Writing for the media

I began my journalism career as sub-editor and staff writer on an English-language magazine in Sudan, where I was also a correspondent for The Guardian and the BBC World Service. I moved on to a similar role in Jordan, covering news – including the first halting moves towards a Middle East peace plan – for The Guardian and the World Service, and writing features for local English-language publications.

Back in UK, I held successive roles as commissioning editor for Earthscan Features, sub-editor and feature writer on Africa Economic Digest, and country specialist for various information services and directories. I continued to be a freelance contributor to The Guardian, publishing occasional features in Guardian Society.

I’m particularly proud of a feature exposing Job Centres’ ban on volunteering for people claiming benefits, after an unemployed conservation volunteer took her own life when deprived of this affirming activity. A delegation from leading conservation organisations used my article as evidence in a meeting with the then Secretary of State, leading to significant changes of policy.