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NEWS: The 2023 Write to End Violence Against Women Awards

The 2023 Write to End Violence Against Women Awards

Zero Tolerance and the End Violence Against Women Coalition joined forces to host the annual 2023 Write to End Violence Against Women Awards. The event was held online on 28th November 2023, this ceremony brought together a wide range or organisations and individuals. 

The awards recognise the outstanding contributions of UK journalists and writers who, through their work, raise awareness and report on violence against women in a manner that is both sensitive and accurate. The media plays a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes, and responsible reporting can contribute significantly to preventing and ending violence and abuse.

The event, coinciding with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, gathered regulators, journalists, editors, survivors, and experts in violence against women. The aim was to celebrate those who are making a difference and to inspire others to adopt responsible reporting practices.

Our brilliant panel of judges for the awards included Afua Hirsch, an award-winning writer, journalist, former barrister, professor, and filmmaker; Alice Gould, Head of Complaints at IPSO; Lexie Kirkconnell-Kawana, CEO of IMPRESS; and Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England & Wales. The expert panel emphasised the crucial role that journalists, editors, and regulators play in the movement to end violence against women and girls.

A highlight of the event was the moving speech by visual artist, writer, and VAWG campaigner Tashmia Owen, who shared her personal experience of gender-based violence and victim-blaming. Owen underscored how media reporting not only impacts survivors profoundly but also reinforces harmful myths and attitudes prevalent in society.

Tashmia Owen also addressed the issue of invisibilization of Black and minoritized women in reporting, highlighting the responsibility of journalists and editors to change a media landscape where their voices are systematically ignored. She pointed out the disproportionate lack of public attention given to violence against these women.

The ceremony also expressed gratitude to Rasheda Malcolm, CEO of the WILDE Foundation, and Jemima Olchawski, CEO of the Fawcett Society, for sharing their experiences of driving the first-ever upheld complaint to IPSO based on sexism.

The organisers extended their thanks to everyone who nominated articles for the awards, as well as the steering group for their support and shortlisting. Congratulations were offered to all the winners of the 2023 Write to End Violence Against Women Awards, highlighting their crucial role in shaping a more equal and responsible society.

You can watch the recording from our Awards Ceremony here: