The European Union supports committed journalism and media innovation in the Southern Neighbourhood through several competitions. 3Q TALKS, a series of dynamic interviews, gives the floor to the winners of these competitions to explore the stories behind their journey, highlight the impact of their work, and inspire youth. 

Hadeel Arja, winner of the 2024 Samir Kassir Award in the Investigative Article category, was honoured for her powerful investigation titled “The Shocking Practice of Forced Puberty in Northern Syria’s Camps”, published on 15 March 2024 in Daraj Media and Tiny Hands. The report exposes one of the most under-reported abuses faced by girls in internally displaced people’s camps in Northern Syria: the use of hormones to induce early menstruation and enable forced marriages. In this interview, Hadeel reflects on the meaning of the award, the impact of her work, and the advice she wishes she had received at the start of her career.

• What inspired you to take part in the Samir Kassir Award competition, and what does this prize mean to you?

I have no words to fully express how honored I am to hold this award. The Samir Kassir Award holds deep meaning for me, it carries the name of a remarkable journalist who was killed for the power of his words. His legacy lives on not only through the prize, but through the tireless work of his incredible wife, journalist Gisèle Khoury, who has dedicated her life to truth and accountability. Taking part in this competition was both a personal and professional decision. I was inspired by the values the award represents : courage, integrity, and the unwavering belief that journalism can create real impact. I was honored to be shortlisted one year and then to stand on that stage again as the winner the following year. Winning this prize is more than recognition, it’s a reminder that our words matter, that they can influence and challenge systems of power.

• How does your journalistic work help shift perspectives or spark debate in your society?

My work focuses on giving a voice to those who are often overlooked, especially children, women, and communities affected by conflict. By uncovering hidden stories and using investigative techniques, I aim to challenge dominant narratives and highlight perspectives that are rarely represented in mainstream media. Journalism, for me, is not just about reporting facts, it’s about questioning silence, promoting accountability, and encouraging people to look beyond the surface. When a story sparks dialogue or shifts how people view an issue, that’s when real change begins.

• What piece of advice do you wish you had received at the age of 20?

Don’t wait to tell bold stories. This job is all about courage. You can be a strong journalist on your own, it’s not big media names that define a journalist, but the work, passion, and integrity they bring to the field. And don’t follow trends blindly. There are always stories being overlooked, go find them, and tell them with honesty and purpose.