بين عَوْم «دنيا» وانغماسها.. ابنة بأبيها معجبة

From within a creative media house between a father and his daughters; nearly half a century ago, a Saudi female broadcaster emerged at a time when women's appearances were limited, and perhaps even forbidden. In that era when a woman's voice was considered a shame and her image a disgrace; this young broadcaster appeared with her melodious voice, extravagant presence, and lofty ambition.

(Dunya Bakr Younis) is the exceptional broadcaster in an era devoid of women's voices at the beginnings of radio and television; she resisted attempts to marginalize women with iron patience, sound thinking, and unique excellence.

With a calm voice and sobriety, and a Hijazi personality and composure; she graced listeners and viewers for four decades with entertaining and educational radio and television programs that were loved by her generation and those that followed. From "Jeddah Radio"; the first Saudi female voice emerged. From "MBC Radio" (1996); her voice resonated in her program "Sincere Feelings" on the anniversary of our National Day. From the depths of Saudi media (1990); she shone in covering the "Desert Storm" to liberate Kuwait from the brutal Iraqi invasion. Not only that; she was the first female broadcaster to produce a documentary for the inauguration of the King Fahd Bridge linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

And because "the son of a goose is a floater"; (Dunya) inherited traits from her father (Bakr Younis), the first official broadcaster in the royal court and one of the founders of Saudi radio. And because "every girl admires her father," the daughter drew from her father the characteristics of the homeland and the citizen, the traits of morals and virtues, the manners of etiquette and civility, and the descriptions of generosity and noble deeds, along with the principles of values and honor.

A list of sound and virtuous behaviors was carried by the daughter from her father, which earned her a skillful philosophy; both administrative and media-related. A list that garnered her a significant amount of love from the people. A list that etched her name in everyone's memory. A list that made (Mama Dunya) a mother to every Saudi child. Children who grew up to become prominent national figures. Children who adored her maternal voice for decades in many radio and television programs, growing up with love, appreciation, and respect for her.

From the saying "one thing reminds me of another"; my memory returned to three decades ago when my little daughter (Haya) had the chance to meet the giant (Dunya) at a children's competition in Attallah Amusement Park in Jeddah. "Haya," who is now a teacher to her children and a mother; has retained in her memory since that simple time the inspiring advice of (Mama Dunya), to pass it on to her children in this age of technology and innovation. The memory of "Haya" is unforgettable even as time passes.

Finally:

Our hope lies in the pioneer of giving and loyalty, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal (Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Governor of Makkah Province), and in the Ministry of Media and media institutions; to honor this national media figure who dedicated most of her life to serving the nation and society.