Escalating Threats to Women Journalists: A Call for Rights, Justice, and Action

As International Women’s Day 2026 is commemorated, concerns are mounting over the escalating threats faced by journalists, with women journalists disproportionately targeted. The Media Freedom Coalition and UNESCO are leading calls for increased protection, and accountability.

The Growing Trend of Violence Against Women Journalists

According to a UNESCO Global Report on World Media Trends, violence against women journalists is increasing both online and offline. Perpetrators aim to silence women’s voices and deny their participation in the public sphere. This violence takes various forms, including harassment, intimidation, stalking, swatting, verbal abuse, and physical assault.

A 2025 UN Women study revealed that 75% of women journalists experienced technology-facilitated gender-based violence. The study found that the proportion of women journalists linking offline attacks to online violence more than doubled between 2020 and 2025, from 20% to 42% UNESCO.

Intersecting Forms of Discrimination and Heightened Risks

Women journalists facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination – such as disability, minority status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or reporting on politically sensitive issues – are at increased risk of harassment and targeting. The Media Freedom Coalition emphasizes the require for special attention to these vulnerable groups Media Freedom Coalition.

The Impact of Digital Violence

The digital sphere has become a primary arena for violence against women journalists, with online harassment being the most prevalent form. The widespread use of social media and artificial intelligence has exacerbated technology-facilitated gender-based violence. This digital violence often escalates into real-world harm, inhibiting the diversity of journalistic content and creating an unequal playing field for women in journalism.

Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa

Even as progress has been made in advancing women’s leadership in media, challenges remain, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. A study by the Fojo Media Institute and African Women in Media (AWiM) highlights barriers to equal participation in leadership roles across the industry UNESCO.

The Need for Accountability and Action

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” underscores the urgent need for accountability for harassment and violence against women journalists. Strengthening access to justice, promoting inclusive legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, and addressing structural barriers are crucial steps.

Ongoing Efforts and Commitments

The Media Freedom Coalition will continue to advocate for the safety of journalists and call on all actors to commit to protecting women journalists and media workers, both online and offline. UNESCO and the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) are providing context- and gender-responsive support through programs like “Safeguarding Women’s Voices” Media Freedom Coalition.