Hellen Shikanda: PHOTO[COURTESY]
Hellen Shikanda, a journalist with Nation Media Group (NMG), was recently announced as the winner of this year’s IGAD Media Awards in the print category for her coverage of climate change.
The creative and Multimedia Health and Climate Reporter competed against 240 journalists from across East Africa and stood out, earning her prestigious recognition.
During an interview with Woman Kenya Network, Hellen shared her surprise and delight upon learning she had won. She explained that she had applied for the award over a year ago and had given up hope after the winners were not announced as expected. During this time, she focused on her ongoing work and even received another award for the same story.
Reflecting on the award ceremony, Hellen said, “When I was invited to the event, I attended as a climate reporter, not knowing that I had won an award. It was a beautiful surprise for me, especially since I had waited for so long and forgotten about it.”
For Hellen, the recognition is a powerful affirmation of the importance of going beyond the usual narratives in climate reporting. She emphasized that “most people write about climate change when there’s breaking news like floods or drought. But by including the human element and telling stories that others aren’t telling, you set yourself apart.”
Winning the award, Hellen noted, encourages her to continue highlighting these human-centered stories in her work. Hellen also reflected on the challenges she has faced as a woman in climate journalism. She acknowledged that women often face unique barriers, particularly when reporting in difficult or dangerous conditions.
Recalling her experience covering the recent floods in Nairobi, she explained, “As a woman, it’s not always advisable to go where the flooding is happening right away, while men often have the flexibility to access such zones more easily.”
She also shared another incident during a reporting trip to Mathare, an informal settlement, where she had to rely on assistance to navigate a flood-ridden area. “I had to be carried on someone’s back to get to the interview,” she recounted. Despite these challenges, Hellen remains committed to her work, undeterred by the obstacles she has encountered.
For women aspiring to make an impact in journalism, particularly in underrepresented areas like climate change, Hellen stressed the importance of reading and research. “I’d tell women who are in the climate space, or who wish to report on climate issues, to read a lot. When you read, you become more informed, and when you are informed, you can tackle issues based on the vast knowledge you have.”
She also highlighted the importance of simplifying complex issues. “When you read, you need to humanize the story and make it simple. If you can break it down, you’ll be able to convey it clearly to your audience.”
Additionally, Hellen emphasized the importance of including female voices in climate reporting. “Include female experts in your reporting. Women are the most affected by climate change, so it’s important to give them a voice in your stories. Ensure that gender balance is maintained by including women as sources.”
When asked if women have a unique role to play in climate reporting or activism, Hellen strongly agreed. She pointed out that women, particularly those in vulnerable communities, are often the most affected by climate-related crises. “Women are the most affected when it comes to climate change, and their voices are crucial. They can tell the story better because they live it. However, they are grossly underrepresented in global spaces and decision-making.”
Hellen also called for more efforts to bring women to the forefront of climate discussions. “Global leaders need to embrace the gender aspect of climate change. They should include women and bring them to the table when global issues are being discussed.”
Who is Hellen Shikanda?
Helen Shikanda is a Creative and Multimedia Health and Climate Reporter for Nation Media Group in Kenya. She focuses on local health issues, climate change, and environmental topics. Her work has been featured in major publications such as NationAfrica, Business Daily Africa, and The East Africa.
Ms. Shikanda has participated in several fellowships and training programs, including the Bettina Fund Mentorship Program by the Thomson Foundation, the Oxford Climate Journalism Network, and the Africa Resilience Network.
She has also been involved with the Africa Academy of Open-Source Investigation by Code for Africa, Women in News (Class of 2022), Internews, the National Press Foundation, and the Climate Tracker Climate Justice Fellowship for COP27.
As a multi-award-winning journalist, Ms. Shikanda has been recognized by the Media Council of Kenya. She won the Podcast of the Year award in 2022 at the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards, and in 2023, she received awards for Health Reporting, Environment and Climate Change Reporting, and Development Reporting. Recently, she was shortlisted for a global climate award as an Emerging Journalist Covering Climate by Covering Climate Now.
About Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Media Awards
The IGAD Media Awards honor excellence in journalism across the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region, recognizing journalists and media organizations committed to ethical reporting and fostering dialogue.
These awards are open to journalists and freelancers from IGAD member countries, including Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda.
