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