Srinagar- A Kashmir based journalist, Hirra Azmat has been awarded with the prestigious ‘Scarf Media for Mental health award, 2023’
Hirra has bagged the third prize for her article on post-partum depression in Kashmiri women, titled “`Hallucinations’, `crying spells’, `suicidal tendencies’: One in every 7 new mothers suffer from “postpartum depression’ in Kashmir”
The story was published on November 17, 2022. It brings to the light the plight of new mothers in the cloud of stigma impeding access to mental health in Kashmir.
“SCARF (1) proudly recognizes the outstanding efforts of Hirra Azmat for her engaging report on post-partum depression. Her article titled, “Hallucinations’, `crying spells’, `suicidal tendencies’: One in every 7 new mothers suffer from `postpartum depression’ in Kashmir”, published in Kashmir Monitor (November 17, 2022, brings to the light the plight of new mothers in the cloud of stigma impeding access to mental health in Kashmir,” the citation presented to her reads.
Scarf, the Schizophrenia Research Foundation, a non-governmental organization works on mental health issues and recognizes media reportage on mental health with awards.
The organization received 52 entries, including news items, articles and stories in English and Hindi. The media awards event was held online on December 12.
Hirra, who is currently working as a reporter for Kashmir Observer has previously bagged several awards for her work and that includes‘Project Siren’ and Laadli Media Awards.