Tunisian journalist Syrine Abidi had dedicated her career to empowering women and breaking gender stereotypes in the Middle East.
She has used her journalism to amplify fellow Tunisian voices — and especially women’s perspectives.
Abidi, recognized as a 2024 Young Arab Pioneer under 35 by the Arab Youth Center, is the founder and CEO of Kortable, a journalism lab that provides resources for journalists and produces content that aligns with the values that have guided her career: women’s empowerment, environmental awareness, and mentorship of women journalists. She also was a participant in IJNet Arabic’s Mentoring Center in 2022.
Meet Syrine Abidi, IJNet’s journalist of the month for January:
What was your path to becoming a journalist?
I’ve been a storyteller since I was 12. I graduated [with a degree] in medical analysis, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed the devastating impact of misinformation [about the virus]. This experience inspired me to change my career path and return to university to study audiovisual and multimedia [reporting], and cinema.
Through my studies, I realized the immense power of storytelling to drive change. I began creating scientific content and collaborating with peers, but I faced challenges — many doubted a woman’s ability to handle demanding work, like longform reporting or films.
In response, I founded Kortable as a movement to empower women and invite my female colleagues to break these stereotypes. Together, we create podcasts, educational programs, and audiovisual reports.
You describe yourself as a "citizen journalism trainer" — could you explain what you mean by this and what inspired you to be a mentor to other journalists?
Citizen journalism is about empowering individuals outside traditional newsrooms to report on issues that matter to their communities, and providing them with the tools and knowledge to tell their own stories and challenge misinformation.
Coming from a marginalized area in Tunisia myself, I saw how our community was misrepresented. I felt a deep responsibility to change that. I was inspired to mentor others, especially young people and women in the MENA region who often lack access to formal training, to bridge that gap.
By empowering local voices, I believe we can rewrite the narrative and ensure our stories are told on our terms.
Could you go into more detail about Kortable, the journalism lab you run?
Kortable is a global hub where creatives, journalists and media entrepreneurs connect, collaborate and seize new opportunities across borders and disciplines. We use the power of media as a force for good, amplifying voices and causes that ignite meaningful, lasting change in society.
We fuse creativity, technology and entrepreneurship to create narratives that inspire action and drive change in human rights, environmental sustainability, and entrepreneurship, and which empower individuals — especially from marginalized communities — to break barriers, challenge norms, and spark movements.
You received a grant from ICFJ to run a student fact-checking program. What is this program, and why is it important?
One of the projects I am most proud of is the Student Fact-Checking Network (SFCN), which I launched with a grant from the International Center for Journalists as part of the Disarming Disinformation initiative. The project aims to equip young people, particularly students in medicine and economics, with the skills to combat misinformation.
By partnering with universities across the Middle East and North Africa, including the Higher School of Economic & Commercial Sciences in Tunis, Cairo University, and the University of Baghdad, we trained over 40 students in fact-checking techniques, ethics and standards. We also created the SFCN Forum, an international group that serves as a platform for students to share their experiences, collaborate and continuously improve their fact-checking skills. This initiative has grown to 250 members and continues to expand.
I chose to focus on medicine and economics because of their importance in the fight against misinformation, especially in countries like Tunisia, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan and Algeria. I’m [also] proud to say that Kortable continues to build bridges and promote a culture of fact-checking and critical thinking, helping shape a more informed future.
What is a story or project you’ve worked on that you are proud of?
One of the projects I am most proud of is "Eco Mic," an environmental podcast that I co-created with a colleague of mine under Kortable’s umbrella that blends environmental journalism with media entrepreneurship.
The primary goal of Eco Mic is to provide a platform for media entrepreneurs, environmental experts, and environmental journalists to share their experiences and insights. Through this podcast, we aim to raise awareness about pressing environmental issues, delve into the challenges faced by those working in the field, and inspire individuals to pursue careers in green media. Our work on Eco Mic was recently recognized in Al-Ain, a news outlet in the UAE, where it was chosen as one of its top five podcasts on environmental issues and climate change.
How has IJNet and the IJNet Mentoring Center helped your career?
The IJNet Mentoring Center has been a transformative opportunity for me, providing a platform to meet incredible mentors, learn about media entrepreneurship, and connect with alumni from around the world. It served as a vital networking space that not only broadened my perspective but also encouraged me to further my education. Through their guidance, I was inspired to pursue a master's degree in management and marketing, with a focus on media and cultural tourism. This educational journey has significantly deepened my understanding of sustainability and its importance in driving entrepreneurial projects.
Thanks to the mentorship from IJNet and ICFJ, along with Kortable’s growth, I had the honor of being chosen as the only woman from the Arab Maghreb to be recognized as an Arab Youth Pioneer by the Arab Youth Center in Abu Dhabi. This recognition is a testament to our mission to amplify voices and spark conversations that create lasting impact in the media and creative industries.
Do you have any advice for journalists in the Middle East and North Africa looking to begin a career in journalism?
For journalists in the Middle East and North Africa, my advice is to embrace your unique narrative and leverage your storytelling abilities to make a real impact. Our region holds a wealth of untold stories, and it is essential to use your platform to challenge conventional narratives. Breaking into the industry may present challenges, but persistence, continuous learning, and building meaningful relationships are key to success. Stay adaptable, embrace digital platforms, and innovate in your approach to storytelling.
In a time when misinformation is rampant, integrity, fact checking and critical thinking are more crucial than ever. As aspiring journalists, always strive to create entrepreneurial projects that contribute to a sustainable future. Keep learning, stay passionate, and never underestimate the power of your voice in reshaping the world.
Photos courtesy of Syrine Abidi.
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