BBC World Service Documentary Wins Women’s Solutions Reporting Award for Giving Voice to Iran’s Female Prisoners

BBC World Service Documentary Wins Women’s Solutions Reporting Award for Giving Voice to Iran’s Female Prisoners

(IN BRIEF) “Songs from Inside,” created by Majed Neisi, Emma Ailes, and the BBC 100 Women team, has won the Women’s Solutions Reporting Award—one of 13 categories in the One World Media Awards, supported by the EIB. Out of 559 submissions judged by fifty media professionals from 29 countries, this documentary was lauded for its unique blend of animation and sound design that conveys the experiences of women political prisoners in Iran’s Evin Prison. The film’s atmospheric score and realistic prison audio bring attention to these women’s courage and creativity amid adversity. Commentators from One World Media and the EIB praised the film’s impact and the vital role of such journalism in amplifying marginalized voices. Shortlisted alongside two other powerful stories and a special mention, “Songs from Inside” exemplifies the enduring strength of storytelling in advancing women’s rights.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 27-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — “Songs from Inside,” a collaborative documentary by Majed Neisi, Emma Ailes, and the BBC 100 Women team broadcast on BBC World Service, has earned the Women’s Solutions Reporting Award. This accolade, one of 13 categories in the prestigious One World Media Awards—judged by fifty experts from 29 countries—highlights compelling journalism that champions girls and women overcoming societal challenges. The Women’s Solutions Reporting Award is proudly supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Chosen from 559 high-caliber submissions, “Songs from Inside” was celebrated for its innovative fusion of evocative animation and immersive audio. The film brings to life the experiences of female political detainees in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison, weaving together haunting melodies and authentic prison soundscapes to spotlight their resilience and creative defiance under oppression.

Vivienne Francis, Director of One World Media, remarked, “Partnering with the EIB to honor journalism that elevates marginalized female voices has been inspiring. ‘Songs from Inside’ stands as a powerful tribute to the fortitude and unbreakable spirit of women who refuse to be silenced—even in the darkest of times. We’re relieved and grateful to learn that the women featured are safe following the recent airstrike on Evin Prison.”

EIB Group President Nadia Calviño added, “We are delighted to recognize storytellers who shatter stereotypes and advocate for women’s rights. At a moment when global conflicts threaten to drown out the voices of the vulnerable, it’s vital to amplify stories of courage and hope.”

Margaret Carroll, Acting Head of the EIB Social Policy Unit and a judge for this award, noted, “Once again, this year’s entries—from Bangladesh to Ethiopia—have showcased women driving societal change and defending their rights. These narratives are indispensable as we press forward on the path to global gender equality.”

Alongside its victory, “Songs from Inside” was shortlisted alongside two other outstanding pieces: “Tigray: Rape as a Weapon” by Agnès Nabat and Marianne Getti (Arte TV) and “Headaches, Organ Damage and Even Death: How Salty Water Is Putting Bangladesh’s Pregnant Women at Risk” by Thaslima Begum (The Guardian). A special mention went to “Trapped in Oman” by Florence Phiri (BBC World Service).

Explore all the remarkable entries on the Longlist 2025 at One World Media and witness the diverse storytelling that continues to inspire change.

Read EIB’s judge Margaret Carroll’s blog

Get the EIB’s latest news on our One World Media Awards and Gender page.

About One World Media

One World Media is a non-profit organisation in the United Kingdom that supports journalists and filmmakers covering stories about the global south. For more than three decades, the organisation has worked with partners in the United Kingdom and around the world to strengthen international journalism and promote media coverage of global issues. The One World Media Awards will look for entries that show relevance, originality and creativity, substance and accuracy, impact and reach, diversity and quality.

About the European Investment Bank

The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances sound investments that contribute to EU policy objectives. EIB projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality.

The EIB Group aims to embed gender equality and in particular women’s economic empowerment in its business model and is also committed to driving gender equality in its workplace. In 2024, the EIB financed 43 projects that significantly contributed to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment across the globe, providing €3.39 billion of investment more than half of which also supported climate action.

More information: EIB gender equality initiatives.

Media contacts:

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

Press Office
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SOURCE: European Investment Bank