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Abigail Mawonde Herald Correspondent
THE Herald’s Gender Editor Ruth Butaumocho wrote her own piece of history when she came second in the Innovation and Technology category under the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2015, held in Nairobi, Kenya, recently.
The first prize in her category was won by a South African Mail & Guardian journalist Sarah Wild.
The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist overall winner for 2015 was Hyacinthe Boowarosiege Saraou of Burkina Faso.
Butaumocho submitted a feature on how Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) have revolutionalised the lives of ordinary rural women.
The story was selected from more than 1 400 entries in 13 categories.
A total of 31 journalists from 15 countries took part in this year’s awards ceremony.
For her efforts, Butaumocho received an IPad, $ 1 500 and a certificate.
In an interview, Butaumocho said she was humbled by the recognition.
“It has always been my desire to make a difference in women’s lives. I feel so humbled when I get recognition for the little that I am doing for women through writing inspiring stories about their lives,” she said.
Butaumocho has also won several awards locally administered by the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists.
These include the Health and Agriculture Reporter of the Year.
She joined Zimpapers in 2000 and has held several positions including Features, Entertainment and Lifestyle Editor.
The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards are given in recognition of the importance of the role of journalists in Africa’s development.
The award is also meant to reward, recognise and encourage journalistic talent across all media disciplines.
The competition has been running for the past 20 years.
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