The issue of human rights is an integral part of Marie Claire’s ethos and last night we became the first women’s glossy to win an Amnesty Media Award
It's one of the most esteemed media award ceremonies in the world, and last night Marie Claire stole the show at the Amnesty International Awards, by winning the Outstanding Photojournalism prize, for our feature on rape in The Congo. The coveted awards recognise excellence in human rights reporting, and acknowledge journalism’s significant contribution to the public’s awareness and understanding of human right issues.
George Alagaiah presented Marie Claire’s Picture Editor Kelly Preedy and Features Director Andrea Thompson with the award at a ceremony at the BFI, representing our commitment to groundbreaking journalism and highlighting issues that affect women the world over.
‘It is an honour to be recognised for our work in this area by a global charity as prestigious as Amnesty International,’ says Andrea. 'Marie Claire has a long reputation for championing women’s rights around the world and in particular speaking out on behalf of women and girls who have suffered domestic and sexual violence.
‘In the Congo, where rape is used as a weapon of war, girls as young as three become victims of the most terrible atrocities.’
The feature generated incredible public response and Marie Claire's talented photographer Robin Hammond is currently on his way back to The Congo to deliver the money donated by Marie Claire readers to help women buy homes, set up small businesses and put their children through school.
‘Rarely have I been so affected by what I saw and heard in the Democratic Republic of Congo,’ says Robin. ‘The testimonies of the women I met still haunt me, but to feel sorry for myself for merely hearing these stories would be wrong, when the women I met lived through them.’
WATCH Marie Claire's Congo report by Robin Hammond...