A member of the Network of Women Journalists for Environmental Coverage – (KirkukNow), won first prize in a journalism competition among 200 participants.
The results of the competition were announced on September 16 in Erbil by the Ozone Network for Environmental Protection, in which four journalists received awards, including Saja Ismail.
Saja’s article “Waste Sorting and Management: Initiative in Aqra, Bardarash and Shekhan to Preserve Environment,” was published by KirkukNow on November 13, 2024
The story covered the efforts of a local company to collect waste in the districts of Aqrah, Bardarash, and Shekhan, then sort it to protect the environment and create job opportunities for hundreds of people.
Speaking to KirkukNow, Saja said, “I produced this report within the framework of an environmental program supported and funded by the Federal Republic of Germany’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by KirkukNow. Eighteen female journalists took part in the six-month program.”
The program was implemented over the second part of last year based on the triangle of constructive journalism, environmental reporting and amplifying the role of female journalists, with the participation of 18 female journalists.
“I received the award based on this constructive report. In the program, we learned how to prepare impactful environmental reports. This report became the foundation for winning the prize among 200 participants,” Saja proudly added.
KirkukNow Media Outlet is an Independent electronic news website publishes stories and events taking place within or relevant to Iraq’s disputed territories, as defined in the Iraqi constitution, with the aim of promoting coexistence in those areas and providing easy access to information.
In April 2011, www.kirkuknow.com was launched as an online news agency, the only independent media outlet that covers developments throughout the disputed territories in Arabic, Kurdish, Turkmen, as well as in English.
“After the story was published, several other media outlets produced stories and reports in Kurdish, Arabic, and English based on the same idea,” she further explained.
Saja pointed out that following the publication, officials in a number of districts and sub-districts began considering the application of household waste sorting to preserve the environment and recycle reusable materials.
“I am extremely delighted to have won this award, especially since the report focuses on environmental protection and offers inspiring solutions to an environmental problem affecting many provinces and districts across Iraq suffering from waste accumulation.”
“Winning this prize is proof of the influence and sustainability of the Network of Women Journalists for Environmental Coverage, and it motivates me to continue working harder in the future,” She concluded.
