ONYESHA UZALENDO KWA KUPIGA KURA KWA KINARA WA UHAMASISHAJI WA AFYA YA MAMA NA MTOTO ROSE MWALONGO

 Sijambo la ajabu kwa wasomaji wa habari za kila siku kujikuta wakichagua baadhi ya kurasa au kutilia maanani zaidi habari za aina fulani, na hapa ina maana kuwa kuna vichwa vya habari vitakavyo wavuta kusoma habari yake mwanzo hadi mwisho.

Harakati za kutetea haki za watoto na wanawake ndio eneo langu. Ndio maana habari hii haikunipita, habari iliyoandikwa kwenye habari iliyoandikwa kwenye gazeti la the Guardian,  na nitaandika sehemu ya habari hii ili nanyi msome:

“’Nilipokuwa mdogo sana mama yangu alinipeleka nikafanyiwe ukeketaji na sikugundua hadi nilipofika umri wa miaka mitano, pale nilipoanza kupata matatizo ya kwenda haja ndogo, hali ambayo huwa inawapata wasichana na wanawake wengi waliokeketwa,’ anasimulia  Jazira.”

And somewhere else in that story the journalist, Rose Mwalongo  as she recounts the story of  Jazira Ramadhani, now a mother of three, she wrote:“’I really don’t know what my father told my aunt I can only guess he mentioned my problem to her and a few days later, I was sent for yet another mutilation to supposedly heal my ailment.’”

Students in Singida in a rally to demonstrate their feelings against FGM--Photo from IPP Media

I read that story to the end, wondering why this practice never seems to go away, despite interventions from many activists and the government. But at the same time I was thinking of how I could influence more reporting of this dangerous ritual. I was looking for ways be a catalyst for have more journalists keep stories of women like Jazira in the media or simply find ‘rewards’ for  reporters like Rosemary so that they keep writing.
Then I learnt that every year on International Women’s Day, Women Deliverhonours different organisations, people or groups who work tirelessly to deliver for women and girls across the globe. It turned out that this year Women Deliver chose to honour journalists. You should have seen me frantically searching for relevant details to fill nomination forms for Rosemary
Today I am happy to report here that Women Deliver has announced the honoured 15 journalists and Rose’s name was selected  as well, from a pool of 100 journalists nominated by Women Deliver partners around the world.  
Awesome!
Next step is now crucial. We all need to vote for Rose so that she emerges among top 3 who will receive a scholarship to attend  the Women Deliver 2016 Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Voting closes on March 20th. SoVOTE NOW and spread the word.
For more information, and to read Rose’s and other contestant’s profile click here.
ACT NOW  by voting for this champion for our mothers and babies. Deadline is March 20