Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 14
Senior journalist and Special Reporter with The Morung Express, Aheli Moitra, was honoured for her outstanding effort in highlighting gender concerns during the 9th edition of Population First - Laadli Media and Advertising awards 2017 (Regional Awards) at United Services Institute of India, New Delhi on Friday.
Her feature 'How a Village in Phek District Revived Millets and Became Gender Wise' which was published in The Morung Express was chosen by the jury of the Laadli Media and Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity 2017 in the Best Feature-Print Category (Eastern Region).
The feature highlighted the effective role women have played in transforming the agrarian economy of a number of villages in Nagaland’s Phek district through millet farming, the award citation stated.
“Aheli underscores the point that the effort has not only brought this native crop back to the centre stage but also the women who are bringing about the transformation,” it added.
The jury also appreciated her reporting with “gender sensitivity on the role of women change makers, who are reviving old farming practices and also redefining their place in agriculture.” Aheli was one among 82 media professionals honoured for their outstanding effort in highlighting gender concerns from across the country in 13 languages. The awards were presented by P Sainath, a renowned development journalist, founder editor of People’s Archive of Rural India and Magsaysay Award winner along with other leaders from medial and development sector.
Population First (PF) is a communications and advocacy initiative for a balanced, planned and stable population. Its key objectives are to help reduce gender imbalances in the population and work together towards gender sensitive and social development oriented health and population programs, it said in a statement.
According to PF Director, Dr. AL Sharada, “The Laadli Media Awards prove that even in the worst situations and cynical times there is hope. There is hope because there are many who are being true to their profession in journalism, showing great sensitivity and compassion, raising critical questions about gender inequalities, discriminations and violence and showing mirror to our population and all of us. They are role models for many aspiring journalists and media persons.”
This year’s award was in collaboration with Centre for Media Studies (CMS), a multi-disciplinary, non-profit, think thank engaged in developing and discussing policy alternatives on a wide range of issues of local and global significance. Cause partners include the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Global Impact and the International Advertising Association.
At least 1500 media entries were received from various categories from across the country. The jury included members of the media, academia and social activists.
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