UNICEF honours 36 media professionals with Meena Award

The UNICEF honoured 36 journalists and writers Tuesday for their outstanding contribution to championing child rights through the 10th Meena Media Award 2014, reports UNB.

The award is named after Meena, a popular animation character, held dear by children and adults alike in Bangladesh. Meena is a change agent in her community and her stories champion the rights of children across South Asia.

The 10th award ceremony brought children's voices to the forefront through a colourful cultural event.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu, UNICEF Representative Pascal Villeneuve and UNICEF National Goodwill Ambassador and Film Actress Arifa Zaman Moushumi presented the awards to the winners at a ceremony held in the city in the presence of media representatives, children and other guests.

Congratulating participants and award winners, Pascal Villeneuve said, "I congratulate the nominees and winners of the Meena Media Award 2014 for their excellent work. We are proud to honour you for your outstanding achievement."

By recognising the role of the media in mobilising mass opinion, he emphasised the crucial role played by the media professionals in raising public awareness about negative social norms and urged journalists to wage a campaign against child marriage, an unlawful practice that still affects too many adolescent girls in Bangladesh.