The bravery and determination of women journalists will be recognised in a new annual prize awarded by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the International Francophone Press Union (UPF).
Launched in response to the escalating threats and risks faced by women journalists, according to the IFJ report, it is named to commemorate Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed in the Jenin refugee camp while reporting live on 11 May 2022.
The first-time award will be given away in December 2024.
Established in Paris on June 13, 1926, under the leadership of Georges Bourdon from the French Union of Journalists, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) represents the largest numbers of the world’s journalists.
Currently, with over 600,000 members across 187 unions in 146 countries, the IFJ advocates for press freedom and supports journalists within international bodies.
Likewise, the International Francophone Press Union (UPF), founded on May 13, 1950, as the International Association of Francophone Journalists (AIJLF), stands as the oldest association of francophone journalists recognized by global institutions such as the UN and UNESCO.
It has forged a global network of journalists and media professionals spanning over fifty countries, promoting solidarity within the Francophonie.
Nominations for the Shireen Abu Akleh Prize are open to women journalists and media professionals globally regardless of their nationalities, working languages, or media platforms, IFJ said.
Candidates must hold a professional press card or similar recognised professional accreditation. They may be nominated by themselves, their media organisations, or third-party endorsements, accompanied by detailed descriptions of their journalistic contributions.
The nature of the courage and commitment honoured will be at the discretion of the judges – but these could be qualities exhibited overcoming workplace challenges, as well as reporting in dangerous environments, it added.
A Selection Committee comprising representatives from UPF, IFJ, the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), UNESCO, and distinguished journalists will oversee the selection process, said the IFJ adding, the committee will evaluate nominees based on their journalistic impact and contributions, culminating in an award ceremony scheduled for 10 December, 2024, coinciding with International Human Rights Day in Paris.
The UPF and IFJ invite nominations starting from 1 July 2024, with a deadline of 15 October 2024.
The winner of the Shireen Abu Akleh Prize will receive a cash €5,000 award. The prize may be equally divided if there are two recipients.
Applications should be sent by e-mail to the following addresses with translation of the work in either English or French to: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ): ifj@ifj.org or International Union of the French-speaking Press (UPF): sg@presse-francophone.org
€5,000 Shireen Abu Akleh Prize set up
The bravery and determination of women journalists will be recognised in a new annual prize awarded by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the International Francophone Press Union (UPF).
Launched in response to the escalating threats and risks faced by women journalists, according to the IFJ report, it is named to commemorate Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed in the Jenin refugee camp while reporting live on 11 May 2022.
The first-time award will be given away in December 2024.
Established in Paris on June 13, 1926, under the leadership of Georges Bourdon from the French Union of Journalists, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) represents the largest numbers of the world’s journalists.
Currently, with over 600,000 members across 187 unions in 146 countries, the IFJ advocates for press freedom and supports journalists within international bodies.
Likewise, the International Francophone Press Union (UPF), founded on May 13, 1950, as the International Association of Francophone Journalists (AIJLF), stands as the oldest association of francophone journalists recognized by global institutions such as the UN and UNESCO.
It has forged a global network of journalists and media professionals spanning over fifty countries, promoting solidarity within the Francophonie.
Nominations for the Shireen Abu Akleh Prize are open to women journalists and media professionals globally regardless of their nationalities, working languages, or media platforms, IFJ said.
Candidates must hold a professional press card or similar recognised professional accreditation. They may be nominated by themselves, their media organisations, or third-party endorsements, accompanied by detailed descriptions of their journalistic contributions.
The nature of the courage and commitment honoured will be at the discretion of the judges – but these could be qualities exhibited overcoming workplace challenges, as well as reporting in dangerous environments, it added.
A Selection Committee comprising representatives from UPF, IFJ, the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), UNESCO, and distinguished journalists will oversee the selection process, said the IFJ adding, the committee will evaluate nominees based on their journalistic impact and contributions, culminating in an award ceremony scheduled for 10 December, 2024, coinciding with International Human Rights Day in Paris.
The UPF and IFJ invite nominations starting from 1 July 2024, with a deadline of 15 October 2024.
The winner of the Shireen Abu Akleh Prize will receive a cash €5,000 award. The prize may be equally divided if there are two recipients.
Applications should be sent by e-mail to the following addresses with translation of the work in either English or French to: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ): ifj@ifj.org or International Union of the French-speaking Press (UPF): sg@presse-francophone.org
