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ARIJ’s investigation “Taxation on Sanitary Product Increase The Suffering of Jordanian Women” by journalist Funan Shalaby won second place in the category of best reporting on finance and economy by Female Journalists at QARIB Journalism Awards 2024. The investigation “Factories “Watered” While Farms Left Thirsty” by journalists Muaz Zreiqi and Shorouq Al-Nssour won second place in the category of best reporting on the impact of conflict, corruption, and the lack of good governance on climate change and the environment.
The first investigation sheds light on the fact that many girls and women, particularly in poor areas and refugee camps in Jordan, resort to cheaper alternatives to sanitary pads, which can expose them to serious health problems. This is due to the fact that menstrual sanitary products, such as feminine hygiene pads, are not considered basic health products in Jordan, which subjects them to taxation and raises the price of these essential items. The second investigation reveals how an industrial company with multinational capital exerts control over the water of the southern Jordan Valley in Jordan. The influence of the company over these water resources is compounded by poor implementation of a project for a concrete dam, funded by this company and supervised by the government. This problem caused an increase in the cost of the project and gave the company, in exchange, the right to uncontrolled use of water resources in one of the most fertile, yet water-poor, agricultural areas of Jordan.
Participants also competed in other award categories, including “Best coverage of women affected by conflict and crisis” and “Best coverage of youth concerns by young journalists (18-30 years old)”. However, the award for best cross-border investigative reporting was withheld this year due to a lack of submissions meeting the criteria for that category. An additional award, the Jury Prize, was introduced this year. It is worth noting that approximately 100 entries were submitted for the award this year.
