Shireen Abu Akleh Prize launched – €5,000 award to recognise the courage and commitment of women journalists

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, 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 inaugural award will be made in December 2024.

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Photo of slain Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh on a demonstration in front of the Israeli embassy in support of Palestinians, in Athens on 16 May 2022. (Credit: Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP)

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 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.

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 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 award. The prize may be equally divided between two recipients.

- July 1, 2024 - Launch of the call for nominations

- October 15, 2024 - Deadline for submitting nominations

- October 15, 2024 - November 15, 2024 - Jury deliberation and selection

- December 10, 2024 - Presentation of the Shireen Abu Akleh Prize on International Human Rights Day

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): [email protected]

International Union of the French-speaking Press (UPF): [email protected]

For more information and to submit nominations, please visit here.

About IFJ and UPF

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)has grown into the world's largest organization representing journalists. With 600,000 members across 187 unions in 146 countries, the IFJ advocates for press freedom and supports journalists within international bodies like UNESCO and the Human Rights Council.

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.