The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) is honored to present the 2024 Kathy Gannon Legacy Awards, taking place this year in London, United Kingdom. We are thrilled to be welcomed by our wonderful friends at the Rory Peck Awards on November 28th, 2024.
Our KGL Award celebrates women journalists whose courage, dedication, and commitment to integrity reflect the values of the great Kathy Gannon. Known for her five decades long career covering frontlines reporting and human-centered storytelling, Gannon’s contributions are a legacy to journalism.
Kathy Gannon’s career began at a time when few women were seen on the frontlines of global journalism. From her early days reporting in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Gannon carved out a legacy of fearless, compassionate reporting. Her work gave voice to underrepresented communities and broke down cultural and political barriers, setting a new standard for what journalism could accomplish.
Gannon’s legacy goes beyond her reporting; her dedication to mentoring others and fostering solidarity among journalists has made a lasting impact on generations of reporters. The CFWIJ Kathy Gannon Legacy Awards honor women who embody these same values, uplifting their contributions and encouraging a new generation of journalists to follow in her path.
Announcing the 2024 CFWIJ Kathy Gannon Legacy Awards
Recognizing This Year’s Winners
The 2024 recipients, Leila Molana Allen of PBS and Saima Mohsin of Sky News, are exceptional women journalists whose work speaks to the highest values of Gannon’s legacy.
PBS Journalist Covering the Middle East
Leila Molana Allen
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Leila Molana Allen’s work with PBS has brought the complexities of the Middle East into sharper focus for audiences worldwide. Her reporting on the war in Israel and the Palestinian Territories has continued to shed light on the human beings at the center of this conflict.
Through her career, Allen has remarkably gone beyond the headlines, delving deeply into the cultural, political, and social dynamics shaping the region and stories she covers. Allen’s commitment to portraying issues with accuracy and sensitivity reflects her dedication to impactful journalism. Her ability to navigate challenging environments and give voice to individuals impacted by conflict demonstrates her courage and resilience.
Beyond her reporting Allen carries a strong spirit of camaraderie and empathy that Gannon has championed throughout her career. Leila Molina Allen’s initiative to organize HEFAT (Hostile Environment and First Aid Training) safety training for journalists in the region is a remarkable demonstration of her dedication to the values of camaraderie and collective well-being. In the midst of her demanding work reporting on the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East—a task requiring immense focus and resilience—Leila made it a priority to ensure her colleagues are better equipped to navigate the inherent dangers of conflict reporting.
This selfless act reflects her deep sense of responsibility and empathy, recognizing the importance of empowering her peers with the skills to protect themselves in perilous situations. Leila’s commitment to fostering a safer working environment for journalists underscores her belief in solidarity and mutual care within the press community, setting a standard of leadership and compassion that inspires her colleagues and strengthens the profession as a whole.
We are proud to present this award to Allen for embodying the compassion and integrity that the Kathy Gannon Legacy Awards were created to honor.
Saima Mohsin
Sky News Journalist Upholding Integrity Amidst Challenges
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Saima Mohsin is an extraordinary journalist whose career embodies resilience, courage, and an unyielding commitment to truth. As a presenter for Sky News, Saima brings her two decades of insight on the ground, to a depth of understanding for her viewers, that is rooted in her extensive reporting across continents and cultures. Her work has taken her to some of the most tumultuous regions of the world, including the Middle East, South Asia, and the United States. As CNN’s correspondent in Pakistan, she was at the forefront of covering the complex interplay of politics, conflict, and human resilience, earning widespread acclaim for her balanced and insightful reporting.
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Nepal, the flood in Pakistan, and the conflict on the West Bank, Saima’s coverage revealed the human cost of the tragedy with compassion and clarity.
When in the field Saima is known for her ability to connect with people at the heart of every story. She weaves humanity into her narratives, ensuring that journalism transcends statistics and headlines.
At CFWIJ we also recognize Saima Mohsin’s courage in standing up against injustice following her injury on assignment in Jerusalem is a testament to her integrity and dedication to the journalism profession. After suffering a life-changing injury, while on the job for a prominent global media organization, Saima’s determination to seek accountability for discriminatory treatment has not only highlighted the challenges injured journalists face but also sparked an important conversation about the responsibility of media organizations to support their correspondents.
It is a powerful reminder that journalists, who risk their lives to bring the truth to light, deserve fairness, respect, and care. By raising her voice, Saima has become a champion for her colleagues, pushing for better safeguards and workplace protections in an often unforgiving industry. Her efforts are paving the way for a more equitable future in journalism, ensuring that no journalist feels abandoned when facing personal and professional adversity.
Her dedication to truthful reporting and her resilience in navigating personal and professional challenges reflect a deep-seated commitment to journalistic ethics, a value that aligns closely with Gannon’s principles. Mohsin exemplifies the values of the Kathy Gannon Legacy Awards, demonstrating the importance of tenacity and commitment in journalism.
A Tribute to Courage and Integrity in Journalism
As Allen and Mohsin receive the 2024 Kathy Gannon Legacy Awards in London, they remind us of women journalists worldwide who continue to pursue truth and often contribute more to journalism than the stories they tell.
