Laura Hough, just graduated from the Nottingham Trent University Department of Broadcasting and Journalism, is the winner this year of Soroptimist International Nottingham’s Student Award for Journalism.
To enter the award, students were asked to submit an audio or video presentation which highlighted issues which have a potentially detrimental effect on the lives and aspirations of vulnerable young women in today’s Britain. Submissions included forced marriage, anorexia nervosa, laddish humour and its effect on the victims of rape.
Laura’s project was an audio presentation on the theme of Female Genital Mutilation. Despite being illegal in the UK for over 30 years, it is estimated that more than 20,000 girls a year are at risk of this violation. “I am very proud to have done this project,” explained Laura. “It was difficult at times, but I am pleased to have helped in raising awareness of this issue”.
The aim of the award, donated by SI Nottingham, is to raise students’ awareness of women’s issues in the media, as well as being aware of the key values of Soroptimism that all women and girls should achieve their individual and collective potential. As the standard was so high this year, it was decided to award a runner up to the award. Kelly Petterssen was nominated for her hard hitting project about the fate of Girls in Gangs, based in Nottingham.
SI Nottingham would like to thank all staff in the department of Broadcasting and Journalism for their support for this award, in particular Academic Team Leader Carole Fleming and Dr Emma Hemmingway, Senior Lecturer in Broadcast Journalism.
Listen to Laura’s Presentation on Female Genital Mutilation:
Listen to Kelly’s Presentation on Girls in Gangs: