By Patricia Wilson-
The Washington Post has credited Saudi scholar, Hala al-Dosari as the papers first Jamal Khashoggi fellow, a prize named after the late journalist who was murdered last year.
The Washington Post announced the launch of the fellowship on Monday,to provide an independent platform for journalists and writers from parts of the world where “freedom of expression is threatened or suppressed”. Its aim to acknowledge and support all writers and journalists that boldly express their views in areas that pose a risk to their safety or expose them to unfair criticism or vilification.
The fellowship is named in honour of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who wrote columns for The Washington Post‘s “Global Opinions” section, until he was murdered at the kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul in October.
Dosari is a Saudi human rights activist, scholar and writer – is known as a leading advocate for women and girls’ rights in Saudi Arabia. She is credited for her involvement in joining leading activists in fighting for the October driving campaign that overturned the draconian laws that previously prevented women from driving cars in Saudia Arabia.
BRIGHT
The bright, pretty and courageous woman has carved a respectable career for herself over the years in media, health, and research. Dosari has also built a network of significant community leaders to improve support for women facing violence and gender discrimination. Her advocacy and coalition-building draws from her own scholarly
“We are honored to pay tribute to Jamal’s life and work and to the values he cared most about, including human rights and freedom of expression,”Fred Hiatt said the Editorial Page Editor at The Washington Post.
“Hala is a respected and leading voice on women’s issues, health policy and political reform across Saudi Arabia and the Arab Gulf states. We look forward to having her join our roster of contributors offering informed and different perspectives that they may not be able to express in their own countries or region.”
She also serves on the advisory boards of the Human Rights Watch Middle East/North Africa Division and the Gulf Center for Human Rights.
Karen Attiah, Khashoggi’s editor at the newspaper, also congratulated Dosari on Twitter. Dosari’s columns will be published in both English and Arabic.