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

Photojournalism has the power to change the world. Through a single frame, a photographer can tell a story that moves people to action, raises awareness about injustice, or captures the raw reality of conflict. Few embodied this power more than Anja Niedringhaus (1965–2014), a Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photojournalist who dedicated her life to covering war, crisis, and the resilience of the human spirit. Her fearless reporting and unwavering commitment to truth left a lasting impact on journalism and the world.

To honor her extraordinary legacy, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation generously endowed $1 million to establish the Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award. This prestigious award, presented annually by the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF), celebrates the remarkable bravery of women, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming photojournalists who continue Anja’s mission—documenting crucial moments, often in high-risk or challenging environments, to ensure the world does not turn a blind eye.

The work recognized by this award is as diverse as the photojournalists who create it. It might feature frontline conflict zones, social justice movements, humanitarian crises, or underreported global issues. It could capture the strength of communities, expose corruption, or highlight stories of resilience. What all recipients share is the courage to tell the truth, even when doing so is dangerous.

Winners of the Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award receive $20,000 in prize money and have their work honored at a prestigious award ceremony. The IWMF welcomes applications from full-time professional photojournalists who identify as women, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming, regardless of their nationality. Both self-nominations and third-party nominations are accepted, with a submission deadline of March 14, 2025. Those interested should carefully review the eligibility and nomination criteria before applying.

In a time when journalism is more critical than ever, this award serves as a reminder that truth-tellers deserve recognition, support, and protection. Through the courageous lens of photographers like Anja Niedringhaus, the world continues to bear witness to both its darkest moments and its greatest triumphs.