By Our Correspondent
Somali female journalist, Nura Abdi Iman Moge, has won a Somali photojournalism prize – an initiative of the Australian High Commission in Kenya and the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ). As part of its mandate of protecting freedom of expression and advancing professional excellence of journalists in Somalia, NUSOJ conducted the first ever workshop dedicated to photojournalism in Somalia early this year, in partnership with the Australian High Commission in Kenya.
In May, eleven journalists travelled across Somalia to Mogadishu to receive technical training as well as learning from three experienced mentors, including internationally recognised and award-winning Australian photographer, Adam Ferguson; Somali filmmaker and photographer (Al-Jazeera, BBC, Channel 4, and Somali TV), Said Fadhaye; and Somali journalist (The Age – Australia), Najma Sambul. Following the training, participants were invited to submit photos to be considered for the photo prize, with the winning photograph selected by the mentors. Quote attributable to photojournalist, Nura Abdi Iman Moge:
“The photo selected shows the resilience of my people, and the way we carry on living our lives despite the destruction and challenges that surround us. That is the job of a photojournalist – to take pictures that convey a powerful message.” Quote attributable to the Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, Luke Williams:
“Australia strongly endorses
freedom of expression, including
media freedom and the safety of
journalists. We were pleased to
partner with the National Union of
Somali Journalists, to help equip
journalists with more knowledge and
technical expertise so that they can
continue to tell their important stories
to the world.
“We are pleased to award Nura
Abdi Iman Moge with this special
prize, and we congratulate all of the
photojournalists who entered the
prize – the quality of photography
was exceptional.”
Quote attributable to the Secretary
General, NUSOJ, Omar Faruk Osman:
“Photography is an important and
powerful medium to tell untellable,
revealing stories, and the independent
practice of journalism in Somalia is
thriving despite unparalleled risks
faced by journalists every day. Our
partnership with the Australian
High Commission is helping nurture
the next generation of Somali
journalists.”■
