In the heart of Lebanon, where stories of conflict often overshadow moments of courage, one young woman is changing the narrative one story at a time. Meet Ritaj Zaknoun, a rising journalist and digital storyteller, who is capturing hearts across the globe by shedding light on unheard voices.
Growing up in Lebanon, Ritaj witnessed resilience, pain, and hope in every corner of her community. “There were so many untold stories around me, people struggling silently, surviving with strength,” she recalls. As a teenager, she began documenting simple acts of kindness and street life on her phone. “I made short videos showing how we were helping people on the streets. The reactions I received were overwhelming,” she says.
That was the moment she realized the true power of storytelling, not just as a creative outlet but as a tool for impact and change.
Why Ritaj Zaknoun Chose Journalism Over Everything Else
Ritaj did not choose journalism by chance. She was pulled toward it by her desire to document real life experiences, especially those that go unnoticed. “What inspired me was how stories can create change,” she explains. “I have always been drawn to people’s realities, their emotions, their struggles, their small victories.”
To her, journalism is not just about breaking news; it is about empathy, connection, and truth. “It allows me to give a voice to others, shed light on important issues, and connect deeply with my community,” she says.
While many young people chase trending topics and viral fame, Ritaj is focused on something more enduring: impact.
Telling Stories from the Frontline: A War Reporter at Heart
One of Ritaj’s most defining moments as a journalist came when she covered the war in Lebanon. It was dangerous, emotionally draining, and intensely personal. But for Ritaj, it was a necessary calling.
“I covered stories of families living under constant threat, yet still finding ways to hold onto hope,” she recalls. Her reporting went beyond facts, it humanized headlines. Through her lens, the world saw not just destruction, but dignity. Not just fear, but fierce resilience.
“That assignment reminded me why I chose this path,” she says. “In the middle of chaos, I could still document truth. And that mattered.”
Breaking Barriers: A Young Hijabi in a Male Dominated Field
Ritaj’s journey has not been without challenges. As a young Hijabi woman in journalism, she had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously.
“When I started sharing stories on social media, some people dismissed me. They saw my scarf, my age, and assumed I wasn’t credible,” she shares. But she refused to back down. “I had to prove myself, again and again.”
Ritaj turned skepticism into fuel. She focused on quality storytelling and built a loyal digital following. Her authentic approach stood out in a saturated media world filled with noise.
“My passion became my power,” she says. “I wanted to show that young, veiled girls could lead important conversations too.”
Highlighting the Everyday Heroes of Lebanon
These days, Ritaj is working on a series that captures personal stories from across Lebanon. But these are not celebrity interviews or political debates. Her focus is on ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
“There is so much strength and innovation in Lebanon that goes unnoticed,” she explains. Her new series highlights farmers rebuilding after loss, women leading local businesses, and youth tackling climate issues.
“These are the people I want to spotlight, those who are not waiting to be saved but are saving themselves and others every day.”
She publishes these stories across platforms like TikTok @ritajzaknoun, X @RitajZak, and Instagram, where she has built an engaged and growing audience.
Lessons Learned: Why Empathy Matters More Than Ever
Through her journey, Ritaj has learned one invaluable lesson: journalism without empathy is incomplete.
“Accuracy is vital, but empathy gives stories meaning,” she says. Whether she is interviewing a grieving mother or a young activist, she listens with intention. “I treat every story with care, because behind every headline is a human.”
This human first approach has earned her both respect and relatability. She does not just tell stories, she feels them, honors them, and shares them with integrity.
Leaving a Legacy of Hope and Truth
Ritaj Zaknoun does not want to be remembered for awards or follower counts. Her goal is far deeper.
“I want to leave a mark as someone who used journalism to spotlight hope, humanity, and truth,” she says. Her vision is clear: inspire people through authenticity, amplify voices often ignored, and remind the world that everyone’s story matters.
In a region often painted with stereotypes and despair, Ritaj brings a refreshing perspective, one that celebrates survival, kindness, and quiet strength.
Advice to Her Younger Self and to the Next Generation
Looking back, Ritaj has a powerful message for her younger self and for anyone daring to dream differently.
“Trust your voice, even when it shakes,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to take up space, ask the hard questions, and follow the stories that move you.”
Her journey proves that age, appearance, or background should never define your worth. What matters is your courage to care, your willingness to listen, and your commitment to the truth.
What’s Next for Ritaj Zaknoun
With her storytelling platform expanding and her digital reach growing, Ritaj is only getting started. Her upcoming projects promise more in depth human stories, community focused journalism, and maybe even a documentary.
Whatever comes next, one thing is certain. Ritaj will continue to lead with heart.
And in doing so, she is not just reporting stories, she is changing them.
Do follow her on Instagram
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