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.

TheCourage 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, theWallis 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 2025 Courage in Journalism Awards

2025 Wallis Annenberg Justice for Women Journalists Awardee

Aynur Elgunesh is editor-in-chief of Meydan TV in Azerbaijan, leading coverage on human rights, political repression and social justice. On December 6, 2024, Elgunesh and six other Meydan TV journalists were arrested on fabricated charges of criminal activity. With her life under immediate threat, she remains imprisoned at the Baku Investigative Detention Center amid an ongoing investigation with an uncertain outcome.