The Guardian Development Journalism Competition 2008 reached its conclusion this week as the articles of all 16 finalists were published in two special Guardian supplements.

Articles from finalists Jemma Neville and Jane Labous highlighted older women’s rights and access to social pensions. The stories were investigated during visits to HelpAge International’s projects in September 2008.

Jemma Neville, finalist in the amateur category, explored how accusations of witchcraft in Tanzania and Mozambique are leading to an increase in acts of violence and intimidation against older women. During her trip she spoke with victims of witchcraft accusations and the traditional healers who are often responsible for making such claims. She also met local community organisations who are working with HelpAge International to change attitudes towards older women.

Jane Labous, finalist in the professional category, travelled to India and Bangladesh to see how older people are coming together to lobby their governments for social pensions. She interviewed older people and community leaders to find out the vital difference pensions can make to tackling poverty among older people, their families and communities.

The Guardian Development Journalism Competition was launched in March 2008 by a consortium of 8 NGOs including HelpAge International. It invited amateur and professional writers to submit a story on an issue relating to the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). 16 finalists were chosen to visit NGO projects and write about the issues they are working to address. 

Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for International Development, said of the competition: "I am delighted there were so many entries and that the standard of articles was so high. This highlights the growing interest in global poverty and issues relating to international development."

Other members of the NGO consortium are Camfed, International HIV/Aids Alliance, Malaria Consortium, Marie Stopes International, Plan, Sightsavers and WaterAid.

To find out more about the Millennium Development Goals download the consortium's 'Going for Goals' publication

Read Jemma Neville's article, 'No Country for Old Women'

Read Jane Labous' article, 'Generation Vexed'