CFWIJ is proud to support and honor both winners.
Through the awards, CFWIJ reaffirms its commitment to Kathy Gannon’s values, encouraging a new generation of journalists to carry her legacy forward. We look forward to celebrating these courageous women and the power of journalism at the Rory Peck Awards in London on November 28.
Gratitude to the Rory Peck Trust
We are deeply thankful to our friends at Rory Peck Trust for hosting our awards this year in London at the Annual Rory Peck Awards.
About the CFWIJ Kathy Gannon Legacy Awards
The CFWIJ Kathy Gannon Legacy Award to celebrates a veteran correspondent who broke many barriers in our industry while covering some of the most vital and globally critical stories of her time with deep compassion and integrity. This award honors distinguished women journalists who continue doing that by breaking new barriers that come with journalism today, with great conscientiousness and bravery. This award also celebrates one of our greatest values, camaraderie and spirit of peer-support, which our awardees demonstrate in their work ethic and initiatives.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a New York based global peer-support and press freedom advocacy organization.
The work of women, non-binary and minority journalists is critical to our times. These journalists are exposing the truth and often in a tumultuous world, are bringing forth opportunities for justice, equity and accountability with gallant, undaunted journalism.
But this journalism often comes at a cost, particularly for women and minority journalists. Each year, hundreds of women journalists face abuse, harassment, imprisonment, and even murder for doing their job. The Coalition For Women In Journalism monitors and documents any violation that takes place against any female or non binary journalist around the world. It is our pursuit to account for every single violation, because information brings a better understanding of our world, our democracies and the state of humanity.
Since 2019, the CFWIJ has supported and advocated for more than 2,000 women journalists who have encountered such circumstances across 128 countries.
Our work has led to global impact in press freedom and safety for women and non-binary journalists, including legal support for journalists behind bars that has led to releases from jail, and government-stakeholder advocacy that has helped journalism protection laws in several countries. The CFWIJ Emergency Relief work includes advocacy support and a survival fund that helps women journalists from the most vulnerable backgrounds. CFWIJ's work has led to more than 600 evacuations, relocations, legal support and mental health therapy for women and LGBTQ journalists from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Iran, Mexico, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, and Turkey. A link to our annual Report 2022.
At the CFWIJ our mission is to foster and support camaraderie between journalists around the globe so they can continue to take on the daunting task of truth telling in a safe and supportive environment. You can join us in this mission and help elevate change-driven courageous journalism.
Reach out to explore how you can help. You can also join us through Volunteer work or Donations.
2023 Kathy Gannon Awards
“With this award the CFWIJ is embarking on extending our devotion to highlight the achievements of women journalists who find unique ways to cover impossible stories, and often amidst insurmountable challenges. This award celebrates the two things that must go hand in hand for women and minorities today; good journalism and a sense of camaraderie to one's community. We cannot be prouder to celebrate a legend of our times, the great Kathy Gannon, who had an incredible career as one of the first female war correspondents in what used to be a male-dominated environment, while also upheld the values of a mentor and opened doors for other women journalists. Since our inception, Kathy has mentored many journalists in our global mentorship and support networks from diverse backgrounds. That is why we at the CFWIJ are so proud to launch this award in her name. In these evolving times in journalism, we want to encourage journalists to remember that it is more than grit that makes journalism one of the most remarkable careers in human life, and that opening doors for each other makes us achieve things that are bigger than ourselves. That is my vision with this award and I am grateful to everyone who has been supportive in making this work possible.”
-Kiran Nazish, Founding Director of the Coalition For Women In Journalism
Celebrating the legendary Kathy Gannon, who spent decades covering Afghanistan and Pakistan, from the Cold War to the US pullout in 2021, with intrepid curiosity and compassion. Since the inception of the Coalition For Women In Journalism, Kathy Gannon has been a great advisor, mentor, and ally to countless women journalists we at the CFWIJ have mentored and advocated for. This award is also to celebrate that sense of camaraderie and community for women in journalism.
In 2023, the winners were Zahra Nader, Afghan-Canadian journalist and founder of Zan Times and Joanna Chiu, Toronto Star international affairs journalist and chair of NuVoices.
The inaugural award went to these two outstanding journalists who are not only worthy winners of this recognition, but are marking their own legacy. Both of these journalists were selected because in addition to their intrepid courageous reporting from difficult countries, their work demonstrates a sense of duty and a devotion to community.
Zahra Nader
Afghanistan-Canada
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Zahra Nader is an Afghan-Canadian journalist and editor-in-chief of Zan Times, a newly launched non-profit newsroom. Zan Times reports on human rights violations in Afghanistan, mainly focusing on women, the LGBTQ community, and environmental issues. Born in Afghanistan, she is from the Hazara community, an ethnic group that faces marginalization and violence. She began her journalism career in Kabul in 2011, working for prominent global news outlets including the New York Times. In 2017, she moved to Canada to pursue higher education.
On 20 October, 2022, Zahra briefed the UN Security Council during the Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security. While at the UN, she spoke with UN Women about the Taliban, human rights in Afghanistan, and why women’s representation—in peacebuilding, in journalism and everywhere else—matters. Zahra Nader, is an exceptional, driving force for positive change on a global scale.
