Have confidence in yourself, don’t let yourself be sidelined
Turkey / New Zealand
Senior Features Editor in Istanbul (From January 2018, freelance reporter)
Yasmine died suddenly on November 30. We will leave this feature in place for the usual time, as a tribute to her
What type of projects do you do?
Editing articles and digital videos, short films, training entry-level journalists.
Why did this sort work interest you, and how did you get started?
I love storytelling, and I love going out to find the story, meeting people from different cultures and trying to tell their stories. I’ve been a journalist for over a decade now, and started out as a digital journalist in New Zealand, before moving to France.
What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying? Most challenging?
I am most satisfied when a report is published! And when it has some kind of impact and you get feedback from people who appreciate, or were moved by it.
What do you like and not like about working in this industry?
I appreciate the privileged position of being able to meet with so many interesting people from all walks of life, and performing a vital role for the public. And doing what I love for a living.
What I don’t like is how much of a struggle it is to survive as a reporter in the current economy.
My strongest assets/skills, areas of knowledge, personality traits and values are….
I think I’m good at getting on with people, at mentoring, and i am very analytical. I have strong knowledge of international politics, particularly of North Africa, France and the Middle East. I believe in the public’s right to be informed, and feel strongly about the need for women to be more recognised and given more equal opportunities in the newsroom.
Has IAWRT’s network of media women around the world helped or inspired you?
Yes it is very inspiring to meet so many amazing women journalists from around the world, and to realise that many of us are facing similar challenges in the media environment.
What are your long-term goals?
To be an independent writer and film maker; and for that to be financially sustainable!
What special advice do you have for young women seeking to qualify for this type of work?
Have confidence in yourself, and don’t let yourself be sidelined. Go out and do ambitious projects even if no one is supporting you.
Do you have any special words of warning, or encouragement, because of your experience?
Hard work pays off and with patience comes more opportunities!
Links to some of Yasmine’s work online.
http://www.independent.co.uk/author/yasmine-ryan
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/profile/yasmine-ryan.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=UUV3Nm3T-XAgVhKH9jT0ViRg&v=nWLKQOiU19o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=Ljhfkfwk_2w
Personal website
yasmine.org.nz (currently offline – being fixed!)
