International Women’s Media Foundation was established in 1990. It aims to empower women columnists, who are protectors of press freedom. This foundation aims to ensure women writers around the world are fully supported, protected and recognized for their important work at all levels. The IWMF states that news media is not free or equal in representation of women. It honors women journalists who bravely face oppression and threats in order to address global issues. They offer training, support, and opportunities to women columnists who want to make it big in the news media.
As part of its work, the IWMF participates in some programs: In 2013, the IWMF Emergency Fund was created to support women journalists in times of crisis. Reporting risky stories could lead to crisis. The assistance provided includes financial support for medical and psychological care in the case of an emergency, temporary relocation for the protection of the victim, Legal aid for countering threats of imprisonment, censorship, and non-financial help in the form information about other resources. Adelante acknowledges the efforts of Latin American women journalists and provides support for their professional development, safety, and impact. The African Great Lakes Reporting Initiative was established in 2014. It supports journalists in pursuing stories that are not limited to the traditional path of political instability, conflict, or humanitarian crises. Journalists also learn how to stay safe and secure in the field. This has allowed for stories of empowerment, democracy and food security to be told that previously went unreported.
The IWMF also addresses certain issues. Journalists often risk their lives to report on atrocities around the globe. These courageous women journalists are recognized by the foundation and supported by the freedom of press.
A lack of training and funds means that women journalists are less represented in digital media. IWMF has a number of programs to help women entrepreneurs. IWMF provides seed funding for women journalists and coaching to help them become media entrepreneurs. When they are out searching for the truth, women journalists can be threatened, attacked, defamed, and killed. The foundation offers much-needed assistance and research into the problem, awareness raising, training in security, and emergency aid for women journalists.
IWMF offers women journalists the training they need to be decision-makers in their news organizations. Women journalists can learn from the leaders of the field through the IWMF Leadership Programs. This gives women the opportunity to become leaders. International Women’s Media Foundation is here to support female journalists in pursuit of truth.