Gunel Safarova

(Journalist from Azerbaijan, JiR in 2025-2026)

“My name is Gunel Safarova, I am a journalist from Azerbaijan with more that 15 years of experience. My time in the ECPMF Journalists-in-Residence Programme meant so much to me. I came at a very difficult moment in my life and career, and this programme gave me not only safety and support, but also peace, kindness, and the feeling that I was not alone. It gave me space to breathe, to recover a little, and to continue my work.
I am truly very grateful to the whole JiR team for everything they did for me, for everything they tried to do, and for the way they treated me with so much care and kindness. From the first day, I felt safe, understood, and respected. Their support was always real, warm, and human. There is honestly not a single complaint from my side.
This programme helped me continue my professional work, meet important people, build valuable connections, and regain strength during a very stressful period of my life. I will always remember this experience with deep gratitude. For me, it was not just a fellowship, it was a place of support, trust, and hope.
Thank you.”

Photos: Andreas Lamm