RABAT, Morocco: After a wave of criticism, a Moroccan TV show devoted to women’s issues apologized on Monday for airing a makeup tutorial that offered tips on using cosmetics to disguise signs of domestic abuse, calling the segment an “error in judgment.”
The daily women’s show that aired Wednesday and was posted online drew a cascade of sharp criticism on social media, a petition from indignant women and, finally, the televised apology.
The show “Sabahiyat” (Mornings) featured a demonstration “to show you the makeup you can use to cover the bruises on your face” as a way to mark the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women.
The online segment was removed, but a petition signed by nearly 2,000 people was sent to Morocco’s High Authority for Audiovisual Communications, which called a meeting Monday.
The statement by the show on the public 2M channel noted that Sabahiyat has been on the air for nearly six years, always addressing “every issue that matters” to women.
“Our concern is one: to defend women’s rights. In the name of the Sabahiyat team at 2M, we present our apologies and sincere regret over the beauty segment aired on Wednesday, which was an error in judgment,” the program’s statement said. “We request your understanding and commit to being more vigilant and precise in each of our programs.”
M2 also said it would “take the necessary steps toward the people responsible for this error and to strengthen the tools of control and supervision on this subject” and highlighted its “commitment for 27 years to the defense of women’s rights”.
Morocco has no domestic violence law and violence against women is widespread, Human Rights Watch said in a dispatch.
Morocco TV show sorry for makeup tips to hide domestic abuse
Morocco TV show sorry for makeup tips to hide domestic abuse
Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza
- Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles
LONDON: A man in England has launched a demanding charity challenge to raise funds for children affected by the war in Gaza.
Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 3,680 km running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing.
He is raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian organization that provides healthcare to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.
“I have felt helpless day after day seeing images of countless children in Gaza with broken bodies and missing limbs and witnessing their unbearable suffering,” Watson said on his JustGiving page.
“I have been inspired by the courage of those who took part in the global sumud flotilla and all of the activists who have put their lives and freedom at risk supporting the Palestinian people and so I am raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
“My challenge is to complete a virtual sumud from Harlow, where I live, to Gaza. Running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing I will cover the 2,287 miles as quickly as I can.
“I am an unfit, overweight 63-year-old, so I’m not going to break any records, but the Arabic word Sumud means steadfastness and perseverance, and I will give it my all.
Watson added: “I hope to be joined by people I love and admire along the way, so please support my fundraiser. Every donation, however small, will help save the lives of Palestinians.”
As of Jan. 3, his fundraising effort had reached 12 per cent of its £5,000 ($6,733) target.
The war in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which local health authorities say has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.
International aid agencies have repeatedly said that children are among the most affected, facing injury, displacement, malnutrition and limited access to medical care.
Watson said he was inspired by activists and humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians and hopes his challenge can make a small contribution to saving lives.
