​Brands on a Mission-​African Youth Media Awards

Job Description

Background

In Sub-Saharan Africa, a complex health system landscape​, deep-set social and gender norms and economic insecurities​ contribute to reproductive health inequities affecting young people’s wellbeing, particularly women and girls.

Addressing these challenges therefore requires a comprehensive approach involving governments, healthcare providers,​ the private sector, civil society,​ communities, as well as family systems working together to promote reproductive health rights for all.  

Fatima is an AI / ‘virtual influencer’ preteen girl created by Brands on a Mission, designed to provide information on difficult topics in a digestible and relatable format.  Fatima opens these important discussions on her Instagram and Twitter, engaging her audiences in meaningful conversations about their rights and potential. By naming this competition after Fatima, we aim to continue her mission of empowering young voices and ensuring that critical stories are told by the next generation of journalists and activists. 

​​To raise the lid on inspiring voices challenging the status quo, ​Brands on a Mission is set to launch the Fatima TV African Youth Media Awards, an initiative designed to amplify young African voices and spotlight critical issues related to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Gender Equity, African Feminism​ & Masculinities​.  

Purpose of the Awards

The African media plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, attitudes, and behaviours around important issues such as reproductive health rights. The media landscape is vastly changing and there is a need to explore the upcoming talent among young journalists, activists, bloggers, and social media influencers in bringing these key issues to the fore. That is why our awards will support and shine a spotlight on young and upcoming African voices working in these mediums. 

The awards aim to uncover and celebrate the innovative ways African youth are advocating for these topics in their communities and across the continent. In addition, it aims to recognise contributions by individuals in the media that enhance the public’s understanding of reproductive rights and sexual health issues. Particularly on topics that are most difficult to discuss within our societies due to complex societal stigma and legal frameworks that risk the lives of those who speak out.  

Eligibility

The period of publication/broadcast of entries are those published between January 1, 2024 and November 1, 2024.

• The award is open to African journalists and activists below 35 years of age living in Africa (for full country list scroll down) and publishing in African-led and African-based media houses or independently via online platforms.
• The competition is open to individual and aspiring journalists and activists and not media institutions or organisations.
• The submission should be your own work and not previously published or submitted elsewhere by another individual or organisation.
• Please note, unfortunately at this stage, we are only able to accept English submissions. We are committed to expand this in the future.
• Submitted pieces that have won awards in other competitions should not be submitted to these awards.

Basis of Adjudication

We invite submissions that explore themes on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Gender Equity, and African Feminism​ & Masculinities​. Some areas of interest – but not limited to – may include digital health, safe abortions, reproductive justice, LGBTQIA+ rights, intersectionality, child and early forced marriage. 

Submissions will be assessed by an international jury based on the following criteria: 

• Adherence to Theme (5%) Submissions should address the themes of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Gender Equity, and African Feminism & Masculinities. The content should be closely aligned with the competition’s focus areas. 
• Content Quality (15%) Accuracy and relevance of information, credibility and depth of research, and originality of the content. 
• Storytelling (20%) The effectiveness of the narrative, creativity, and engagement of the audience. 
• Innovation (30%) The use of fresh, creative approaches to discuss Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Gender Equity, and African Feminism & Masculinities. Submissions should offer a unique perspective, and present new or existing ideas in a fresh and engaging way. 
• Provocation for Societal Transformation (30%) The capacity of the submission to provoke thought and inspire societal change. Submissions should challenge norms and encourage transformative conversations and actions. 

Mediums

Per the eligibility criteria above, individuals may submit an entry for the following categories.

 The categories are as follows:

• Print journalism: Feature/article between approximately 700 and 1,500 words published in a newspaper, magazine, journal or newsletter.
• Radio journalism: Documentary or discussion programme up to 30 minutes.
• Television journalism: Documentary or discussion programme up to 30 minutes.
• Online/new media: Feature/article between approximately 700 and 1,500 words, or audio/visual documentary or discussion programme/podcast between 5 and 30 minutes. This must be published in an online-only newspaper, magazine, journal or media house.

Applicants are to submit entries by sharing:

• Link to the published article/programme for online entries
• PDF attachment for entries in the Print Category, stating the date of publication.
• Copies of the TV or radio files, stating the date and time the programme aired.
• Copy of identification (please note all copies of identification will be used to verify age eligibility only and shall be destroyed once competition is closed)
• Submitted files should not exceed 10MB

How to Submit

Submit your entries at https://bit.ly/3TCTu3M by 7PM EST on Friday, November 1st, 2024.

Winners shall be contacted ahead of the public announcement that will be made by December 1st, 2024.