"MY Science": Bridging the Gap Between Science and Society in Middle East and Africa
Nouha Belaid (PhD)
Science Journalist| Content Creator I Media relationsI Communication and Advocacy Strategist I Public Relations I Global media expert
My engagement with civil society has profoundly shaped the person I am today. I am currently working with my friends on the launch of Madha Yahduth (Science), abbreviated as 'MY Science,' which aims to spark interest in the sciences and strengthen citizens' role in knowledge development. We are committed to fostering science journalism that actively involves and empowers citizens, facilitating dialogue between scientists and the public. But how did this journey start?
This journey started when I was young. From school projects to large-scale initiatives, my involvement in community-driven causes has been a constant thread, weaving through every career phase. These experiences were not only about giving back—they were transformative, shaping my identity, career path, and core values.
My first encounters with civil society began during my school years when I participated in various community-focused activities. From raising funds for school projects and supporting needy children to organizing food drives and distributing aid in regions (in my home country) affected by natural disasters, I immersed myself in work, prioritizing collective welfare over personal gain. In moments like collecting donations for cancer victims or handing out water bottles to marathon runners, I realized the true impact of small, meaningful actions.
When I moved to Canada, I learned that civil society work holds significant professional value, which should be highlighted in a résumé. Reflecting on the countless hours I had spent volunteering, particularly on Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays, I realized how much these experiences had equipped me with the confidence and communication skills I use today.
The Power of Knowledge Sharing and Collective Action
These early experiences taught me the importance of sharing knowledge and contributing to causes that elevate others. Working alongside diverse groups—from youth organizations to local NGOs—opened my eyes to the power of collective action. I saw firsthand how critical it is to give voice to the marginalized and how civil society can bridge the gaps in communication, representation, and social justice.
This involvement was more than volunteer work; it became the foundation for my development of key skills in communication, advocacy, and storytelling. Working with NGOs helped me understand how to craft messages that resonate with audiences and how to use media as a powerful tool for driving social change. These formative years I laid the groundwork for what would later become a cornerstone of my career: science journalism.
A Turning Point: the Arab Spring and COVID-19
One of the most significant milestones in my career occurred during the Arab Spring. During great social upheaval, my work became a more focused mission: science journalism. As the Arab Spring supported the emergence of many outlets in Tunisia in 2011, I co-founded a medical website, recognizing the absence of science communication in public discourse. This adventure allowed me to contribute to the public’s understanding of critical health challenges. It solidified my belief in the power of media as an agent of change.
Another pivotal moment came in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The context allowed me to navigate the complex challenges of pandemic communication. At that time, I launched three initiatives online. "About fact-checking" was one of the most successful ones, as I tried to explain, based on research, the best practices to protect ourselves from the different variants of COVID-19.
However, this crisis also revealed a new, critical intersection for me—the link between climate change and health. This discovery steered my career in a new direction, and I began to explore how the media could address the growing threats posed by climate change to public health.
In response, I launched the "Science Journalists in MENA" community, a platform that provides free opportunities for journalists in the region to improve their skills and access critical resources.
This initiative has grown to over 1,000 members, including 450 science journalists from the Middle East and North Africa.
Through this community, I have extended the same growth opportunities and knowledge-sharing that I benefitted from in my early days of civil society engagement. I didn't stop sharing what I know and have opportunities for my colleagues.
"Madha Yahduth": The First Citizen Media in the MEA Region
In 2021, I took my commitment to citizen journalism a step further by launching "Madha Yahduth" (What’s happening), the first citizen media outlet in the MEA region. The goal was simple yet powerful: to give citizens a voice in the media landscape.
This project has since been recognized among the top 500 projects in Africa and has received praise from the Council of Europe for its contribution to media diversity and citizen empowerment.
"Madha Yahduth" has served as a platform for citizens to speak out on issues that matter most to them, whether local environmental concerns, health challenges, or social justice initiatives. The success of this initiative affirmed my belief in the power of media to inform and transform societies.
Through civil society, I found my voice. Today, I am committed to helping others find theirs, whether through my work with "Science Journalists in MENA" or the new projects I plan to launch.
Announcing “Madha Yahduth-Science” (MY Science)
As part of my continued dedication to advancing science journalism and communication in the MENA region, I am excited to announce the launch of a new initiative: "Madha Yahduth-Science" (MY Science) next week. This platform will serve as a dedicated space for science communication, providing the latest research, analysis, and insights on pressing issues such as climate change, health, and technology.
MY Science" will continue the legacy of "Madha Yahduth," but with a specific focus on elevating scientific discourse and ensuring that accurate, reliable information reaches all corners of society in MEA region.
By creating this platform, my friends and I aim to empower journalists and citizens with the knowledge they need to engage with scientific topics affecting their lives and futures.
Our dream is:
Now, more than ever, we need to foster a community of informed individuals who can contribute to building a better world through science and communication.
Stay tuned for the official "Madha Yahduth-Science" (MY Science) launch—an exciting new chapter in my civil society engagement and media empowerment journey!
Follow MY Science
Register here https://science.madha-yahduth.com/