International Women’s Day, observed each year on 8 March, should act as a clarion call for what the region must do to empower women and girls, especially in the media.
In recent years, there has been a marked increase in hate speech and cyberbullying, especially aimed at women journalists and activists.
However, there has been minimal legislative action to deter attacks against women journalists.
A UNESCO report published in 2020 presents a grim portrayal of the challenges faced by women journalists worldwide.
It was reported that at least 73% of women journalists had suffered online violence in one form or another.
This has driven women journalists from online platforms at best, and at worst, entirely out of the profession.
Anecdotal evidence indicates that the situation is equally dire in Southern Africa, where patriarchy and gender imbalance are notably prevalent.
Thus, the theme for this year #AccelerateAction should give the region a renewed impetus to ensure that women journalists receive protection both online and offline.
There is an urgent need for governments across the region to come up with legislation that stems impunity for crimes against women journalists and encourages action from all stakeholders.
Big tech has become enablers of attacks on women online, highlighting the necessity for collaboration between these companies and governments throughout the region to enhance the safety of women journalists online.
The adoption of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Resolution 522 on the Protection of Women Against Digital Violence in Africa in 2022 was regarded as a significant advancement in the fight against online attacks on women journalists.
However, nearly three years later, Southern African governments have yet to take concrete steps to implement the resolution or at least to formulate legislation that encourages the participation of women journalists online.
The resolution is very clear in promoting women journalists online. It urges governments to implement measures to protect women journalists from digital violence, including gender-sensitive media literacy and digital security training.
It also urges African countries to repeal vague and excessively broad surveillance laws, as they exacerbate the existing vulnerability of female journalists.
We, therefore, urge regional governments to consider this crucial resolution and to expedite efforts in creating enabling legislation that promotes the participation of women journalists online.
On this International Women’s Day, MISA urges governments, policymakers, and legislators to take decisive action in developing legislation that guarantees women journalists can participate online fully and free from violence.
Governments should establish safety measures to ensure that women journalists who are attacked both physically and online have access to legal, medical, and psychological support, enabling them to continue their important role in educating the nation and promoting democracy.
MISA Regional Office Statement on International Women’s Day
Jeremias Langa
Chairperson, MISA Regional Governing Council (RGC)
