#AWiM21 Pitch Zone received pitches from incredible media women all over the continent. It is our pleasure to profile Cindy Sipula, from  Zambia, who won Improving Africa’s Public Health Sector – Lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic’  Category. Read more about Cindy below

Tell us/the readers about yourself, your education, your work, your interests and what you do for fun

I am Cindy Sipula, a journalist currently working for the Zambia News and Information Services. My passion is in health, science and environmental reporting, with climate change taking a more significant part of that in the past months. I hold a diploma in journalism and an undergraduate bachelor degree in Public Relations.

I like to watch TV series during my free time, though I also read and write stories. I am also an adventurous person and enjoy boat cruises, drives and hiking.

How did you feel when you found out about your winning?

I was very excited and shocked that I won the award, looking at the number of people who attended the AWiM conference while observing the number of veteran women journalists in Africa. I am truly humbled to be honoured with such an award, especially when the world is battling COVID 19 and movements are restricted.

Why did you pitch in this particular category

I pitched in the ‘improving Africa’s Public Health Sector’ because currently, the world’s worst enemy is COVID-19. Like other African countries, Zambia needs to take responsibility for its citizens by improving service delivery in the health sector. My inspiration for the story that won me an award was seeing how COVID-19 survivors continue to champion the push to improve public health treatment and facilities in Zambia. The pitched idea springs from stories of COVID-19 survivors and their experiences in isolation centres amid the shortage of drugs and oxygen machines.

What was the most exciting or best thing about this story?

The best thing about the story is that it is a developing set of life stories that will spur debate among many communities. Its publication is also expected to push further development in its public health sector, in Zambia and across the region.

What challenges do you expect to face when working on this story?

There are several challenges I expect to encounter while working on the story, which includes non-disclosure of important information, especially by government workers; however, I hope that I can work with the Ministry of Health is highlight the most valuable information for their ease of identifying faults, while working to improve systems, policies and health services across all facilities.

What support do women journalists need to produce similar stories?

Journalists need financial and moral support when reporting impactful stories such as the COVID 19 pandemic, and I am glad to be among the women taking on this role.

What advice would you give other journalists seeking to produce similar stories?

My advice to Journalists, especially fellow women seeking to report similar stories, is to remain focused and bring out unique ideas that are likely to spur development in the health sector.

What advice do you wish you had been given before you pitched this story and before you started working on it?

I have been given good guidance through the seminar and my experience, and now it is my job to apply that advice to this report.

After working on this story, what lessons/tips are you taking with you?

After working on the story, I will learn that ‘no man is an island and it requires concerted effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and Journalists remain key players in countering misconceptions surrounding the COVID-19’.

Did the pitch zone award make any difference in how you executed this story or in your ability and intention to work on this story?

The pitch zone award opened an opportunity for me to research and understand more on COVID-19 as I was able to read and compare numerous stories on the pandemic. The award also allowed me to work with a dedicated team of mentors that remain valuable to my continued work in future stories.

What is a quote that inspires you?

My favourite quote is “it is better to fail in originality than succeed in imitation” by Herman Melville. The quote pushes me to be an authentic version of myself and my competitor.

Who is an African journalist/media woman that inspires you, and why? 

I am also inspired by Nigerian blogger and writer Linda Ikeji, known for her controversial online published stories.