-Khadija Ba, Miranda La Rose, Danielle Swain take top honours at first WGEC Media Prize

THREE of Guyana’s journalists were celebrated for their exceptional reporting on gender issues at the inaugural Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) Media Prize Ceremony, held on Tuesday at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus.

Khadidja Ba of Stabroek News took first prize, with fellow Stabroek News reporter Miranda La Rose securing second place, while Danielle Swain of the News Room Inc. won third place.

The awards recognise journalism that places gender at the centre of the story, highlighting real-life struggles, triumphs, and social issues in Guyana.

The ceremony was hosted by the WGEC in collaboration with the University of Guyana’s Centre for Communication Studies, the Institute of Gender Studies, and the Guyana Press Association.

Christine Samwaroo, Research Assistant at the Institute of Gender Studies, emphasised the importance of reporting on gender with insight, sensitivity, and purpose.

“In July 2025, we received 19 submissions, both written and video, showcasing the realities, struggles, and successes related to gender in Guyana,” Samwaroo said adding, “Today, we honour these journalists for placing gender front and centre in their stories.”

WGEC Executive Director Renata Chuck-A-Sang stressed the role of journalism in shaping social norms and advancing equality. “Journalists tell the story of our lives.”

She further said, “Journalists tell the story of our lives; and through them, we either get to know each other better, promote good habits, or we retain bad habits. And so, we thought it would be important for us to take a look at how gender is used in our storytelling.”

Chuck-A-Sang also noted the challenge of interpreting “gender” in storytelling, explaining that many submissions initially focused on violence against women. “The only story for women cannot be about violence,” she said. “We want to encourage stories that recognize broader aspects of gender and equality.”

Meanwhile, Clarence Brotherson, Director of the University of Guyana’s Centre for Communication Studies, lauded the journalists’ work, stating, “Journalism is a sweet science. You tell stories of the entire world, and it requires commitment to truth, transparency, and equality,” he said. “Your work is quality, and we encourage you to continue practicing your craft with pride, dignity, and honour.”

Nazima Raghubir, speaking on behalf of the Guyana Press Association, emphasised the importance of follow-up reporting and the value of documenting experiences. “Take a look at the stories you’ve submitted and think about how to develop them further. Use this as a stepping stone to enhance your craft and contribute meaningfully to public understanding,” she said.

Ba, won first place for her in-depth feature on parents affected by a tragic dormitory fire, which claimed the lives of 20 children in May of 2023. She sat with the parents of several of the children who were from the Indigenous community of Micobie in Region Eight.

La Rose was awarded the second prize for her profile of Jean Vyfhuis, which highlighted how education is helping to break cycles of poverty. Swain’s third-place entry was a television report showcasing women in Huradiah, Moruca, who are leading sustainable development initiatives under Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

Ba, in her remarks, reflected on the challenges of reporting sensitive stories. She recounted the difficulties of gaining access to grieving families and the importance of representing their perspectives without intrusion.

“It was very therapeutic for the parents to be heard and understood,” she said. “As journalists, we need to take the time to sit with our stories and acknowledge the impact they have on us as well.”

The ceremony concluded with a call for ongoing recognition of gender-focused journalism, as the WGEC hopes to make the Media Prize an annual event that continues to encourage ethical, inclusive, and impactful reporting.