Using media to empower Palestinian women

Maysoun Odeh Gangat co-founded and runs Ramallah based Nisaa FM – the first radio station in the Middle East run by women for women. Maysoun is using media to empower women, create jobs and highlight the positive role that Arab women play in Palestinian society.

This post is part of a major series from the Schwab Foundation looking at lessons from leading social entrepreneurs.

Her advice to aspiring female leaders is: ”Persevere and be patient in the success of any social project. Don’t feel demotivated, even if there are restrictions. I think these restrictions – whether cultural or social or economic – can be overcome.”

The Palestinian pioneer asks businesses and government to support social innovators: “Don’t think of the social entrepreneur as a competitor to you, but rather as a partner in social change and business development.”

Author: Maysoun Odeh Gangat, Founder, Nisaa FM

Image: Maysoun Odeh Gangat, the founder and CEO of NISAA FM, which ranks as one of Ramallah’s top five radio stations, works at the station’s studio in the West Bank city of Ramallah July 10, 2012. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman