Al Jazeera’s “101 East – India’s Women Combat Fighters” Wins Women’s Solutions Reporting Award

Al Jazeera’s “101 East – India’s Women Combat Fighters” Wins Women’s Solutions Reporting Award

(IN BRIEF) Al Jazeera’s documentary “101 East – India’s Women Combat Fighters,” by Rudraneil Sengupta and Sreya Banerjee, has been awarded the Women’s Solutions Reporting Award at the 2024 One World Media Awards. The film highlights the courageous journey of female wrestlers in India, who not only excel in a traditionally male-dominated sport but also catalyze social change by initiating India’s first #MeToo movement in sports. Supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), the award recognizes stories of women overcoming societal challenges in areas like education, healthcare, and climate change. Judges lauded the film for its portrayal of resilience and bravery among women challenging stereotypes and advocating for their rights.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 20-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The prestigious Women’s Solutions Reporting Award, part of the One World Media Awards, has been awarded to “101 East – India’s Women Combat Fighters” by Rudraneil Sengupta and Sreya Banerjee, broadcast by Al Jazeera. This short film vividly portrays the struggles and triumphs of female wrestlers in India as they fight for their rights and recognition in a male-dominated sport. The film not only highlights their athletic achievements but also their role in sparking India’s first #MeToo movement in sports.

The 2024 Women’s Solutions Reporting Award attracted a high caliber of entries, with over 500 submissions reviewed by more than 60 distinguished judges from 18 countries. Supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), the award celebrates stories of women and girls overcoming societal challenges to access education, jobs, healthcare, and address climate change impacts.

Vivienne Francis, Director of One World Media, praised the winning film for showcasing the bravery and resilience of the female wrestlers who defy societal expectations and break boundaries. Their courage in speaking out against injustice demonstrates their tremendous fortitude.

EIB Group President Nadia Calvino emphasized the EIB’s commitment to promoting opportunities and protecting the rights of women and girls through various initiatives. She highlighted the importance of changing attitudes, challenging prejudices, and supporting storytelling that pursues these goals.

Yasmine Pagni, Head of the EIB Social Policy Unit and a judge for the award, noted the exceptional quality of the submissions, which defied stereotypes and showcased women’s work in reshaping societal roles. These stories serve as powerful inspirations on the journey towards global gender equality.

The winning story was shortlisted alongside two other nominees: “Breaking taboos: Papuan women embrace collective care to end period poverty” by Narriswari, and “Rise of the ‘mother boss’: how female miners are taking control in DRC” by Mélanie Gouby.

For more details on the longlisted stories and the EIB’s initiatives, visit the One World Media Awards and the EIB Gender page.

Background information

About the European Investment Bank

The EIB is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to further EU policy goals, in Europe and beyond.

To enhance the positive impact of its activities on gender equality and empower women and girls, the EIB Group adopted a Strategy on Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment and a Gender Action Plan. The aim: to embed gender equality, and women’s economic empowerment in particular, in the EIB’s business model. The strategy and action plan cover the Bank’s lending, blending and advisory work within and outside the European Union.

The EIB is also committed to driving gender equality in the workplace. The EU bank champions diversity and inclusion not only for their undeniable business benefits, but also for their power to enrich the working environment for all staff.

More information: EIB gender equality initiatives.

About One World Media

One World Media is a non-profit organisation in the UK that supports journalists and filmmakers covering stories about the Global South. For more than three decades, they have been working with partners in the UK and around the world to strengthen international journalism and promote media coverage of global issues. One World Media’s mission is to encourage strong, vibrant and independent media coverage of the Global South that empowers citizens, promotes justice and creates social impact. The One World Media Awards look for entries that demonstrate relevance and originality, substance and accuracy, impact and reach, diversity, and quality coverage.

Media Contact:

Anne-Laure Gaffuri
a.gaffuri@eib.org
+352 4379 – 83689

Press Office
press@eib.org
+352 43791

SOURCE: European Investment Bank