Combating Online Harassment: A Global Initiative Supports Women in Media
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A two-week project, “Safe and Noisy: Media for Powerful Women Online,” funded by the German foreign Ministry and spearheaded by the Deutsche Welle Academy, is empowering women journalists and activists across the Middle East. The initiative aims to equip participants with the tools and resources to combat online harassment, misinformation, and gender-based violence.
The program brought together female journalists,public affairs activists,and comedians from six countries – Tunisia,Morocco,Egypt,Jordan,Iraq,and Lebanon – to share experiences and develop strategies for navigating the digital landscape. Workshops and closed sessions focused on practical skills, networking, and creating a supportive community.
project director Sahar Sharara explained the initiative’s two-phased approach in an interview with Al-Modon: “The first phase was a phase of research on topics and campaigns that had been worked on previously. The second phase was with the media and specialized stakeholders locally in six countries included in the project… which includes women who have worked on studies and research on gender, digital security and the internet, and it also included representatives of media institutions to extract recommendations, based on shared experiences.”
Recurring themes throughout the sessions included the challenges women journalists face in newsrooms, the struggle to prioritize women’s issues in coverage, and the pervasive nature of online harassment. Participants discussed the need for media outlets to adopt more inclusive editorial policies and provide adequate support for female staff members.
The project also addressed the critical need for digital security training and resources. Participants explored tools for verifying misinformation and reporting harassment, highlighting the lack of adequate support systems within many media organizations. The initiative emphasized the importance of utilizing existing legal frameworks, such as Lebanon’s 2020 verbal harassment law, which lawyer Diala Shehadeh explained stipulates that “anyone who commits the crime of sexual harassment shall be punished with imprisonment from one month to one year and a fine ranging between three times and ten times the official minimum wage, or one of these two penalties.”
Beyond technical skills, the program tackled broader cultural issues. Participants discussed the pressure on women to conform to societal beauty standards, the underrepresentation of women’s voices in mainstream media, and the tendency to frame women’s issues thru a religious lens rather than addressing systemic inequalities. the need for a cultural shift towards greater gender equality and effective legal solutions was a central focus.
The “Safe and Noisy” project is creating a valuable resource for women in media, providing a platform for sharing experiences, developing practical skills, and advocating for change. Its focus on digital security, legal recourse, and cultural change offers a complete approach to combating online harassment and empowering women to thrive in the digital age. The initiative’s success underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing the global issue of online violence against women.
Cyber Violence Against Women Journalists: A Growing Threat
Female journalists in the U.S. and around the world are facing a surge in online harassment and abuse, a disturbing trend demanding immediate attention and effective solutions. These attacks, ranging from targeted trolling to complex smear campaigns, often extend beyond the digital realm, impacting their personal lives, families, and mental well-being.
A recent discussion among female journalists and digital security experts highlighted the critical need for increased legal awareness and stronger enforcement. Participants emphasized the crucial role of law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting perpetrators of online violence. “There is a slowdown in dealing seriously with electronic campaigns that target influencers and female journalists,” one participant noted, “and make those who are violent via the Internet expose their personal lives and sexual orientations. And the threat towards their family and children.” This underscores the urgent need for improved response mechanisms and greater accountability for online abusers.
The conversation also shed light on the notable mental health toll this violence takes on its victims. Many journalists experience significant stress, anxiety, and even PTSD as a result of sustained online harassment. While some larger news organizations offer mental health benefits, including coverage for psychotherapy, this remains the exception rather than the rule. “Many media outlets in Arab and foreign countries provide health insurance that covers the costs of psychotherapy sessions, but that is the exception, not the rule,” a participant pointed out, highlighting the disparity in access to crucial support services.
The Need for Comprehensive Support
Addressing this growing crisis requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes strengthening legal frameworks to hold perpetrators accountable, improving law enforcement response times, and expanding access to mental health resources for affected journalists. News organizations have a responsibility to provide adequate support and training to their staff, equipping them with the tools and resources to navigate the complexities of online safety and manage the psychological impact of cyber violence.
Moreover, fostering a culture of online safety and accountability requires collaboration between media organizations, law enforcement, and technology companies. By working together, we can create a safer digital environment for journalists and ensure they can perform their crucial role without fear of harassment and intimidation.
The fight against cyber violence against women journalists is a fight for the future of free and independent journalism. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of journalists, we protect the vital role they play in informing the public and holding power accountable.
Empowering Journalists: combating Online Harassment and Misinformation
this in-depth interview with Dr. Nadia Ali,a leading expert on digital safety and online violence against women,explores the critical challenges faced by women journalists in the digital age and the empowering solutions being implemented too address these threats.
Dr. Nadia Ali, you recently participated in the “Safe and Noisy” project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting women in media across the Middle East. Could you share some insights into the key challenges discussed during this program?
“The ‘Safe and Noisy’ project highlighted the pressing issues faced by women journalists in the region. From online harassment and misinformation to the lack of adequate support within newsrooms, the challenges are multifaceted and deeply ingrained. We discussed the increasing prevalence of targeted attacks, frequently enough fueled by misogynistic and patriarchal attitudes, which aim to silence women’s voices and limit their participation in public discourse. Another crucial issue raised was the insufficient access to digital security training and resources, leaving many women vulnerable to online threats and disinformation campaigns.”
The project emphasizes the importance of legal frameworks in addressing online harassment. What are some of the legal tools available to protect women journalists, and what are the limitations?
“Several countries in the region have introduced legal measures aimed at tackling online harassment and violence against women. lebanon’s 2020 verbal harassment law, as an example, criminalizes sexual harassment, including online forms. However, the effectiveness of these laws depends on proper enforcement and a willingness of authorities to address online crimes seriously.
additionally, many women journalists remain unaware of these legal protections or hesitate to report abuse due to fear of repercussions or lack of trust in the judicial system. It’s vital to raise awareness about these legal tools and provide accessible support mechanisms that empower women to seek justice.”
Beyond legal solutions, what strategies and tools can be implemented to create a safer online surroundings for women journalists?
“Empowering women journalists requires a multi-pronged approach. digital security training is crucial, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to navigate the online landscape safely. This includes learning about online safety practices, identifying and mitigating risks, and utilizing tools for verifying information and reporting harassment.
Furthermore, fostering a culture of solidarity and support within newsrooms is essential. Media organizations have a obligation to create inclusive environments that respect and protect their female staff members. This includes implementing clear policies against harassment, providing adequate training for all employees, and ensuring access to mental health resources for those who have experienced online abuse.
collaboration between media organizations, technology platforms, and civil society groups is vital. Together, we can develop best practices, share knowledge, and advocate for systemic change that promotes online safety for all.”
Looking ahead,what are the next steps in this crucial effort to protect women journalists and ensure their voices are heard?
“Sustained efforts are required to address the ongoing challenges. Continued research and data collection on the nature and scope of online violence against women journalists are essential. Investing in training programs and resources specifically designed for women in media is crucial.
we must also amplify the voices of women journalists, creating platforms for them to share their experiences, advocate for their rights, and contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable media landscape. The fight against online violence is not onyl a matter of individual safety but also a fight for press freedom and a democratic society where all voices can be heard.”
