Application Deadline:31 March, 2021.
The unprecedented global pandemic has reaffirmed the crucial work of journalists and media organisations to provide accurate and timely information to the audiences they serve. It has also exacerbated the financial pressures on the news media industry, and with that, increased the vulnerability of individual media practitioners.
In response, the Social Impact Reporting Initiative was launched to support the work of journalists and media to bring the stories of vulnerable or marginalised communities to the mainstream, and help connect these communities to mainstream media. SIRI also supports innovative group projects that are launched by participants of the Accelerator programme.
The WAN-IFRA Women in News Social Impact Reporting Initiative was launched in 2020 to facilitate social impact reporting; bringing the stories of marginalised and vulnerable communities to the mainstream, and helping to bring mainstream media to these underserved audiences.
Now in its second year running, the initiative provides small cash activities-based grants (for media organisations and industry associations) and sponsorship for reporting assignments (for individual journalists) that focus on social impact.
Members of the WIN community, as well as select community and local media operating in print, digital and radio are invited to apply. Industry associations may also apply.
At this time only applications from Sub-Saharan Africa countries in which WIN is active will be considered including Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Please review the FAQs below to determine eligibility, and whether you should submit an application as an individual or as an organisation.
Requirements
Sponsorship for reporting assignments through the Women in News Social Impact Reporting Initiative is available for individuals who are currently enrolled in, or are alumni of, any Women in News programme dating back to 2010.
While we will assess each application individually on its merits, you may apply as an ‘individual’ if any of the below conditions apply:
– You are not currently receiving a salary from a media organisation
– You have been made to take unpaid leave for an extended period
– You have been made to take a salary cut of 50% or more for an extended period
– You are a correspondent who has seen a work contract cancelled or reduced due to COVID-19
You may not apply if you are currently employed on a full-time basis, or have a full-time reporting contract in place.
Grant
- Journalists may apply for grants for assignments up to EUR2,000. The amount requested by an individual should reflect the scope and length of the proposed assignment.
Assignments
Thematically, SIRI assignments may cover a broad range of subjects, loosely categorized under the following themes:
– Gender equality & Gender Specific
– Poverty & Social Welfare
– Public Interest & Investigative
– Health & Safety
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the WAN-IFRA Women in News Social Impact Reporting Initiative 2021
