The U.N Women and U.N.D.P, in partnership with the National University of Samoa’s Media and Journalism School, will be hosting an event to name the winners of the I.P.P.W.S Media Awards for Excellence in Gender-Sensitive Election Reporting in Samoa. 

The awards were launched last February to promote and celebrate examples of balanced media coverage, promoting gender equality and women’s leadership in decision-making. 

The competition was composed of entrants who submitted their pieces for consideration in the broadcast and print categories, both from individual and media outlets, published from 1 November 2015 to 20 March 2016. 

Winners for the three categories will receive a gift certificate from Samoa Stationery and Books (SSAB) worth $500.

 “The aim of the I.P.P.W.S Media Awards is to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts made by reporters during the General Elections,” said the U.N Resident Coordinator, Lizbeth Cullity. 

“Media played a critical role in challenging stereotypes, shaping public perceptions and improving the public’s understanding of women’s political participation. The initiative also promotes best journalism practices in the long-term.” 

The celebration will be held at the S.T.A Fale and is expected to start at 6:00pm.

Professor Fui Le’apai Tu’ua ‘Īlaoa Asofou So’o, N.U.S Vice-Chancellor, will be delivering the keynote address followed by Aleta Miller, Regional Representative of U.N Women in the Pacific. Afterwards the winners and the guests are all invited to a reception.  

Increasing Political Participation of Women in Samoa (I.P.P.W.S) is a joint programme between U.N Women and U.N.D.P, in partnership with the government of Samoa and the Australian government.