An interview with Andrea Backhaus, an independent conflict reporter
The word that comes up most often during her interview is “anger.” Anger toward the racism and stereotypes that permeate mainstream media. Anger at the sexism that still dominates newsrooms towards female reporters. Anger over the wars that claim thousands of lives every day. Yet, when Andrea Backhaus steps into the studio, she exudes positivity and a warm smile. Her passion for her work fills the room, creating an infectious energy.
Andrea Backhaus, a guest on Wempower’s podcast, is an independent journalist from Germany specialised in covering wars and conflicts. Her career began in Egypt during the Arab Spring, and since then, she has reported extensively on the Middle East. She also was on the ground when Putin invaded Ukraine and has more recently covered the Israel-Palestine war from the West Bank.
“I never decided to become a war reporter, it just happened,” she says. “You just happen to be somewhere, and then things escalate and you are in the middle of it. I moved to Cairo with just two suitcases, without having in mind to stay for a long period, but then I ended up staying for three years. I felt a sense of responsibility to be there and document what was happening.”
In this way, no one can deny the atrocities she has seen. People in war zones, Andrea emphasises, are not mere numbers in statistics, but actual human beings with stories that matter. Yet, the media overlooks them, focusing only on the facts.
“Everything started from a feeling of anger towards the stereotypes, racism, and overly simplistic narratives in German media about the Middle East,” she explains. “I remember thinking, ‘It can’t be that.’ That’s where my motivation came from. I want to shape the narrative and tell stories that haven’t been told yet.”
In other words, her mission is to give voice to the voiceless. This is why she seeks out underreported areas, like the West Bank at the beginning of the Israel-Palestine war, or post-conflict zones. “It’s important we are still there when the news has already moved on to the next topic,” she says.
But being a female conflict reporter is not without its challenges. War journalists have to deal with military forces, government authorities, and police. They often need a driver and a translator, who are usually men. “You have to think twice about who you work with because harassment can happen at any level,” she says. Consulting female colleagues helps, but at times, there aren’t other female journalists on the ground. “This has been my biggest fear throughout the years: to be harassed, raped, and to be in a situation where no one can help.”
This male-dominated environment creates a vicious cycle, where newsrooms back home are more likely to send male colleagues because for women it’s easier “to get in trouble.” Yet, Andrea also notes that being a woman in this field has its advantages. Female sources are more likely to open up to a woman reporter, who can relate to their struggles more deeply than a man could.
During the live podcast, Andrea also addresses practical concerns like money and expenses and offers advice to aspiring war reporters. She stresses the importance of proper equipment – helmet and vest – insurance and training. Knowing the context of the conflict, learning first aid, and never putting your life at risk is crucial. “Cover the story, but don’t become the story,” she advises.
Andrea also touches on the often-ignored issue of mental health, explaining how difficult it can be to return to normal life after covering a conflict zone, and noting that this is still a taboo topic in many newsrooms.
When asked what she is most hopeful for in the future at the end of the inspiring conversation with Wempower, Andrea replies that she hopes to see male and female war reporters being equally supported and recognised, and that women won’t have to constantly prove themselves. Of course, her biggest hope is that there wouldn’t be any more wars. Because behind the headlines, behind her helmet and vest, and the immense courage and carries every day, Andrea is just “a very sensitive person, who is still trying to understand the world and why wars happen, because so far, I haven’t found an answer to that.”
Listen to the episode on Podbean or Spotify
