Monrovia – UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, and the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) have launched the UNFPA Liberia Award for Reportage on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for journalists reporting on sexual health, sexual rights, reproductive health and reproductive rights in Liberia.
The award is intended to increase media awareness and engagement on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights within community and national media outlets and recognize and encourage outstanding efforts of journalists in Liberia.
It will consider articles and reports, either of investigative or human-interest types produced within the calendar year as determined by the PUL Annual Awards Committee. The winner will receive an award including a cash prize of US$500.
“UNFPA wants to recognize the works of journalists who support and promote the right of every individual to enjoy full sexual and reproductive health without any distinction or coercion of any kind on any grounds,” said UNFPA Liberia Resident Representative Dr. Bannet Ndyanabangi.
“As we work to ensure right and choices for all, we don’t want to leave anyone behind. UNFPA sees journalists as critical partners in delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled,” Dr. Ndyanabangi added.
“The Press Union of Liberia welcomes this partnership which will stimulate detail reporting around Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Liberia,” said PUL President Charles Coffey.
Meanwhile, both UNFPA and PUL have agreed to organize refresher trainings for journalists on reporting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights issues.
The two organizations have also stressed the need to collaborate on the training of journalists in preparation for the next national housing and population census.