African winner in 2014 IWMF Courage in Journalism Awards

Recent targeted attacks on journalists around the world underscore the importance of supporting and recognising those individuals who risk their lives to report the truth. Since 1990, the IWMF has paid tribute to more than 100 women journalists who set themselves apart through their bravery.

With its 2014 Courage in Journalism Awards, the IWMF honours:

Arwa Damon, USA | International Correspondent, CNN

For more than ten years, Damon has reported from the most turbulent areas of the Middle East, covering revolutions, popular demonstrations, war, and terrorist attacks. Based in Beirut, Damon has witnessed recent history in Libya, Egypt, Syria, and Iraq, working to tell the stories of those living through conflict. She has escaped crossfire, shelling, and bombing, and has withstood criticism from government entities for her reporting.

Solange Lusiku Nsimire, Democratic Republic of the Congo | Editor-in-Chief, Le Souverain

Standing at the helm of one of the few independent media outlets in Eastern Congo, a region dominated by competing powers including roving bands of Rwanda génocidaires and corrupt decision makers, Lusiku Nsimire has made many enemies. She is the target of ongoing threats and harassment; her family home has been attacked multiple times, and she has fought numerous obstacles to continue publication of her newspaper.

Brankica Stankovic, Serbia | TV Reporter, B92

Reporting on corruption and crime perpetrated by the country's political and economic elite has made Stankovic one of Serbia's most prominent investigative journalists - and a target for continued attacks, including explicit death threats. Stankovic has been forced to live under 24-hour police protection since 2009, but she continues her rigorous investigative coverage of Serbia's political and social ills.

Alexandra Trower, Executive Vice President, Global Communications, at The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc., has been named the 2014 IWMF Leadership Honoree, for her decades-long career in executive leadership at major international companies and her years of support for the IWMF's work. "As the citizens and beneficiaries of a democratic society, we have a responsibility to play a role in upholding the critical tenets of free speech around the world," Trower said.

The 25th Courage in Journalism Awards will be presented at ceremonies in New York on 22 October and in Los Angeles on 29 October. Bank of America is National Presenting Sponsor of the events for the ninth consecutive year.

For more, go to iwmf.org, follow #IWMFcourage and @IWMF on Twitter, and like the Facebook page.