The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF), based in Washington, USA has opened applications for the 2012-2013 Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship.

It is named after the 1998 IWMF Courage in Journalism Award winner and Boston Globe correspondent who was killed in Iraq in May 2003.

A release issued to the GNA in Accra on Thursday said, applications would be accepted until April 30, while the fellowship would run from September 2012 to March 2013.

The Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship is open to women journalists whose focus is human rights and social justice.

Applicants must be dedicated to a career in journalism in print, broadcast or online media and show a strong commitment to sharing knowledge and skills with colleagues upon the completion of the fellowship

The fellowship, created with Neuffer’s family and friends, aims to perpetuate her memory and advance her life mission of promoting international understanding of human rights and social justice while creating an opportunity for women journalists to build their skills.

One outstanding woman journalist would be selected to spend seven months in a tailored programme with access to MIT’s Centre for International Studies, as well as media outlets including the Boston Globe and The New York Times.

”The flexible structure of the programme provides the fellow with opportunities to pursue academic research and her reporting skills covering topics related to human rights.”

The 2011-2012 Neuffer Fellow, Jackee Batanda of Uganda, describes the fellowship as a “Once in a lifetime opportunity. It has opened my voice to new audiences through writing op-eds in the Boston Globe, GlobalPost, Transitions/Foreign Policy Magazine blog, Latitude News and The New York Times.

I recommend the IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship to women journalists around the world for the exposure it creates. It will make you a stronger and grounded journalist.”

The release said as part of the requirement, excellent written and spoken English skills were required. A stipend would be provided, and expenses, including airfare and housing, would be covered.

Founded in 1990, IWMF, whose networks include women and men in the media in more than 130 countries worldwide, works to strengthen the role of women in the news media worldwide.**