As the world marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November, a new SAT-7 program is challenging aggression and brutality across the Arab World. Today Not Tomorrow, broadcast on SAT-7 ARABIC, provides a platform for viewers to share their heart about topics that are rarely discussed even in their own households. It highlights not only physical violence, but also more subtle forms of coercion.

“Since the Taliban takeover, girls in my homeland have been deprived of the most basic freedoms such as education and sport,” shares Mariam*, a SAT-7 PARS viewer from Afghanistan. The challenges of women in Iran and Afghanistan have increased dramatically in the past year, and SAT-7 PARS continues to support and empower them in their desire for change and freedom.

“We want to target the ‘everywoman’ – those who are somehow entrapped and confined,” says Maggie Morgan, producer and director of SAT-7’s new live program Today not Tomorrow, which will be broadcast on SAT-7 ARABIC this month.

Women and men who watched SAT-7’s Arabic women’s program Needle and New Thread were more likely to support women’s rights to live free from violence and discrimination, says an independent evaluation that shows the program successfully raised awareness among high percentages of viewers.

Violence against women and girls is a widespread, devastating human rights violation in the Middle East – and societies also deny them a platform to speak out about it. Through live programs and audience support teams, SAT-7 gives women the valuable chance to be heard; today, we share their voices with you.