мужність (muzhnist’) is the Ukrainian word for courage. The direct translation of the word is “brave man” according to Anna Babinets and Nastya Stanko; Ukrainian journalists who serve as reminders that women, too, are full of courage.
The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) celebrated its 30 year anniversary and courageous women at the Annual Courage in Journalism Awards luncheon on Oct. 30th.
Held at Cipriani 42nd Street and cohosted by CBS’ Norah O’Donnell and ABC’s Cecilia Vega, five #badassfemalejournos were honored for their courageous acts. They are: Babinets of Slidstvo Ukraine, Stanko of Hromadske Ukraine, South Sudan’s first female editor-in-chief Anna Nimiriano, Nicaragua’s formerly imprisoned champion Lucia Pineda and Liz Sly; the Beirut bureau chief for The Washington Post.
While their journeys are unique, each of these women are similar due to their nonstop dedication to serve their communities the information they need to take action; despite undergoing extreme harassment, death threats, defamation and more. Each took to the red carpet and the stage to share portions of their stories from their perspective, a rare opportunity when reporting on extreme conditions day after day.
“I really don’t have so much to do outside of journalism,” Nimiriano admitted. “I’m just advocating for peace in the country (Sudan),” she continued. “I love journalism, that’s why I can’t do so much outside of journalism.”
Each wearing that same sense of pride, these women share a hope that their work reshapes their environment for the better and the IWMF serves to help all women in media with the same goal. To be of help to these women anyone can donate to the IWMF through their website or by texting IWFM (your amount) (your name) to 91999. Whatever the amount, these funds will be put towards flights, equipment and whatever sources are necessary for these women to continue doing their jobs while defending themselves and the public’s right to know the truth.
