Sexual harassment, threats, attacks, government oppression, a stubborn glass ceiling, unequal pay, accusations of fake news and a growing mistrust of the media all threaten press freedom around the world. And women journalists often feel the greatest brunt of these attacks. According to a report by UNESCO, 73 percent of the women journalists surveyed had experienced online violence as a result of their work.

The Courage in Journalism Awards show people that women journalists are not going to step aside, cannot be silenced, and deserve to be recognized for their strength in the face of adversity. It honors the brave journalists who report on taboo topics, work in environments hostile to women, and share difficult truths.

Each year, the Wallis Annenberg Justice for Women Journalists Award brings attention to women journalists who are detained, jailed or imprisoned. Many of these cases receive worldwide attention at the time of arrest but leave the public eye as new cases emerge. Sharing the stories of imprisoned women journalists is critical to assuring the safety of women journalists.

So far, we have honored more than 100 groundbreaking journalists in 56 countries.