An invitation to the journalists from all the newsrooms of the world to recommend the names of women colleagues who have distinguished themselves for "their strong character in continuing their job in difficult or dangerous circumstances, with the oppression of the State, political pressure, danger for themselves or other threatening obstacles": this is the meaning of the "Prize to courage in journalism" which is accompanied by the "Prize in recognition of professional life" promoted by the Washington-based International Foundation of Women in Mass Media, a non-profit organisation which was founded in 1990 to "strengthen the role of women in mass media all over the world and defend freedom of the press". The prize-awarding ceremony will be held in New York and Los Angeles in October/November 2006. In the meantime, the jury are collecting the "nominations", i.e. the names recommended by fellow journalists, both men and women. The Prize to Courage, which consists in 5,000 dollars and a sculpture, will be awarded to three women. The Prize in recognition of professional life will be awarded to one journalist "who has distinguished herself for her innovative inspiration and whose determination has paved the way to the future generations of women in mass media". Names of journalists working on a full time, part time or free lance basis in the press, radio, TV or online media in any country can be put forward until March 15th 2006. Their colleaugues have to fill in a form (available online at www.iwmf.org) in English, with some examples of the work carried out by the nominee, a biography, curriculum vitae, etc. Self-nominations obviously will not be accepted.
