The award highlights the talents of female journalists working in conflict zones. It is in memory of Shifa Gardi, an anchor at Rudaw Media Network, who lost her life from an IED planted by the Islamic State (ISIS) fighters on February 25th, 2017.
Below is the committee’s statement announcing the prize winner for this year:
Unfortunately, the world is going through a time when the work of journalists is increasingly dangerous and difficult. In these circumstances, the Shifa Gardi Award Committee and Rudaw Media Network cannot hold a ceremony for the international Shifa Gardi Award this year as the winner is currently working in a dangerous area, covering the sufferings of people living in war zones.
The previous year was a bloody one for journalists around the world covering news from war zones, exposing the sufferings of people during conflict, and investigating the work of criminal gangs and corrupt groups. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 86 journalists were killed last year. Both the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said the number was at least 67. These two figures are both higher than previous few years.
The Shifa Gardi Award Committee considered the outstanding work of many female journalists. These journalists skillfully produced excellent work, explaining the facts and exposing vital information. This year, our committee selected Isobel Yeung from Vice News to receive the Shifa Gardi Award.
We congratulate Isobel Yeung and wish her and all other journalists around the globe success and safety.
Shifa Gardi Award Committee,
February 25, 2023
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