Tanzania’s Beatrice Bandawe Named the 2024 WIN Editorial Leadership Award Laureate for the Africa Region
Three outstanding newsroom leaders from Africa, the Arab region and Southeast Asia have been named 2024 Laureates of the Women in News Editorial Leadership Award.
Beatrice Bandawe, the Managing Editor at The Guardian Limited in Tanzania, is the Africa Laureate. Over 29 years in journalism, Bandawe has spearheaded projects on gender-based violence, shedding light on this critical issue. She has remained steadfast in defending journalistic ethics and resisting government pressure. Her unwavering commitment to freedom of expression, even in the face of personal risk, underscores her dedication to journalistic integrity and societal progress. Bandawe has had a remarkable journey in the media, having started out as a reporter in 1990 at a government-owned media outlet. Since then, her commitment to raising standards in the industry has been consistently recognised.
“Receiving this award is a testament to the power of storytelling in driving positive change. I am honoured to be recognised by WAN-IFRA Women in News for my dedication to amplifying marginalised voices and shedding light on the critical issues facing our audiences,” Bandawe said. The Award, which is in its 10th year, also recognised Dima Khatib, Managing Director, AJ+, Palestine/Syria; and Nan Paw Gay, Director and Editor-in-Chief, Karen Information Center, Myanmar. They have been named 2024 Laureates for the Arab Region and Southeast Asia, respectively.
The Editorial Leadership Award recognises outstanding women editors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their newsrooms and are committed to advancing gender equality in the field of journalism in their respective regions. “These remarkable newsroom leaders have exemplified exemplary dedication to journalistic excellence, serving as inspiring role models and catalysts for positive change in their countries and beyond,” said Vincent Peyregne, CEO of WAN-IFRA. The Laureates are selected by members of the Women in News Global
Steering Committee based on criteria such as commitment to editorial excellence, gender equality and supporting the next generation of media leaders.
“Through their commitment to fostering young talent, and record of success in bringing diverse perspectives to their storytelling, our 2024 Laureates have made their newsrooms more inclusive while building trust among their audiences, two crucial ingredients for the long-term sustainability of any media” said Melanie Walker, WAN-IFRA Executive Director for Media Development and WIN. The three Laureates will be recognised at WAN-IFRA’s World News Media Congress taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark, 27-29 May 2024.
For more: The Women in News Editorial Leadership Award
Contact: WAN-IFRA Women in News Email: farah.wael@womeninnews.org
Senior Manager, Social Impact Reporting Initiative and Digital