Family Planning Reporting Award launched

The International Planned Parenthood Federation - Africa Region (IPPFAR) is the leading non-government sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) service delivery organisation in Africa and the leading SRHR advocacy voice in the region.

Its overarching goal is to increase access to SRHR services and support for sub-Saharan Africa's most poor, marginalized, socially-excluded and under-served youth, men and women.

About the award

Despite the progress made over the last several decades, the unmet need for family planning and contraception remains huge. 26% of married women in sub-Saharan Africa have an unmet need for contraception. Access to services and supplies and/or choices is limited. In some communities there is still fear of social disapproval or opposition by the male partner. Myths and misconceptions form a formidable barrier in which worries of side effects and lack knowledge about contraceptive options and their use are the norm.

The media plays a major role in strengthening and expanding coverage of family planning issues. This coverage includes access to contraceptives, method and choices as well as resources and budgets for improved family planning services. As advocates the media promotes dialogue on policy issues and public education on family planning ranging from policy issues critical in creating enabling environment for service delivery.

This award recognizes pioneering print, radio and television reports that have:

1. Promoted dialogue on national/regional family planning policy issues,
   
2. Challenged governments on their family planning commitments,
   
3. Highlighted innovative service delivery to increase access to family planning and contraceptive services.
   

Eligibility

Entries will be accepted only from sub-Saharan African nationals, working in the continent, whose work has appeared in printed publications or electronic media that is primarily targeted at and received by a sub-Saharan Africa audience.

Judges

The selection and judging process will be overseen by a panel of experienced, independent and highly respected experts. They will be judging for entries that:

• Were broadcast or published, in English, French or Portuguese only, between September 2012 and August 2013 (proof will be required).
  
• Are well researched, balanced, objective, comprehensive and demonstrate a high level of journalistic integrity and innovativeness.
  
• Communicate family planning and contraception in a way that makes the topic accessible and relevant to their audience.

This award is organised by IPPF Africa Region with funding from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

How to enter

Fill out and submit your forms and attachments to: gro.orafppi@sdrawa

Only one entry per journalist will be accepted.

Send two copies of your work including date of publication/broadcast, name of publication/broadcaster, contacts of media organisation.

• Print journalists should send a scan of the original article.
  
• TV & Radio - please send:

  • Two disks/tapes (DVD/VHS or CD) to our address below or
    
  • Submit full URL details where we can view/listen to your work.
    
  • You can also submit your entry through dropbox.com or wetransfer.com.

• A copy of your updated Curriculum Vitae
  
• Any other relevant background information on your entry/entries that you feel is relevant.

Deadline for submissions is 28 September 2013 at 11:59pm GMT +3.

For more, email Murugi Murekio at gro.orafppi@sdrawa or phone tel: +254 (20) 4909000.