The International Press Institute, the world’s oldest media watchdog, has elected a Muslim journalist from South Africa as its 35th chairperson.
According to Independent Online, Khadija Patel, an investigative journalist and fourth-generation Muslim of Asian descent, became the first woman, non-European/American, and Muslim to ever be elected chair of the distinguished organisation.
Patel expressed her gratitude for the honour of being appointed to the role. She said that the IPI is a valued institution that is best suited to bring together the diversity of their business, in order to press ahead during this era of major upheaval.
In addition, 10 leading editors/media managers were newly elected to IPI’s Executive Board, from 10 countries: 🇯🇵🇫🇮🇹🇷🇯🇴🇭🇺🇷🇺🇵🇸🇳🇬🇶🇦🇺🇸
Read more about them ⬇️
https://t.co/oX8BsGbzZi— IPI – The Global Network for Independent Media (@globalfreemedia) September 18, 2021
In addition, 10 leading editors/media managers were newly elected to IPI’s Executive Board, from 10 countries: 🇯🇵🇫🇮🇹🇷🇯🇴🇭🇺🇷🇺🇵🇸🇳🇬🇶🇦🇺🇸
Read more about them ⬇️
https://t.co/oX8BsGbzZi— IPI – The Global Network for Independent Media (@globalfreemedia) September 18, 2021
IPI Executive Director Barbara Trionfi hailed Patel‘s election, saying that the organisation is “delighted to welcome her as the next board chair” and “looks forward to working with her.”
“We are really excited to collaborate with her to address the difficulties that independent journalism faces around the world. It’s no surprise that Khadija earned the confidence of her other board members to take over as chair, and her extensive background as a journalist and editor makes her ideal for the job.”
Patel was the editor in chief of the Mail & Guardian in South Africa and now works as the head of programmes for the International Fund for Public Interest Media in South Africa, where she supports young journalists.
Former US President Barack Obama referred to her as a “fearless journalist” in the past.
Khadija has worked as an investigative journalist for the Daily Maverick and City Press in South Africa. She’s also worked for Sky News, BBC News, Quartz, Al Jazeera, and The Guardian, among other publications.
– By Sayeeda Aleeshah Abbas
