AMED – The first-ever Gurbetelli Ersöz Women’s Journalism Awards, organized by the Mezopotamya Women Journalists Association (MKG), are currently accepting applications. MKG Board Member Derya Ceylan said the aim is to strengthen women’s struggle and their voices through journalism.
The awards, named after Gurbetelli Ersöz—the first woman editor-in-chief of a newspaper in Turkey—and other women journalists who lost their lives, opened for applications on June 17 and will continue until September 28. Prizes will be given in four categories: Kurdish news, Turkish news, photography, and video reports. Winners will be announced on October 6, with the ceremony held on October 8, the anniversary of Ersöz’s passing.
Derya Ceylan emphasized that Gurbetelli Ersöz’s legacy is about defending the truth and centering the female perspective in journalism. She said the award is important for making visible the truth-telling fight carried out by women’s pens, especially in a male-dominated media landscape where their work is often ignored.
“The competition was born to reveal the political and ethical significance of women’s journalism and to proclaim their own truths to the world,” said Derya Ceylan and added: “We want to increase the visibility of women journalists with this award.”
Derya Ceylan noted that women journalists are often rendered invisible or dismissed both in the field and other media spaces. She added that this award shows how women journalists today are increasingly finding their voice and presence across all fields, breaking away from male-dominated narratives.
She said: “This is not just an individual struggle but a collective part of the women’s movement. Our goal is to empower women’s voices, words, and pens through the news, reports, and interviews they produce. We also want to create opportunities for young women journalists and foster solidarity while passing on a tradition of free press to new generations.”
She highlighted the importance of continuing Gurbetelli Ersöz’s legacy of strength, words, and struggle despite various pressures, ranging from police harassment in the field to legal prosecutions, and the overall male dominance in media. Ceylan concluded by encouraging women journalists to trust their work and talents and apply to the awards.
MA / Rukiye Payiz Adıgüzel