Going Offline: The Global Threat of Online Violence to Women Journalists

On World Press Freedom Day, the Embassy of Sweden, the International Women’s Media Foundation, and the Delegation of the European Union to the United States hosted an in-depth conversation with journalists and safety experts about the current scourge of online violence against women journalists, the effects on their mental health and steps that can be taken to protect women journalists’ digital safety. WMC Speech Project Co-Founder, Soraya Chemaly was one of four panelists.

Navigating digital spaces is a professional hazard for women, underrepresented and marginalized journalists. More than 70% of women journalists have experienced multiple types of harassment, attacks or threats related to their work. This rampant but often hidden menace is intended to censor and silence the news media, curtailing the public’s right to information and press freedom at-large. In addition, countless women endure lasting psychological trauma, which drives many to consider leaving the profession.