Voices against child labour: Celebrating ethical reporting of child labour
The Voices Against Child Labour media competition, held to celebrate the role of journalism in shedding light on the complexities of child labour, ended with the first prize awarded to Egyptian filmmaker Mr. Mohanad Diab.
31 May 2024
28 May, 2024, Naivasha, Kenya — On the scenic shores of Lake Naivasha, the conclusion of the "Voices Against Child Labour" media competition took centre stage during the Knowledge Sharing Forum dedicated to innovative solutions for reducing child and forced labour across Africa. Held from May 28 to 30, 2024, the forum gathered key stakeholders to seek innovative solutions to address child labour, which now impacts 92 million children in Africa.
The media competition, a core feature of the forum, celebrated the powerful role of journalism in shedding light on the complexities of child labour. Egyptian filmmaker Mr. Mohanad Diab was honoured as the first prize winner for his impactful documentary “Not Really Children,” which delves into the lives of working children in Egypt, highlighting their feelings of struggle and hope.
Mr. Diab’s film was showcased at the forum, serving as a catalyst for discussions on the vital need for ethical journalism in advocating for children’s rights and welfare. His documentary not only exposes the harsh realities faced by these young workers but also emphasizes their enduring spirit and dreams of a better future, while highlighting the solutions that the Government of Egypt has put in place to ensure a better future for their children.
The award ceremony was an integral part of the broader forum, emphasizing the importance of media in both raising awareness and driving policy action against child labour. Diab, who has a distinguished career in both Egyptian and international circles, delivered an inspiring keynote speech on the role of filmmakers in promoting change and influencing public opinion on critical social issues.
In his address, Diab stressed the importance of accuracy, sensitivity, and the ethical portrayal of children, underscoring the responsibility of media professionals to protect and respect the dignity of their young subjects. He highlighted how media could be a transformative tool, not just for reporting but for advocating substantial social change.
The forum concluded with a collective call to action, urging continued commitment from all sectors of society to combat the increase of child and forced labour. The discussions and strategies developed during the event, along with the impactful stories shared through the media competition, and the voices of survivors, underscored the critical role of collaboration and innovation in addressing these complex challenges.
As stakeholders returned to their respective countries and roles, they carried with them the powerful narratives and insights from the forum, confident to implement the innovative solutions discussed. The success of the "Voices Against Child Labour" competition, exemplified by Diab’s compelling documentary, left an indelible mark on the attendees, inspiring further action and advocacy in the fight against child labour across Africa.