'Feel honoured,' says Kashmiri journalist after being awarded for his report on specially-abled women

Srinagar, Sep 05: Three Kashmiri journalists on Wednesday were awarded for their reportage on different matters concerning gender sensitivity.

They include, Mohammad Abu Bakar, Ahmer Khan, and Zafar Iqbal.

A 27-year-old journalist from north Kashmir's Sopore, Abu Bakar was awarded for his reportage of specially-abled women of Kashmir excelling in Basketball.

Senior journalist Ahmer Khan shared the award with his co-reporter Hannah Ellis Peterson for their coverage of surge in human trafficking in cyclone-hit East India which appeared in the London-based newspaper The Guardian.

While, Zafar Iqbal was recognised for his documentary for Mojo Story titled ‘Kashmir Rap Chronicles’ which showcased gender equality and the use of rap music by both male and female singers to “unmask pain and strength.”

The award was conferred by Laadli Media and Advertising Awards 2024, supported by United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) for gender sensitivity.

Mohammad Abu Bakar, a journalist working with German based media house, Deutsche Welle (DW) said, "It was an honour for me to hear that my report has won the award," he told Greater Kashmir.

He said, the report highlights the courage and determination of women with disabilities who challenge gender norms and societal expectations through sports.

"I was following these girls for a year, and assembling them at one place wasn't easy, because they belong to different areas of Kashmir," Abu Bakar said.

The sole aim of the report, he said, was to highlight the courage of these girls and how they are an inspiration for the society, especially for those specially-abled people who have lost all hope.

"If there is a disability in one part of their body, that doesn't mean they are fully non-functional," he said.

Abu Bakar was handed the award on Wednesday in India’s Mumbai.