In an age dominated by digital platforms and social media, the surge of disinformation and online harassment presents significant challenges for journalists worldwide.
Clarice Wambua, a lawyer at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) Kenya, emphasizes the particularly daunting situation faced by women journalists in sub-Saharan Africa, who play a crucial role in society and must not be silenced through intimidation.
“The voices of female journalists in Africa are not just important, they’re indispensable,” states Clarice. “They bring a unique perspective, one rooted in the experiences of African women.”
In response to this pressing concern, a team of CDH Kenya lawyers, led by Clarice, has proactively supported Media Defence, a non-profit organization offering legal assistance to journalists, citizen journalists, and independent media globally. CDH contributed to the creation of a fact sheet titled “Disinformation and Online Harassment against Women Journalists in sub-Saharan Africa,” intended for use in the Media Defence resource hub for lawyers handling digital rights and freedom of expression cases.
The fact sheet addresses the escalating evidence of online violence against women journalists. A recent UNESCO study covering 15 countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, reveals that 73% of women journalists have faced online violence during their work. In Kenya, a concerning 75.4% of women journalists reported experiencing online harassment linked to factors such as the news content they cover, their ethnicity, and their gender.
These statistics underscore the urgent need to tackle the toxic environment created by disinformation and online harassment in the digital realm. Such actions not only inflict psychological and emotional distress but also undermine freedom of expression and the public’s right to access information. Additionally, they erode trust in journalism and deprive society of diverse voices and perspectives.
The normalization of online harassment for many women journalists is deeply troubling. Extreme views on digital platforms empower misogynistic individuals to disseminate hateful content under the guise of freedom of expression, perpetuating a harmful cycle of intimidation, threats, and harassment that hinders women journalists from carrying out their crucial work in a safe environment.
Legal protective mechanisms exist for women journalists, with continental resolutions from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights advocating for legislative measures and gender-sensitive training to combat online harassment. Moreover, various sub-Saharan African countries have implemented national frameworks, like the Cybercrimes Act in Nigeria and the Protection from Harassment Act in South Africa, to address disinformation tactics and prevent online harassment of journalists.
While legal frameworks offer avenues for recourse, more proactive measures are necessary to effectively combat online violence. Women journalists should be empowered to utilize reporting mechanisms on social media platforms, engage legal practitioners to pursue legal action against perpetrators, and seek support from regional or local bodies dedicated to media safety.
As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8, 2024, there is an opportune moment for all of Africa to commit to protecting the rights and safety of women journalists on the continent. “By raising awareness, advocating for legislative reforms, and fostering a culture of digital safety and respect, we can create a more inclusive and empowering environment for women journalists to thrive and continue their vital contributions to our society,” concludes Clarice.
