When reporter and professor Margaret Simons recently accepted her prize for Social Equity Journalism at the Walkley Awards, the experience was bitter-sweet.

Although the Walkleys are equivalent to 'the Oscars' for journalists, and Margaret was thrilled to be honoured in this way, she couldn't help but think about the women and children who featured in the piece, which earned her the award.

In Fallen Angel, published in the Monthly, Margaret tells the story of a number of Filipino children living in an impoverished locality known as Hadrian's Extension.

These are the children of Australian sex tourists, but they have never received financial support or Australian citizenship, and they continue to live in shattering poverty.

Margaret had hoped her piece would make real concrete change in the lives of the women and children she interviewed, but she says it has not been that simple.

She joined RN Afternoons to reflect on writing the piece, to discuss the tension between reporting and advocacy and to think about whether good journalism can actually change people's lives.

For more information contact margaret@margaretsimons.com.au.