Awards

Courage in Journalism Awards

Sexual harassment, threats, attacks, government oppression, a stubborn glass ceiling, unequal pay, accusations of fake news and a growing mistrust of the media all threaten press freedom around the world. And women journalists often feel the greatest brunt of these attacks. According to a report by UNESCO, 73 percent of the women journalists surveyed had experienced online violence as a result of their work.

The Courage in Journalism Awards show people that women journalists are not going to step aside, cannot be silenced, and deserve to be recognized for their strength in the face of adversity. It honors the brave journalists who report on taboo topics, work in environments hostile to women, and share difficult truths.

Each year, the Wallis Annenberg Justice for Women Journalists Award brings attention to women journalists who are detained, jailed or imprisoned. Many of these cases receive worldwide attention at the time of arrest but leave the public eye as new cases emerge. Sharing the stories of imprisoned women journalists is critical to assuring the safety of women journalists.

So far, we have honored more than 100 groundbreaking journalists in 56 countries.

Meet the Recipients of the 2024 Courage in Journalism Awards

In 2024, journalists endured more risks than ever to report, including physical and online violence, state-sponsored threats, armed conflicts and natural disasters – and women and nonbinary journalists are disproportionately impacted. In the face of war, censorship, attack and detention, 2024’s awardees continued pursuing the truth and bringing vital information to light.

2024 Courage in Journalism Awards

The IWMF held awards events in Los Angeles and New York City in October 2024.

Timeline

View Our Past Courage Winners

Look through the years of the #fiercewomenjournos we've honored.

2024

Wallis Annenberg Justice for Women Journalists Award
Shin Daewe

2022

Wallis Annenberg Justice for Women Journalists Award
Xueqin (Sophia) Huang

2021

Wallis Annenberg Justice for Women Journalists Award
Darya Chultsova Katsiaryna Andreyeva (Bakhvalava)

2018

Lifetime Achievement Award
Lesley Stahl

2017

Lifetime Achievement Award
Andrea Mitchell

2016

Lifetime Achievement Award
Diane Rehm

2015

Lifetime Achievement Award
Linda Deutsch

2013

Courage in Journalism Awards
Bopha Phorn Najiba Ayubi Nour Kelze
Lifetime Achievement Award
Edna Machirori

2012

Lifetime Achievement Award
Zubeida Mustafa

2011

Lifetime Achievement Award
Kate Adie

2010

Lifetime Achievement Award
Alma Guillermoprieto

2009

Lifetime Achievement Award
Amira Haas

2008

Lifetime Achievement Award
Edith Lederer

2006

Courage in Journalism Awards
Jill Carroll May Chidiac
Lifetime Achievement Award
Elena Poniatowska

2005

Lifetime Achievement Award
Molly Ivins

2004

Lifetime Achievement Award
Belva Davis

2003

Lifetime Achievement Award
Magdalena Ruiz

2001

Lifetime Achievement Award
Colleen “Koky” Dishon

2000

Lifetime Achievement Award
Flora Lewis

1999

Lifetime Achievement Award
Peggy Peterman

1998

Lifetime Achievement Award
Bonnie Angelo

1997

Lifetime Achievement Award
Nancy Woodhull

1996

Courage in Journalism Awards
Ayse Onal Lucy Sichone Saida Ramadan
Lifetime Achievement Award
Meg Greenfield

1995

Courage in Journalism Awards
Chris Anyanwu Gao Yu Horria Saihi
Lifetime Achievement Award
Helen Thomas

1994

Lifetime Achievement Award
Katharine Graham

1991

Courage in Journalism Awards
Luyubov Kovalevskaya Marites Vitug