Launched in 2020, the WAN-IFRA Women in News Social Impact Reporting Initiative (SIRI) aims to bring stories and perspectives from underserved and vulnerable communities to mainstream media – stories that will have a positive social impact. Since its launch, more than a thousand stories have been produced, each of which aims to shine a light on societal, human rights, or gender equality issues.

The theme of the SIRI grants for 2024 is ‘Inclusion’, and aims to bring an even greater diversity of perspectives and experiences to mainstream content, with a particular emphasis on profiling vulnerable or at risk communities. Specific content focus areas can include examining unconscious bias, religious, language and minority rights, ableism in the workplace and society, gender identity issues, and of course, the broad spectrum of gender equality issues which continue to challenge our global commitments to equality and inclusion. 

We are particularly interested this year in profiling the views and perspectives of a variety of diversity categories and will give precedence to innovative and daring story ideas that aim to have a positive impact on society. 

Gender equality and Inclusion is about ensuring fair representation in leadership and in content, valuing diverse perspectives—embracing different genders, cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints. An inclusive approach ensures that everyone’s voice matters and contributes meaningfully.

An inclusive approach to content creation helps tell richer, more authentic stories that reflect diversity of perspectives, breaking away from biases and stereotypes. This better serves your audiences, and in turn can boost audience engagement and growth. Inclusive leadership fosters innovation by embracing varied viewpoints and experiences, which leads to new ideas and approaches to problem solving. This in turn attracts new talent and can greatly contribute to the bottom line of your business.

Application Process for SIRI Grants

Eligibility Criteria:

• Partnership Requirement: Organisations must be active WIN Advisory partners.
• Application Form: Complete the SIRI application, choosing the specific theme that your project and reporting will focus on.

Shortlisting Stage:

Successful applicants will proceed to the shortlisting stage. Shortlisted organisations are required to:

• Track 50 pieces of content per week for 4 weeks, using the WIN Gender Balance Tracker.
• Submit by email to the SIRI team one report per week for this 4 week period

Evaluation and Acceptance:

The results of your Gender Balance Tracking will not affect acceptance. This phase ensures commitment to tracking throughout the grant period and establishes a baseline for progress.

Enrollment and Contract Signing:

Shortlisted organisations that successfully complete the tracking and submit their gender balance reports on time will be enrolled in the SIRI grant. Formal participation requires signing the contract.

SIRI Partners will receive comprehensive support and resources through the following:

• Grant Award: A 5,000 euros grant to produce a minimum of 10 content pieces focusing on inclusion. Examples include gender, age, disability, language, or any other diversity category chosen by the partner.
• Specialised Training: Our gender equality & inclusion experts will conduct training sessions on two key aspects:

– Gender equality and Inclusion in Content part 1: How to integrate Gender Equality, Diversity & Inclusion principles into content creation.

–  Gender equality and Inclusion in Content part 2: Reporting on gender equality, diversity and inclusion with sensitivity and awareness

• 3-Month Mentorship: Partners will benefit from three months of support and mentorship by Senior Trainer for Diversity & Inclusion,  Myra Abdallah, focusing on reporting techniques and strategies within their chosen Inclusion focus area.

Reporting Requirements:

• Content Production: Partners are expected to create a minimum of 10 pieces of content focusing on the theme of inclusion. Examples include gender, age, disability, language, or any other chosen diversity category. You are not limited to a single diversity category in the stories you choose to write.
• Content Links: Provide accessible links to all content produced or published under the SIRI grant.
• Gender Balance Tracking Reports: Submissions include tracking reports for:

• All content produced under the SIRI grant.
• Reports for 200 pieces of general content not created under SIRI per month.

• Audience Analytics Reports: Partners must provide analytics reports for SIRI-produced content, detailing gender and age breakdown of the audience reached.
• 1 Narrative and Financial Report in compliance with WIN guidelines.