Issue:
NETWORKS
Launched in 2017, the Coalition for Women in Journalism aims to foster “camaraderie between women journalists around the globe,” offering resources, events, advocacy and mentoring from experienced female journalists. The Coalition has contacts in countries across Latin America and Asia.
Women in Media Network Japan was formed in 2018 by 86 women journalists, growing out of the #WithYou movement against sexual harassment.
The Washington based International Women’s Media Foundation was founded in 1990 and today provides grants and training, offers several awards and organizes reporting trips for women journalists from all over the world, with a focus on under reported stories.
The International Association of Women in Radio & Television is a global network for women working in broadcast and electronic media. The IAWRT supports global projects focused on women and media, organizes conferences and offers professional skills training opportunities.
SAFETY RESOURCES
The International Association of Women in Radio & Television has published a Safety Handbook for Women Journalists, a 95 page guide aimed at female reporters in conflict zones that includes sections on risk assessment, online harassment and travel safety.
The International Women’s Media Foundation has set up an Emergency Fund to assist women journalists with legal and medical bills, as well as relocation costs.
RESOURCES ON DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT
The International Federation of Journalists is working with the International Labor Organization on a campaign to stop violence against women journalists. Resources include toolkits, publications and links to relevant policies, including on the gender pay gap. The IFJ also provides support and resources to directly address problems including harassment and to pressure local governments for meaningful change.
FINDING MENTORS
Digital Women Leaders offers women journalists free one on one coaching for 30 minutes. While most of the coaches listed work in US media, there are a few based around the world. Still, some issues like workplace discrimination and the pay gapare universal.
The Coalition for Women in Journalism offers mentoring from experienced female journalists in Mexico, Latin America and Asia.
GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS
For a general list of grant and fellowships available to both men and women, visit the GIJN resource page.
The International Women’s Media Foundation has a number of grants for women journalists around the world, with varying deadlines throughout the year. These include Women’s Health Reporting on reproductive health, rights and justice in the Americas, in partnership with the Women’s Equality Center; Reporting Grants for Women’s Stories for gender sensitive coverage of under reported topics, in partnership with the Secular Society; and the Kim Wall Memorial Fund for reporting on subcultures, in partnership with the Wall family. The IWMF also runs the Howard G. Buffett Fund for Women Journalists, which supports projects including educational opportunities, investigative reporting and media development initiatives.
AWARDS FOR WOMEN
The International Women’s Media Foundation sponsors the Courage in Journalism Awards, which honor female journalists who face danger to uncover the truth and raise the bar for reporting under threat or duress. The prizes are open to women journalists worldwide and consider nominations.
The IWMF’s Lifetime Achievement Award honors trailblazing women leaders who have demonstrated extraordinary strength and a commitment to press freedom and to advancing women’s voices around the world. These candidates can also be retired journalists.
The International Association of Women in Radio & Television’s IAWRT Documentary Awards give out a $1,000 prize every two years in three different categories, including Social Impact, Innovation and Emerging Talent. Entry is open to women producers, directors and journalists working with radio, television and digital media anywhere in the world.
FINDING FEMALE EXPERTS
The Request a Woman Scientist platform sponsored by 500 Women Scientists helps journalists connect with an extensive multidisciplinary network of vetted women in science for subject matter expertise, project collaboration, conferences and panels.
Women’s Media Center’s SheSource is a database of over 1,100 vetted female experts on diverse topics around the world, searchable by name, keyword and area of expertise. Source bios and photos are provided, and experts can be contacted through a form on the website.
Women Also Know Stuff has a directory of scholars, organized by research area and locations around the world.
Excerpted from resources assembled by GIJN contributing editor Kira Zalan. Reprinted with permission.
