Online Reporter
Sunday News Reporter
ZIMPAPERS’ Political Hub senior reporter, Gibson Mhaka has been named the overall winner of the prestigious 2025 Isu Elihle Awards, a pan-African competition that celebrates and rewards innovative journalism focused on children.
Mhaka clinched the top prize with a compelling story idea that beat 178 entries from 26 African countries.
The winning entry centres on the critical challenges faced by adolescent girls with disabilities in rural areas as they manage menstrual hygiene.
Mhaka was among the top six Isu Elihle finalists, which also included Jasmine Odera and Joyce Kimani from Kenya, Winifred Lartey from Ghana, Mariya Shuaibu from Nigeria and Mokgadi Mogy Mashako from South Africa.
His story exposed a critical and often overlooked issue. While menstrual hygiene management has received increasing global attention, many rural communities in Zimbabwe are still affected by taboos and socio-cultural constraints.
This lack of knowledge and accurate information disproportionately affects adolescent girls with disabilities, leading to health issues and school absenteeism.
“My story exposed the critical yet often overlooked issue that while the Government has recognised the significance of menstrual hygiene and developed and implemented several programmes and schemes for menstrual hygiene management, a lack of knowledge, inaccurate information, cultural practices and socio-economic status expose adolescent girls with disabilities to numerous obstacles and cause them to suffer from health issues,” Mhaka said.
Mhaka further noted the stigma surrounding these girls’ disabilities often leads to their exclusion from school during their menstrual periods.
The Isu Elihle Awards, which means “great idea” in isiZulu, encourage fresh and insightful reporting that gives a voice to the African child.
Mhaka, who has won more than 30 local and regional media awards, expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“Being the winner in the Isu Elihle Awards is an incredible honour and I’m absolutely thrilled with this recognition. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have my work acknowledged among such talented peers in the industry,” he said.
“I want to extend my gratitude to my family, workmates and the entire leadership at Zimpapers for the support they are showing.”
Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), the organisers of the awards, which is rebranding to Moxii Africa, issued a statement celebrating Mhaka’s win.
“Gibson Mhaka, is our Isu Elihle 2025 Winner. His impactful story sheds light on the challenges faced by adolescent girls with disabilities in managing their menstrual hygiene — particularly in rural communities where harmful beliefs and stigma deepen these struggles, often resulting in school absenteeism,” the statement read.
“Moxii Africa celebrates his courageous, compassionate and deeply necessary storytelling.
“His work amplifies marginalised voices, sparks critical conversations and drives the continent toward a more inclusive future.”
As part of the awards process, the six finalists received mentorship from media and child rights experts.
The finalists were selected after a two-step adjudication process: an initial round conducted by members of the MMA team, which shortlisted 31 entries and a final selection made by external, independent adjudicators, including experts from Unicef and the Nation Media Group.
Londile Moyo