“WOMEN SUFFER IN SILENCE!” (Daily Sun, 06/11/2021) was selected as a GLAD[1] for interviewing a child living with cancer and, for giving prominence to the issue by quoting the child so that she can share her experience with the public.

In the article, journalist, Lethabo Khambule talks about BREAST Cancer Awareness and includes to the article a photograph of children and women who took part in the Neo Fun Walk to raise funds and awareness round cancer. The journalist interviews Neo Mokwakwa, an 11-year- old who is reported to have been fighting cancer her whole life and who inspired the Neo Fun Walk. Young Neo speaks about her experience living with cancer as well as her dream of becoming a lawyer one day.

This article  illustrates that young people can be positive role models that other children and young people can not only emulate but also identify with.  Neo’s experience and dream shared in the article demonstrate her strength and challenge the myths and stereotypes often associated with children especially those with illnesses or health conditions. Such children rarely speak in media coverage of them.

The principles and guidelines for media reporting on children by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)[2] state that journalists should, “In interviewing (and reporting on) children, pay special attention to each child’s right to… have their opinions heard, to participate in decisions affecting them…”

MMA applauds the journalist for reporting on an issue that rarely features in media coverage of children and also for ensuring that a child gives their perspective on the matter as children are also living with cancer. We encourage the publication to continue with such inclusive reporting on children and look forward to reading more inspiring articles about children.

Written by Jacques Ndong

Edited by Lister Namumba

[1]GLADs are awarded to media for reporting on children responsibly and for accessing them

[2] https://www.unicef.org/eca/media/ethical-guidelines

The following was Daily Sun’s response to the commentary;

Good day… no comment from our side. We are just [happy] to have been recognised.