Addis Abeba — The International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) on Tuesday honored Serkalem Fasil, an Ethiopian publisher who gave birth to a son while imprisoned, along with a group of Iraqi women reporters, a Mexican journalist, and a Zimbabwean reporter for the year's 'Courage in Journalism' awards.

IWMF, the group which honors international female journalists each year with the awards, says the 2007 recipients are under constant duress and literally risk their lives in order to report the facts adding that the winners were working at a time when press freedom is under threat in many places.

"These women have shown dedication and bravery in reporting and in their commitment to journalism," said Judy Woodruff, chair of the IWMF Courage in Journalism Awards. "They tell tough stories that need to be told, and in doing so, help defend freedom of the press." The group on Tuesday honored Serkalem, a former publisher of three weekly newspapers, at a ceremony held in New York, according to reports. Though not in New York to receive her award, she spoke through a translator in a video shown at the ceremony.

Serkalem was arrested in 2005, after publishing articles critical of the government. She was pregnant at the time and gave birth to her son prematurely in jail, then cared for him while still imprisoned. She was released in April of this year and says she will "continue to do the right thing." "I was detained for a year and six months," VOA quoted the 27 years old publisher as saying. "Prison will not deter me from writing. I will continue to write. I will not soften the issues or self-censor either. I will report the facts." In July, the government appealed Serkalem's acquittal and brought charges against her again. Currently, she is waiting for the case to be heard in court.

The IWMF honored six Iraqi women who work in the Baghdad bureau of the McClatchy newspapers chain. Sahar Issa accepted the award for the group.

Mexican journalist Lydia, a correspondent for the Women's Communication and Information (CIMAC) agency reporting on domestic violence, organized crime and political corruption in Mexico was also honored for her journalism and human rights work in her country.

The IWMF's Lifetime Achievement Award went to a journalist from Zimbabwe who contributes to the Voice of America and also writes for British, South African and US news organizations.

The IWMF announced the awardees in Washington, DC on June 1 this year.