The award was also to honour the remarkable life of Sonke’s former communications and media specialist, the late Khopotso Bodibe who supported MenEngage Africa work and trained journalists on reporting sensitively and transformatively on human rights and gender issues. ‘‘We received numerous entries showcasing excellent reportage by journalists in the region. Many of these were of a high quality. The winners were deserving as their stories showed depth in comprehending gender issues and reporting sensitively and fairly. We look forward to the next instalment as we continue to grow the sector of responsive journalism.’’ said Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director of Sonke Gender Justice, and Co-Chairperson of Global MenEngage Alliance.
The submissions, whose criteria were based on impact, accuracy, and balance of body of work, was open to all media practitioners in Africa. The top three performing journalists, Suzgo Chitete from Malawi, Kenyan Kamua Maichuhie and Nadia Lobti from Cameroon were each awarded cash prize of $4,210USD, $3,158USD and $1,579USD respectively. The overall winner, Suzgo Chitete says this victory is for his country “I am humbled. Writing stories is my job, I have to do it as a matter of duty, but reporting on human rights and women empowerment is something that is so personal to me. It mirrors my life, my background, it really feels good when such effort is recognized especially on a global stage like this one. This is collective effort, I am just a poster boy, otherwise this is a win for Malawi’’.
During the ceremony, Journalists were encouraged to challenge patriarchal systems that are deeply rooted in communities, through a master class on Gender Transformative Approaches.
‘‘Excellence is potential chiselled into a more perfect state through vision, dedication, and determination. Like a circle, the pursuit of excellence has no end. We salute your unwavering commitment to outstanding personal performance. Our achievements as MEA are shaped by the strength of the foundations we set,’’said Sithembile Gumede, MenEngage Africa Chairperson.
MenEngage Africa regards the media as a strategic partner for realising the vision of an Africa where all people are equal and free from the impact of harmful gender norms and looks forward to moving this inaugural event into an annual event.
For media enquiries contact
Amukelani Chauke, Regional Communications Coordinator, Sonke Gender Justice, Secretariat of MenEngage Africa Alliance: amu@genderjustice.org.za
Sthembile Gumede, Executive Director, Queer Women’s Network (LBQRS) and MenEngage Africa Chairperson: +26876196227 or lbqrswaziland@gmail.com
Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director, Sonke Gender Justice, and Co-Chairperson, Global MenEngage Alliance: bafana@genderjustice.org.za or 082 5784479.
Notes to Editors
MenEngage Africa is part of a global alliance of organisations that engage men and boys to achieve gender equality, promote health, reduce violence, and question and address the structural barriers to achieving gender equality. The alliance consists of 24 country networks spread across East, West, Central, and Southern Africa. MEA members work collectively towards advancing gender justice, human rights, and social justice in key thematic areas, including Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV), HIV prevention, Child rights, positive parenting, and promoting peace on the continent.