NECWA RAHIM

Algeria- The first issue of Algeria’s first feminist magazine “La Place” was launched on March 8, 2022 by a collective consisting of women. The magazine provides a platform for women to express themselves against the male-dominant media, seeks solutions to the problems faced by women and grows women’s struggle by publishing stories, studies, historical and political articles written in Arabic and French.

NuJINHA spoke to Saadia Gacem, one of the founders of the magazine, about problems faced by Algerian women and the magazine.

“This magazine came as a result of discussions on the place and presence of in our society,” said Saadia Gacem. “Some press outlets do not show the reality of women; they only show the images of women based on stereotypes and traditions. We decided to launch the magazine ‘La Place’ to be a place (space) for women. Many Algerian women such as Algerian writers Maïssa Bey and Nawal Larfaoui, historian Malika Rahal, musician artist Amel Zen and Algerian film producer Habiba Djahnine have contributed to the second issue of the magazine. There was an article about Lalla Fatma N'Soumer, anti-colonial leader during 1849–1857 of the French conquest of Algeria. Algerian writer Sarah Haidar wrote an article for the second issue of the magazine about feminism.”

‘We will keep making efforts to change’

Pointing out that women are subjected to violence all around the world just because they are women, Saadia Gacem said, “By publishing this magazine, we aim to create a change by raising awareness on women's rights and gender equality. We aim to change the social roles imposed on women. This change will not happen overnight but we will keep making efforts to change.”

Saadia Gacem added, “La Place provides a platform for women to express themselves and talk about the problems faced by them in society.”

The third issue of the magazine will be issued soon and the third issue will focus on the role of women in the Algerian Revolution.