SETTING THE GENDER AGENDA FOR COMMUNICATION POLICY

Violence Against Women Journalists – Online and Offline

Julie Posetti and Hannah Storm

Women journalists face disproportionate risk and experience of violence and intimidation for the work they do – both on and offline. They are affected as members of a profession that is increasingly becoming a target in conflicts, in the context of terrorism, and as a feature of the rising global tide of populist politics. They are vilified and attacked for the messages they share and questions they ask. In some cases, they are even targeted for daring to speak at all. In addition to the risks and threats experienced by their male counterparts, they are also exposed to gender-based harassment and violence in the field and in the newsroom. Such attacks can be physical or virtual in nature, and they are frequently sexualized.