UfM launches first edition of Euro-Mediterranean Women in Journalism Award
- The award recognises excellence in gender-sensitive, solutions-oriented journalism and encourages cross-border collaboration. The call for applications is open until September 13 at 23:59 CET.
- Created by the UfM and the Euro-Mediterranean Network of Women Journalists, Anna Lindh Foundation’s president, princess Rym Ali, will be on the jury alongside European Institute of the Mediterranean executive president Senén Florensa and the International Federation of Journalists’ Gender Council chair, María Ángeles Samperio.
- The honouree will be granted access to the UfM-supported Euro-Mediterranean Network of Women Journalists and receive full sponsorship to attend its in-person networking and training event as well as the competition award ceremony.
6 July 2026, Barcelona. The call for applications for the first edition of the Euro-Mediterranean Women in Journalism Award is now officially open. Established by the UfM in partnership with the Euro-Mediterranean Network of Women Journalists, the Anna Lindh Foundation, the European Institute of the Mediterranean and the International Federation of Journalists, the award recognises excellence in gender-sensitive, solutions-oriented reporting on regional challenges that fosters cross-border cooperation and counters harmful narratives.
Women journalists from UfM Member States are invited to present single-author submissions, while collaborative submissions must have a female primary credited lead and women must make up at least 50% of the team. Submitted work must address at least one of the sectoral priorities described in the UfM Vision Statement in one or more Member States:
- Gender equality; youth engagement; socioeconomic inclusion of persons with disabilities; higher education; research and innovation
- Environment and green economy; sustainable blue economy, urban development and transport
- Climate action; energy and water resilience; disaster risk management
- Employment and labour; trade, investment and industry; digital transformation
Applicants have until September 13 to vie for a chance to receive full sponsorship to attend the competition’s award ceremony in addition to access to the Euro-Mediterranean Network of Women Journalists including its in-person networking and journalism capacity building sessions.
“The media plays a vital role in shaping public discourse and informing decision-making. Yet women remain underrepresented as sources, subjects and journalists across the Euro-Mediterranean region,” said UfM Deputy Secretary General for Human Development Petra Kežman. “Through this award, we want to recognise and encourage gender-sensitive, solutions-oriented journalism that amplifies diverse voices, challenges harmful narratives, and fosters cooperation across borders.”
The Euro-Mediterranean Women in Journalism Award aligns with the 5th UfM Ministerial Declaration on Strengthening the Role of Women in Society, which advocates for amplifying women’s voices and leadership through close collaboration with media and social media actors. It also aligns with the aims of the Euro-Mediterranean Network of Women Journalists, supported by the UfM to empower, connect, and strengthen the role of women in the sector by promoting gender-sensitive reporting and cross-border collaboration among women journalists.
