International Women's Media Foundation: supporting women journalists worldwide

The International Women's Media Foundation is a US-based nonprofit that promotes and protects women in journalism globally through training, grants, awards, research, legal aid and safety programs.

Author: Leandro Alegsa Creation date: November 13, 2022 Last updated: May 24, 2026

The International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to advancing the presence, safety and professional development of women working in journalism around the world. It operates as a membership and grant-making organization that combines training, awards, research and advocacy to remove barriers and expand opportunities for women reporters, editors and media leaders.

Mission and activities

The IWMF's core mission is to strengthen women’s participation and influence in newsrooms and media production. To accomplish this, it runs a range of programs that include skills training, fellowships and grants for reporting projects, safety and crisis-response resources, and legal assistance for journalists facing threats, detention or litigation because of their work. The organization also presents awards that recognize courage, leadership and achievement in journalism.

Programs and services

Professional development: workshops, mentorships and fellowships that build reporting, leadership and digital skills.
Safety and legal support: guidance and emergency help for journalists at risk, including safety training and advice on legal protections.
Funding and awards: grants for investigative and underreported stories and prizes that honor bravery and excellence in the field.
Research and advocacy: studies and public reporting on gender disparities, workplace harassment and the status of women in media.

Through these services the IWMF seeks both to support individual journalists and to influence broader institutional change. Its programs are designed to be responsive to the varied needs of women working in different regions, media formats and political contexts.

History, reach and partnerships

Founded as an international initiative to confront gender inequality in the press, the IWMF has grown into a global network of members, grantees and partners. It maintains relationships with media organizations, foundations, academic centers and safety experts to deliver training and emergency assistance. The organization reports membership and programmatic engagement across more than 100 countries, reflecting a geographically diverse constituency.

Notable aspects of the IWMF's work include public-facing research that documents threats and obstacles faced by women journalists, and award programs that raise the profile of women doing high-risk or impactful reporting. For more information about its programs, grants and events, see the International Women's Media Foundation.

Questions and Answers

Q: What is the International Women's Media Foundation?

A: The International Women's Media Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., which works to support and strengthen the participation of women journalists worldwide.

Q: What services does the International Women's Media Foundation provide?

A: The International Women's Media Foundation offers various services such as training, legal advice, and awards programs to support and empower women journalists.

Q: Who is the target audience of the International Women's Media Foundation?

A: The target audience of the International Women's Media Foundation is women working in the field of journalism around the world.

Q: How can women benefit from the International Women's Media Foundation?

A: Women can benefit from the International Women's Media Foundation by receiving training, legal advice, and networking opportunities, as well as the chance to win awards for their work as journalists.

Q: How many countries are represented by the members of the International Women's Media Foundation?

A: The members of the International Women's Media Foundation are from over 100 countries, indicating that the organization has a global reach.

Q: Is the International Women's Media Foundation a for-profit or non-profit organization?

A: The International Women's Media Foundation is a non-profit organization, which means that it is focused on achieving its mission rather than generating profits.

Q: Why is it important to support women journalists?

A: Supporting women journalists is important because it helps to promote gender equality, supports the diversity of voices in the media, and ensures that women's perspectives and experiences are represented in the news.