---

Recognition is the least we can do

I was interested to learn that Kate Adie, fabulous and longstanding Womankind patron, has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF).  The IWMF’s award recognizes a woman journalist who has a pioneering spirit and whose determination has forged inroads for women in the news media. Kate, who was the BBC’s Chief News Correspondent for 14 years, has certainly done that.

The IWMF also honours brave women journalists who risk political persecution, injury and sometimes death in their efforts to expose corruption and champion human rights and this year nominated three amazing journalists from Iran, Thailand and Mexico (see the 2011 nominations). Recognising the clearly dangerous but important role these women are taking in reporting critical events in their countries seems the least we can do.

In many ways, it’s like that with the women leaders from around the world that I have met through working at Womankind. Courageous women working in communities to speak out against violence and discrimination. Whether it’s challenging attitudes against FGM or condemning domestic violence next door.  And Womankind not only recognizes the courage of these women but, through our partner organisations, supports them building their confidence, skills and knowledge in women’s rights so they can help transform  their community and create lasting change.

• Hear from three brave women Womankind has helped: in Zimbabwe, Bolivia and Afghanistan
• Read the IMWF Global report on status of women in the media
• Find out why Kate Adie deserves the IWMF award by reading this brief biography