CFWIJ selected Zahra Nader for her bravery, and commitment to journalism in the face of fear and terror by the Taliban. As Kabul fell, the CFWIJ got involved in airlifting Afghan journalists, and relocating many in safe houses. We witnessed Zahra at the time, who while being thousands of miles away in Canada herself coordinated to get her family to safety in Pakistan. While she was dealing with such personal trauma and worries for her family back home, she continued to tell the story of Afghan women in international outlets including TIME magazine.
We recognize Zahra as a mission driven journalist who is making the industry better with her work that illuminates dark corners that will otherwise be unseen. In addition to her reporting, we recognize her sense of camaraderie, as she opens opportunities for many brave Afghan reporters on the ground through ZanTimes.
Joanna Chiu
China-Canada
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Joanna Chiu is a senior journalist for the Toronto Star, and the author of China Unbound: A New World Disorder and an expert on China. She was previously based in different parts of Asia, including Beijing, specializing in coverage of Chinese politics, economy and legal affairs in the region. In Hong Kong, she reported for the South China Morning Post, The Economist magazine and The Associated Press. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, Foreign Policy, The Atlantic, and Newsweek. Chiu is a frequent contributor to CBC, BBC World, Al Jazeera, and NPR and has worked as a foreign correspondent for top news agencies including Agence France-Presse and Deutsche Presse-Agentur. In 2012, she won a Human Rights Press Award for her story on refugees in Hong Kong. China Unbound: A New World Disorder is her first book. In her coverage she tactfully bridges the gap between intricate local context and distant foreign glance at the story.
We recognize Joanna for her incredible capacity to make complex stories on an important region and country, accessible to readers globally. Often in her work Joanna has encountered high-risk situations, but she has continued to find creative ways of shedding light on the human rights abuses of China and the wide spillover it has on the regional and global community.
With this award, we recognize Joanna as a passionate connector with her work as chair of the NüVoices. An editorial collective that celebrates the creative and academic work of women working on the subject of China. As a journalist covering human rights and women’s issues in Greater China since 2012, Joanna Chiu has used her connections with countless talented female academics, journalists and writers producing insightful work on these subjects to help produce this platform called NüVoices. At CFWIJ we value camaraderie and Joanna's work is demonstrative of that.
Praise for Zahra Nader
Xanthe Scharff
Xanthe Scharff is the co-founder and CEO of The Fuller Project, the global newsroom dedicated to groundbreaking reporting that catalyzes positive change for women.
The founder of two acclaimed nonprofit organizations and a gender expert, Scharff launched The Fuller Project from Turkey while reporting in Istanbul and on the Syrian border. She has built the project to be the go-to source for exclusive, in-depth global reporting about women that would otherwise be untold.
Scharff has led The Fuller Project through steady growth and oversees a staff that includes several dozen editors, reporters, contributors and senior business leaders. Under her leadership, The Fuller Project newsroom and communications team have won 24 industry awards and citations.
“Through brave and dogged reporting, and while supporting Afghan women and amplifying their voices, Zahra Nader has ensured that Afghan women are not buried in the annals of history but are front and center in journalism and on the cover of global newspapers and magazines. She has documented the lives, struggles and hopes of teachers, lawyers, executives, students, mothers and sisters as they fight for their basic human rights and their freedom to learn, work and contribute to society. Even as the international community has turned away, Zahra has made certain that Afghan women are not forgotten. Her remarkable contributions have influenced international coverage, informed wide audiences, and inspired those around her to keep a journalist focus in Afghanistan and on women suffering at the hands of abusive regimes around the world.”
— Xanthe Scharff, Cofounder and CEO, The Fuller Project
Praise for Joanna Chiu
Eileen Park Robertson
Eileen Park Robertson is an award-winning impact filmmaker and founder of Anecdotia, a production agency dedicated to racial, social, and climate justice storytelling. Most recently, she ran communications at the Office of the Mayor of Portland as Director of Communications, after more than a decade working as a reporter in the United States, South Korea, and around the world.
As the daughter of Korean immigrants who overcame poverty, domestic violence, and racialized trauma, she is an ambassador and advocate for racial justice, standing in solidarity with all marginalized communities, fighting for, educating, and calling for systemic change in culture, media, and government.
“In a crowded field of exceptional journalists, Joanna Chiu is in a league of her own. She repeatedly delivers ethical, meticulously researched stories with important context, nuance and precision, timely stories that inform a generation navigating unprecedented global crises.
Her brilliance resides in her ability to distill and contextualize some of the most complicated geopolitical stories of our time, with a deep understanding of centuries-old history.
Despite ongoing harassment, violence, and misogyny journalists of colour disproportionately face, she continues to press on with resilience, purpose, and unyielding dedication, her work has never been more critical for our times”
— Eileen Park Robertson, Impact filmmaker, journalist, racial justice advocate
In 2023, we presented the awards at the CJFE Gala. We thank the Canadian Journalists For Free Expression for their remarkable allyship and for having given us a platform to share this award.
