Increased security for female journalists
All over the world, journalists are attacked as a way of silencing critical reporting. Women journalists are targeted both because they are journalists and because they are women. Violence against women journalists takes many different forms and occurs both online and offline. Beyond the psychological strain on the individual journalist, it can lead to self-censorship when women journalists choose not to report on certain issues out of fear. Therefore, threats and attacks against women journalists jeopardize freedom of expression and stop a plurality of voices from being reflected in the media.
Based on UNESCO’s vast experience in this field, this project focuses on tackling the risks faced by women journalists in four countries (India, Sri Lanka, Mali, and Senegal), as well as including a global component. The project will be structured around: research, capacity building measures, technical support, and awareness raising. Through training sessions, women journalists will be educated on protection measures and media managers will be sensitized to the need to develop gender-specific safety policies and practices in newsrooms.
The project is supported with 2 800 000 SEK.
What the project delivers
The project begins with a problem analysis that becomes the basis for national and global communication campaigns. Journalists and media actors in the four project countries will receive security training, in addition to training for police and security personnel in Senegal and Sri Lanka.
Why we support this project
By ensuring security for women journalists, the project will strengthen democracy as well as women’s rights and freedom of expression.
Project time status
100%
This project started in July 2019 and ended in May 2021
For more information: https://en.unesco.org
