In July 2025, on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, the second edition of the SHE & Rights Media Awards was officially launched during a dedicated session. This initiative, which will run through November 2025, aims to recognize journalists and media professionals from Africa and the Asia-Pacific who report in a responsible, inclusive, and rights-based manner on the topics raised during the SHE & Rights sessions.The event is co-organized by a broad coalition of international organizations, including the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) 2025, the Family Planning News Network (FPNN), the Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI), the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), the Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW), the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR), the Asia-Pacific Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media ), and CNS.In a global context marked by growing opposition to human rights, gender equality, and reproductive health, the organizers emphasize the critical role of the media. The media have the power to shift mindsets, influence decision-makers, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).“There can be no socially just future if we leave behind women and people of diverse gender identities,” affirm the initiators of this award, which celebrates rights-based, people-centered, and gender-sensitive journalism.The first edition of the SHE & Rights Media Awards (September 2024 – March 2025) was a resounding success. It received 282 media entries from 21 countries, selected based on topics covered in the monthly SHE & Rights sessions. An 11-member jury was mobilized to evaluate the submissions.The awards ceremony was held in Geneva alongside the World Health Assembly.For this second edition, journalists and media professionals from Africa and the Asia-Pacific are invited to submit their work published or broadcast between July 1 and September 15, 2025, based on the themes discussed in SHE & Rights sessions during the same period.Accepted formats include news articles, reports, blog posts, photos, documentaries, podcasts, social media content, and television or radio programs.Submissions can be made in multiple languages, provided that each non-English entry is accompanied by an English translation.About eligibility Criteria, must be an active journalist or media professional based in Africa or the Asia-Pacific, the content must relate to topics covered in SHE & Rights sessions held between July 1 and September 15, 2025, to Proof of publication or broadcast is required (e.g., links, screenshots, confirmation documents) and entries must be in commonly accessible formats (.mp3, .mp4, .mov, .pdf, etc.), entries promoting anti-rights or discriminatory narratives will be disqualified, individuals involved in organizing or managing the awards (e.g., CNS) are not eligible.About awards and recognition, there will be two major regional categories: Africa Category and Asia-Pacific Category; and for each region: 1st Prize: A grant to attend ICFP 2025 in Bogotá, Colombia, and cover the event; 2nd and 3rd Prizes: Media accreditation for ICFP 2025 and recognition during a special ceremony, and Special Mentions: Official acknowledgment during a hybrid event.All winners will receive a certificate of recognition and will be showcased on the platforms of CeHDI, CNS, ICFP 2025, and partner organizations.Submissions are open from July 1 to September 15, 2025 (until 5 PM Geneva time).Results will be announced in late September, and the award ceremony will take place during ICFP 2025 in November in Bogotá.In addition to the awards, all applicants will receive a certificate of participation, and the best entries will be featured on the networks and websites of the partners , amplifying the voices of those committed to equality, health, and human rights.Submit your entries and become a catalyst for change through journalism that champions justice and inclusion.Babacar sene Journal Agropasteur