SAT-7's new programme fights for women's rights

SAT-7 Christian Television has announced the second series of 'An Hour is Not Enough' (Sa'a Mish Say'a). This series highlights the vulnerability of women in the modern Middle East.

'An Hour is Not Enough' asks and answers direct questions: how do these women (female heads of household) cope with responsibilities that have suddenly fallen on their shoulders when they are abandoned, neglected or lose a husband? How do they raise their children in a society that looks down on them, even if it’s not their fault? What happens when a husband deserts his family? What are the rights of women, and how do they realise those rights?

Programme producer Julianna Sfeir says the show is very needed: “We hope to educate women in the Middle East and North Africa as to what their basic rights are when they are the heads of a household. There is a lot of work that needs to be done to educate these women.”

The show will air “live” each week, giving viewers a chance to call in and share their stories and to discuss what they can do to improve their situations.

“Women must know what their rights are, and society must give women their rights,” observed Tanya Nahhas, who along with Said Melki, hosts the programme.

In the Middle East, this is a serious problem. 'An Hour is Not Enough' will tackle the practical and emotional impact of divorce, separation, widowhood, unemployment, inheritance and child custody.

Often, society stigmatises women who are divorced or separated or victims of other forms of social and economic hardship. The severity of the stigma intimidates many. On occasions the programme's producers black out interviewees' faces and alter their voices to give them the security necessary to calm the fears of those who yearn to share their tragic stories. But for some women, even this security has not been enough to give them confidence to share their stories.

The first episode will set the tone for the series. It features writers/presenters Tanya Nahhas, Tanya Basha, Said Melki, and producer Julianna Sfeir. They will discuss the issues to be presented during this 26-week series. The guests on this show will address social problems like drug and alcohol addiction, broken families and economic hardship - issues not frequently mentioned in the open.

In addition, the show dramatises pertinent situations. Famous actors and actresses have either completely donated their time, or are working for a nominal fee as they enact some of these very sad and disheartening situations.

In Lebanon, Voice of Charity Radio will be simulcasting 'An Hour is Not Enough'. See www.radiocharity.org for frequencies.