Women in editorial leadership are again recognised by an award made by WAN-Ifra in partnership with Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency SIDA.

Nominations are invited for the 2018 Women in News Editorial Leadership Award, which recognises an exemplary contribution of an editor to her newsroom and under her leadership, the contribution of her newspaper to society.

One outstanding editor from sub-Saharan Africa and one from Middle East and North Africa will be named Laureates in 2018.

The Women in News Editorial Leadership Award will be awarded to two outstanding woman editors who are first amongst their peers in inspiring and paving the way forward for the next generation of leaders. The winners will possess a proven track record of success within her newsroom, have demonstrated uncompromising editorial integrity throughout her career, and have a strong commitment to the principles of press freedom and its power to promote democracy and good governance.

In 2017, the award was given to Karima Kamal, columnist and contributing editor for Al Masry Al Youm from Egypt and Kenyan journalist Pamella Sittoni, editor of the international desk for the Nation Media Group and managing Editor for the East African.

"This award is a strong confirmation that the world is taking notice of the important contribution that women leaders in media houses are making to the development of their countries, regions and the world. I'm confident that it will inspire other women journalists, particularly the younger ones, to aim for the top through diligence." said Sittoni.

On being named a winner, Kamal said: "I am very pleased to have received the award as I feel it is the crown of my professional journey. The award supports those who defend the freedom of the press, and is also a confirmation of the importance of promoting the presence of women equally and fairly within all strata of media".

The 2018 recipients of the Women in News Leadership Award will be honoured during the WAN-Ifra World News Media Congress in Estoril, Portugal, from June 6-8. Winners receive an all expenses paid trip to attend the World News Media Congress 2018.

For details of eligibility for nominations, which must be made by April 8, contact Melanie Walker, melanie.walker@wan-ifra.org or visit http://womeninnews.org/faq