and promote gender equality, I hope to help create a world where women are empowered and have equal opportunities to succeed. I am committed to supporting women by listening to their experiences, amplifying their voices, and advocating for policies that promote gender equality.
Secret talent: have always been fascinated by the power of storytelling to connect people, share experiences, and inspire change. Whether it's through writing, speaking, or other forms of communication, I am able to craft compelling narratives that engage and captivate my audience
Linda
Favorite Podcast: Syria podcast
Interests: Create the story podcast/ impact producer
Secret talent: Impact producer for documentary movie
Interests: Create the story podcast/ impact producer
Secret talent: Impact producer for documentary movie
Shaza
Favorite Podcast: When Feminists Rule the World
Interests: Gender equity issues
Secret talent: fluency and nice voice , passionate to discover new topics and readings.
Interests: Gender equity issues
Secret talent: fluency and nice voice , passionate to discover new topics and readings.
Deng
Favorite Podcast: Deutschlandfunk kultur
Interests: Sports, painting, books reading
Secret talent: Painting
Interests: Sports, painting, books reading
Secret talent: Painting
Iqbal
Favorite Podcast: Aswoat
Interests: Culture, travel and story telling
Secret talent: Embroidery
Interests: Culture, travel and story telling
Secret talent: Embroidery
Tarik
Interests: Too many to count!
Secret talent: If I tell you it wouldn't be secret!
Secret talent: If I tell you it wouldn't be secret!
Lara
Favorite Podcast: Métamorphose, L’heure du crime
Interests: Movies, theater, music, upcycling
Secret talent: Acting
Interests: Movies, theater, music, upcycling
Secret talent: Acting
Timeline
In 2023 18 participants sharpen their skills in audio journalism, data security, and podcast production through a series of workshops. At the same time, they create a podcast series of 12 episodes on the topic of gender – the Aswatona Podcast!
1st Podcast Production Phase
Get together
2nd Podcast production phase
Dubbing Workshop
Workshop Podcast Promotion
Closing Event
16 - 19 March
20 March - 31 May
27 April
15 - 18 June
19 June - 6 August
30 August
18 & 20 of September
30 January