Draft:Matilda Farjalla

Matilda Farjallah (Arabic: ماتيلدا فرج الله) is a Lebanese-Iraqi journalist known for her interviews and writings that address sensitive and pressing issues. She began as a radio program producer and host, and experimented with political, cultural, and news coverage before becoming a political radio and TV program host.

Early life
Farjallah was born Mathilda Aabed in Beirut's Hamra District on 23 February 1968 to a Lebanese mother and an Iraqi father. Her childhood and adolescence were marked by difficult circumstances due to the Lebanese civil war and the challenges she faced in renewing her father's Iraqi nationality. Farjallah obtained a Bachelor's degree in French literature from the Lebanese University. She adopted her husbands last name "Farjallah," to safely navigate the predominantly Christian areas amid security concerns during the late stages of the Lebanese Civil War.

Career
Farjallah was still a student of French literature at the Lebanese University when the director of Free Lebanon Radio station who was her neighbor approached her expressing the belief that her personality was suitable for media work and journalism, and encouraging her to give it a try. Farjallah began her media career in Free Lebanon Radio in 1992, hosting Safha Hurra (Free Page). She then moved to Orbit, cohosting with Rafik Khoury. Farjallah then joined NBN channel, presenting a program titled Bala Haraj (Without Embarrassment) and later contributing to various television programs, including `ala mas'oulitak (At Your Own Risk), Al-Insan fi al-Siyasa (Man in Politics), which delved into the lives and careers of politicians. After initially struggling to land interviews with Lebanese politicians and nearly giving up, Farjallah approached then-Prime Minister Shafik Wazzan during a government event, securing his agreement for an interview. This breakthrough interview made it possible to interview other officials and political figures. She also hosted Shu Mashrou`ak (What's Your Program) an electoral program addressing political issues, and Al-Wajh al-Akhar (The Other Side). Her tenure at NBN ended after six years when she resigned due to the birth of her child Rawad. Farjallah later returned to hosting on the Arab Woman TV. During this phase, she hosted Jari' Jeddan (Very Bold) and `al Makshuf (In the Open). In 2013, Matilda Farajallah transitioned to the Lebanese Future TV, where she hosted the program Nabad (Pulse). That same year, she launched Signé a lifestyle magazine, and she moved to Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation, where she hosted Tarikh Yash-had (History Bears Witness) in participation with astrologer Laila Abdel Latif. Farjallah hosted a radio program on Free Lebanon Radio for 23 years, starting in 1996, which was considered the first of its kind. She also produced and presented a specialized program on contentious issues for Arab women on Alhurra from 2012 to 2018.

Recognition and awards

 * 2018 – Emir of Kuweit Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah recognition award.