The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the International Francophone Press Union (UPF) are inviting nominations for the Shireen Abu Akleh Prize, which recognises the bravery and determination of women journalists throughout the world.
The inaugural prize was launched in response to the escalating threats and risks faced by women journalists and is named to commemorate Palestinian journalist Ms Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed in the Jenin refugee camp while reporting live on May 11, 2022.
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.
Candidates must hold a professional press card or 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 in overcoming workplace challenges, as well as reporting in dangerous environments.
A Selection Committee comprising representatives from UPF, IFJ, the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), UNESCO, and distinguished journalists will oversee the selection process. The committee will evaluate nominees based on their journalistic impact and contributions, culminating in an award ceremony scheduled for December 10, 2024, coinciding with International Human Rights Day in Paris.
The deadline for submission of nominations is October 15, 2024. The winner of the Shireen Abu Akleh Prize will be awarded a 5,000 Euro cash prize.
The selection committee grants itself the liberty to distribute the prize equally between two
winners in the event that two candidates tie for the prize. The prize may be equally divided between two recipients.
Applications should be sent by e-mail to the following addresses with the translation of the work in either English or French: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) at ifj@ifj.org or the International Union of the French-speaking Press (UPF) at sg@presse-francophone.org.
For more information and to submit nominations, please download the LAUNCH OF THE SHIREEN ABU AKLEH PRIZE document.
