The organization "WAN-IFRA" announced the names of three prominent editors leading newsrooms in Africa, the Arab region, and Southeast Asia who won the Editorial Leadership Award for the "Women in News" program for 2024. The winners are Beatrice Bandawe, editor-in-chief of The Guardian Ltd, Tanzania; Dima Khatib, executive director of AJ+ channels, Palestine/Syria; and Nan Pao Jay, director and editor-in-chief of the Karan Information Center, Myanmar.
A statement from the organization clarified that the Editorial Leadership Award, now in its tenth year, "is awarded to outstanding editors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their newsrooms and are committed to promoting gender equality in journalism in their regions."
Vincent Peyrègne, CEO of "WAN-IFRA," stated, "The remarkable female leaders of newsrooms embody the ideal dedication to journalism, serving as inspiring role models and catalysts for positive change within their countries and beyond."
The statement added, "The winners of the Editorial Leadership Award are selected by a global advisory committee chosen from the Women in News program, based on specific criteria such as sustained excellence in journalism editing, gender equality, and paving the way for the next generation of media leaders."
Melanie Walker, executive director at "WAN-IFRA" and media development at "Women in News," remarked, “We are extremely proud to honor these exceptional women who have demonstrated distinguished leadership and determination at a time when the news industry faces significant challenges.” She added, “Their commitment to supporting journalistic values, uplifting marginalized groups in society, and guiding the voices of the next generation is truly commendable."
Bandawe, Khatib, and Pao Jay will be honored at the global conference for the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers 'WAN-IFRA' to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from May 27 to May 29.
