In recognition of World News Day and its accompanying theme of telling the story of the Climate Crisis, WAN-IFRA Women in News has announced a special edition of its Social Impact Reporting Initiative (SIRI) Individual Assignments. It is inviting women journalists,who have engaged with WAN-IFRA Women in News since 2010, to apply for an assignment grant to tell the story of how climate change is affecting vulnerable and at-risk groups in their communities.
Journalists from the following countries are eligible to apply:
Africa: Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Arab Region: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon,Palestine
Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Vietnam
SIRI aims to shine a light on at-risk or vulnerable communities while also providing short-term relief to journalists that are facing acute financial stress. Since its launch last year, in exceptional cases, SIRI has been expanded to provide exceptional financial support to journalists in response to political or environmental crises.
Deadline for Applications: 31 October 2021
To date, more than 100 individual journalists and 56 organisations have been recipients of a SIRI individual assignment or grant. More than 3,300 articles in a variety of formats have been produced – the majority of which have been published.
SIRI Climate Change assignments are available to journalists of any medium, with the condition that they are no longer receiving a salary or, in the case of freelance journalists, have faced a loss of contract. The focus of the assignments should be on climate change, and its impact on vulnerable or at risk populations. All stories should be gender aware. What is gender aware? See here for practical tips on how to ensure your writing is inclusive and balanced.
SIRI recipients may offer their completed assignments to an outlet of their choosing, or choose to self-publish. WAN-IFRA Women in News will also publish the stories in a dedicated World News Day compilation.
Content may be produced in any language
Individuals may apply for reporting assignments equalling EUR3,000, and have 8 weeks to complete their assignments.
ELIGIBILITY
Which individuals can apply?
Sponsorship for reporting assignments through the Women in News Social Impact Reporting Initiative is available for women journalists who no longer have a regular income stream either due to loss of employment, or for freelancers, loss of contract.
You may not apply if you are currently receiving a salary, or have a full-time reporting contract in place.
Which countries are eligible?
Africa: Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Arab Region: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon,Palestine
Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Vietnam
How can I receive funds if I am successful in my application?
At this time you must be able to receive funds into a bank account that can accept Euro or USD. There is no possibility of sending funds via Western Union or other money transfer services.
Does the bank account need to be in my own name?
Yes.
Is there a deadline for applications?
Yes. The first round of applications must be submitted by 31 October.
ASSIGNMENTS
How much can I apply for?
Journalists may apply for grants for assignments from EUR3,000. The amount requested by an individual should reflect the scope and length of the proposed assignment.
What type of assignment can I propose?
You can propose any type of story, or series of stories, reports, or features, in any format: (e.g. print, podcast, video etc.) You should aim to produce 4 stories or segments at minimum.
Assignments should carry a theme around the Climate Crisis, a defining theme of our time. Stories may focus on social, economic or health-related effects of the climate crisis at a local or national level.
Stories should be told through a gender lens and /or give an emphasis to segments of the population that are considered vulnerable or under-represented. This may be defined by gender, age, geography, racial or sexual identity, as well as economic status.
Do I need to disclose that my work has been supported by the WAN-IFRA Women in News Social Impact Reporting Initiative?
Yes. In all cases, the individual(s) must disclose the funding source of the work(s) produced while recognising that the content produced reflects the author’s views and not those of WAN-IFRA Women in News. This should be done in writing for all print materials and verbally in all radio/broadcast/podcast content. The individual may use the WAN-IFRA Women in News, Social Impact Reporting Initiative logo on all platforms for work created as a result of this initiative if they so choose.
How many stories should I produce?
At minimum you should produce fourtories in the desired format.
Will the content I produce be published?
The assignments are intended for publication. If you are aligned to a publication you should pitch the idea to them when applying. You may also self-publish.
Can I request equipment or hardware?
No. This is primarily a fees-based assignment. Other nominal expenses such as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), local transport or data purchases should be incorporated into the overall assignment fees proposed.
Can I apply and receive sponsorship for a reporting assignment if I have already received a SIRI assignment?
Yes. As this is a special edition of the SIRI assignments, anyone may apply, even if they have been a previous recipient of a SIRI assignment.
What language must I submit my work?
Content may be produced in any language
Are there editorial guidelines for the assignments?
No. That said, any proposed reporting assignments that focus on vulnerable or under-represented segments of the population will be given priority. This could be defined by gender, age, geography, racial or sexual identity, as well as economic status.
Are there reporting requirements for the assignments?
Yes. We require the submission of the completed reporting assignment(s). We will work with you to ensure you are able to securely submit your assignment.
Click here to apply as an individual.
Still have questions? Feel free to contact us at: info@womeninnews.org
17 Responses
Your indications are clear, smart and comprehensive. A grant is also good and wonderful, reason why I commit to apply for this one. Thank you.
I commit to continuous to apply for this grant
Thank you for your interest and we look forward to receiving your application.
I commit to continue to apply for this grant
My commitment is continue to apply for this grant because I need it. Seen my situation of missing my job and my salary and become freelancer, I need to be supported in that way of grant.
Hello,
This is a good initiative but only limited to journalists. I’m not a journalist but would love to participate. Can I be included.
Unfortunately, the SIRI grants are only open for journalists at this time.
We are going for it
There is non government organization in Pemba Island -Zanzibar Tanzania known as JUMWAMPE which is mainly working with vegetable and fruit farmers among women can this organization apply for the grant
Unfortunately, the SIRI grants are only open for women journalists.
Thank you very much
Great! It’s clear and comprehensive. Thanks
Hello, I am a Journalist and am interesting to apply for this grant but I am an employee is there any problem if I will apply.
Can I apply if I am a citizen journalists? and I have climate change skills?
It is the right time for Womenin news, to ensure that they will make all contact with the Regional Press Clubs for all matters pertaining to journalists.
Your plan should also focus more on regional Press Clubs. Because there are so many journalists and their leadership is easy to convey all issues that affect journalists.
And make it a point that the journalists participating in your programs must be members of the Press Clubs in the respective regions. This is to help identify and identify the behaviors and attitudes of the characters.
Good afternoon,
My name is Vimbai Ruvengo . With Bindu Media, I run the Farming portfolio of the media company. I have a Swedish master’s in Agroecology and a bachelor’s in Agronomy. My master thesis was focused on Climate change, therefore, I have an extensive academic background in the subject as well as very good journalistic skills. I, unfortunately, only came across this listing today. Is there another opening, I am really interested?
Best regards,
Vimbai Ruvengo,
Zimbabwe
Hi Vimbai,
Thank you for your interest in our grants. Please keep an eye on our website and social media where we share all updates about our programmes and grants.