From the Cartoonists Rights Network International:

United Sketches, the organisation for refugee and displaced cartoonists established by our friend and colleague Kianoush Ramezani, has announced a new cartooning award dedicated exclusively to women.

The Prix International Des Dessinatrices De Presse has been created in consultation with a committee of women cartoonists, including CRNI supporter Ann Telnaes, and will be judged by an all-female panel from across multiple professions. Cartoonists are invited to submit work on the themes of “Climate Change” and “Equality”. The deadline is August 31st 2019. Full details of how to submit cartoons, the judging process and future plans for the cartoons are available online.

“… equality is still a dream to be achieved in the 21st century! United Sketches international organization offers this annual award exclusively to women cartoonists to fight patriarchy and inequality.”

– United Sketches

Generally speaking CRNI does not concern itself with the vital but very crowded field of international cartoon contests, festivals and prizes. However as a human rights organisation we recognize absolutely the need to address inequality wherever it exists. In short, women’s rights are human rights. Unlike some we reject the contention that goodwill and meritocracy alone will redress the imbalance in a profession that remains stubbornly male. Affirmative action is required. We commend United Sketches in their effort and wish those entering every success.

If you are interested, take a look at the contest’s FULL DETAILS. To report a political cartoonist in danger to the Cartoonists Rights Network International (CRNI), you can send an email and they will investigate. The fascinating organization, founded on January 1, 1999, is making a big impact for at risk political cartoonists worldwide. According to their website:

Working with our global network CRNI diligently monitors threats and abuses against editorial cartoonists ranging from censorship, fines and penalties, and physical intimidation (including of family members), to assault, imprisonment, and even assassination.

We stand by those at risk, bringing international pressure on their persecutors by mounting campaigns for the attention of the public at large and within the diplomatic community calling for cartoonists’ just treatment as well as reaching out to heads of state and relevant ministries and coordinating joint actions with other organizations that promote free expression.

What do you think about contest? Do you know someone who would like to get involved? Add your comments below…