Women Photojournalism Award 2025

• IWMF

• Deadline: March 14th, 2025

• Prize: $20,000 Grant

• Category: Photojournalism

• Entry Fee: Free

• REGISTRATION: CLOSED. Click HERE for more Opportunities

The Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award was established to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Anja Niedringhaus (1965–2014), a Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer and past recipient of the IWMF Courage in Journalism Award. Known for her fearless dedication to capturing powerful images in some of the world’s most dangerous and volatile regions, Niedringhaus left behind an indelible mark on the field of photojournalism. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation made a generous $1 million endowment, ensuring that her spirit of bravery and excellence continues to inspire future generations of photojournalists.

Through this award, the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) seeks to uplift and celebrate the work of women, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming photojournalists who, like Anja, courageously document the world’s most pressing stories. These individuals go to great lengths—often at personal risk—to provide the public with compelling, necessary, and at times harrowing visual narratives that increase awareness, spark dialogue, and drive change. Their work may include, but is not limited to, war and conflict reporting, frontline coverage, investigative photojournalism, and humanitarian storytelling in regions affected by crisis or political turmoil.

Each year, recipients of the Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award receive a $20,000 cash prize as well as the opportunity to have their work showcased at a special awards ceremony. The IWMF welcomes both direct applications and third-party nominations, which must be submitted in English by March 14, 2025. Before applying or nominating a candidate, please carefully review the eligibility criteria and nomination guidelines outlined below. To qualify, nominees must be full-time professional photojournalists who identify as women, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming, regardless of their nationality.