MENA (MNN) — SAT-7 shows like “Turning Point” and “Needle and New Thread” look to provide women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions with hope and support.
Fighting for Change
Women continue to fight for equal rights and opportunities in the MENA region, and though progress has been made in some areas, many policies, perspectives, and beliefs still need to change. Large numbers of women suffer from everything from domestic abuse to sexual harassment, but many lack support and feel too afraid to come forward. Several SAT-7 programs target these issues. SAT-7’s Joe Willey says “Turning Point” is one such program.
“‘Turning Point’ [is] a weekly live show for young adults that targets important everyday issues. Viewers call in to offer their comments perspectives, and then there are four panelists who share their experiences, [and], most importantly, biblical wisdom,” he explains.
(Photo courtesy of SAT-7 via Facebook)
Another relevant program, “Needle and New Thread,” addresses the issues and struggles women in the MENA region face.
“‘Needle and New Thread’ is a live talk show that offers support for women and addresses current social issues in Egyptian and Arab society,” Willey says. “It has a special focus on young women who are starting out their careers or their married lives.”
Built on the Bible
These programs have allowed SAT-7 to address women’s issues from a biblical perspective, as Scripture reveals God’s heart for the oppressed. Willey explains the importance of a biblical foundation for these programs.
“SAT-7 has acknowledged that women, as well as men, are made in the image of God, so both have God-given value. Women are not lesser value than men,” Willey says. “That is the type of foundational, biblical wisdom that’s reinforced on the programs.”
Willey also explains the programs offer more than just these crucial truths. They also find practical ways to address especially difficult situations some of their viewers face.
(Photo courtesy of SAT-7)
“SAT-7 considers a person’s physical as well as spiritual needs, [so] the programming provides resources to help those who may be in difficult or dangerous situations. Many women who were silent have been given a voice.”
While these issues have been relevant in the MENA region for years, Willey says the pandemic has worsened situations for many.
“There has been a rise of domestic violence in the Middle East and North Africa during the coronavirus pandemic, so for some these issues can be the difference between life and death,” he says.
Support SAT-7
You can help support SAT-7’s programs here. Willey also asks for prayer for these programs and the many others SAT-7 produces.
“Pray that SAT-7 would help people understand the intrinsic value of a person is given by God and that lives would be changed,” he says.
You can also find more ways to pray for SAT-7’s ministry on their website, including a monthly prayer calendar and newsletter.
Header image courtesy of Ben White via Unsplash
