Published on 29 April 2025
Recognising journalism as the mission of reflecting the truth through publishing for the people has been my biggest source of inspiration. I briefly worked in the distribution of a feminist women’s magazine, and then in 2011, I began my journalistic career as a presenter at a Kurdish-Turkish bilingual television channel. Making Kurdish broadcasting possible and increasing the visibility of women in the media against the patriarchal mindset were the main goals that motivated me, especially in the face of the country’s undemocratic structure.
In my studio programmes, street interviews, and articles, I always prioritised empathy. While adhering to the ethical principles of journalism, I defended the right to access accurate news and the truth without forgetting that I am one of the people. In my broadcasts, I adopted a sincere and careful language. I provided claims with their sources and made sure to gather all relevant details. At times, while adding my commentary, I did not shy away from including my analysis of the situation.
I always cared for letting my audience and readers feel that I was a journalist who stands for the truth, regardless of the circumstances. A good journalist never stops researching and learning. In my broadcasts, I always felt like a journalism student, constantly seeking knowledge. Personal experience also develops journalistic practice. Observing and conveying it with careful language is an important responsibility. I believe in the principle of impartiality, but I also care deeply about the perspective from which a situation is viewed and how it is presented. To me, a journalist is someone who always defends the truth and never abandons reality. This shows me that the journalist’s side is that of the people.
Like in undemocratic or democracy-compromising countries, as a journalist, I have been subjected to pressures and violence from the state and its political face. My living space was restricted, I was stalked and threatened, I had to change cities, became unable to carry out my profession, changed fields, had lawsuits filed against me, got convicted, and eventually had to leave the country.
Although the experience of women in journalism has increased in recent years, the fields are still filled with a patriarchal mindset. We, as women journalists, have to fight against this mindset. Just as we fight against undemocratic states and political powers, we as women journalists also have to combat this mindset, which originates from the patriarchal state.
In a country like Germany, language plays a significant role in being able to pursue the profession. Bureaucracy is tough, and language barriers negatively affect the quality of life. I still do not have the necessary equipment and a motivating space to fully practice my profession. I cannot overcome my anxiety about learning German while planning for the future (I think this stems from my mother’s struggles with not knowing Turkish, even in her own country). I am not sure where I will be in journalism in the future, but I do believe I will find the motivation to start somewhere. Because journalism is not just a profession for me; it is a principle that gives new meaning to my life every day, informs me, enables me to share knowledge, and has played a significant role in shaping my character.
Photo: Mahir Fırat Fidan
