Winners

Dlovan Barwari’s article is both insightful and poignant, investigating the taboo of female genital mutilation in Iraqi Kurdistan. Published by Aswat Al-Iraq, this piece examines the tragedy affecting many young women in the region, lifting the lid on a persistent but often hidden abuse.

Barwari focuses on how the practice impacts young women’s health, as well as their social and psychological wellbeing. He explores the reasons for the persistence of the practice, highlighting the failure of organisations and societal groups to protect this vulnerable group.

Due to the issue’s controversial nature and its societal context, the topic had remained alarmingly unaddressed in the region. As a result of Barwari’s investigation, however, the parliament was forced to adopt legislation criminalising genital mutilation.

Housemaids make up more than four percent of Bahrain’s population, yet their labour rights are not firmly enshrined in law and many face daily abuses. Featured in the Alwasat newspaper, Hana Buhijji’s article investigates the administrative and legal loopholes that facilitate the maltreatment of this vulnerable category of workers.

Featured in the Cumhurivet newspaper, Esra Açikgöz’s article presents a striking example of how human rights can be routinely compromised in the workplace. The practice of sandblasting jeans manually has disastrous implications for the health of workers, causing silicosis. Açikgöz pursued the story to a small Turkish town, discovering considerable numbers of workers dying needless deaths.