Jeddah Interview By: Faheem Malik
The other day, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Sameera Aziz, a Saudi media personality and businesswoman originally from Pakistan. Chairing the Sameera Aziz Group of Companies (SAG), she holds a PhD in Mass Media and began her career 25 years ago as an investigative journalist trained by Prince Ahmed bin Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud. As a pioneering female media figure in Saudi Arabia, she broke barriers, worked at Saudi Gazette and Okaz, conducted undercover sting operations and remains involved with the Saudi Ministry of Media. Her entrepre-neurial ventures reflect her dedication to her country’s progress and humanitarian causes.
Renowned Director Shaad Ali has announced his latest project: a bio-graphical film chronicling Dr. Sameera Aziz’s journey. Known for films like “Saathiya” and “Bunty Aur Babli,” Ali expressed his excitement about capturing authentic real-life footage, including Sameera receiving her Doctorate degree and her storytelling sessions. The film will extensively shoot in Saudi Arabia to portray the environment that shaped Sameera’s impact.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in media, especially in a male-dominated environment?
A: I was born in Saudi Arabia but moved to Karachi, Pakistan, at two. Encouraged by my mother, I helped older women at Nai Roshni School, sparking my interest in social work. At 14, I aspired to be a writer. After marrying my Saudi cousin, I moved back to Saudi Arabia, determined to become a journalist despite skepticism. My husband supported my studies, and I worked hard to establish myself as a media personality, proving critics wrong.
Q: Can you share a challenging moment in your career and how you overcame it? How do you feel about your personal journey being portrayed in the film with real-life footage?
A: During my pregnancy, I had an appendectomy and was advised to terminate the pregnancy due to my young age. I chose to keep my baby and gave birth to my daughter, Reem, who was born with rheumatism. By age 11, Reem couldn’t walk, leading me to resign from my job to care for her. Her despair over her condition even led her to consider suicide, which devastated me. A psychiatrist advised me to show normalcy for Reem’s sake, so I started working from home and taking her to public events, helping her reengage with life. Sharing my personal journey in the film, including Reem’s struggles, is my way of giving back to society, hoping to inspire and help others.
Q: What message do you hope this biopic will convey to young women in conservative societies, given the progress in Saudi Arabia and other seemingly conservative communities?
A: Young people today are more open and expressive. Saudi women now know their rights, having seen their mothers’ limited lives. We endured hardships for future generations to thrive. As a young woman with weak Arabic skills, I faced racism and skepticism but worked hard in media, eventually writing six books. Despite opposition, I learned humility and resilience. My biopic aims to inspire young people to use challenges as motivation, value education, and understand that age is no barrier to learning. Anyone can be a catalyst for change in any society.
Q: How has the Vision 2030 initiative reshaped your professional endeavors and the media landscape in Saudi Arabia?
A: I used to face frequent harassment, a common issue in societies like Pakistan and India where women are underestimated. However, what once felt insurmountable is now manageable; I no longer face harassment. I confidently assert that it’s not illegal for women to work anymore. I used to operate discreetly for my safety, but that’s no longer needed.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 has transformed our lives, providing opportunities we couldn’t have imagined. This progressive vision has empowered women, making it easier to pursue careers without fear, and has championed women’s rights and contributions for a more inclusive society.
Q: As a recipient of the Great Woman Award, how do you perceive the influence of such prestigious accolades on the representation and empowerment of women within the media industry?
In 2016, I received the “Great Woman Award,” a prestigious cultural honor in the Middle East, for my perseverance in securing the first-ever film production permit in Saudi Arabia. Despite my Bollywood background, I refused to back down, asserting my right to work in the country. This recognition highlights my journalistic sting operations and my commitment to change, aiming to inspire Saudi women to embrace pivotal roles in media and advance our nation’s legacy.
