Women, media play major role in pursuing freedom, says Hürriyet chairwoman

Women and the media play a huge role in the process of reaching true freedom and peace, daily Hürriyet Chairwoman Vuslat Do?an Sabanc? has told the audience at the gala dinner for the Women in the World (WITW) Summit in New York.

"True freedom is not only about the right to say whatever you want to say. It is also about the right to be heard, acknowledged and recognized," Do?an Sabanc? said in her speech on April 6, addressing some 2,500 people, most of whom were women.

"True freedom is not an entirely individualistic right. It is a collective right that all sides are accountable for," she added. 

WITW, which launched in 2009 as an offshoot of the U.S.-based online news outlet "Daily Beast," is an initiative which aims to gather heroic women leaders whose success stories can enlighten a large array of international issues. Through the annual summits, the world's most influential women have conveyed their experiences and stories on a vivid and inclusive platform.

Do?an Sabanc? said in her speech that true freedom was "a dialogue, even better a conversation, but never a monologue."

"It is not one voice only; it's many voices creating a chorus," she added.

"Women have a particular role in contributing to this space of true freedom," Do?an Sabanc? said.  

"Through the gracefulness of our actions and the compassion of our intentions, we can initiate conversations where not only you and me but everybody feels acknowledged and free."

Highlighting that the Do?an family has been committed to freedom of expression even under the most difficult times for 40 years, Do?an Sabanc? said an essential part of the media's job was to provide the audience with opposing views and discussions.

"Either we can...