Media Freedom Coalition Statement on International Women’s Day 2025

As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, the undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition call attention to the discrimination women face both online and offline, especially women journalists being targeted not only for their work as journalists but also for being women. This year’s theme, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment” shows the urgent need to accelerate progress towards gender equality and to break barriers that perpetuate discrimination and violence. 

Although some progress has been made, women journalists still face widespread discrimination and attacks. UNESCO’s study from 2021 “The Chilling: Global trends in online violence against women” revealed that three out of four women journalists worldwide have suffered online gender-based violence, with attacks being more personal, of a sexual nature, and used together with other forms of discrimination, such as racism and homophobia. According to the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, threats of physical, sexual and psychological violence are widely used to intimidate and silence women journalists. 

A recent study from the University of British Columbia shows that women journalists are subjected to sexualized harassment and threats of sexual aggression at a much higher rate than men. Furthermore, publications from organizations such as International Media Support, and IFEX together with Article 19, show how female journalists are not only targeted online, but across many places and contexts, with workplace harassment and discrimination being prevalent even in the newsrooms they work in. A recent report from Reporters Without Borders also highlights the need for protection of journalists who cover gender-based violence.  

We must take decisive action to advance women’s rights and gender equality, and to empower women. We must promote and progress gender equality in the media, where discrimination and inequality persists, and eliminate all forms of harassment and discrimination against women journalists. The recommendations made in the critical reports cited here can act as valuable tools to push for the safety of women journalists. Journalists should have expanded access to mental health resources, such as the International Women’s Media Foundation’s Mental Health Guide for Journalists facing Online Violence, which are essential to support those who face these challenges in their profession. Taking steps in this direction is essential to create a safe environment where women can work without fear or limitations.  

On this International Women’s Day, we call on everyone to act with urgency and resolve. Together, we can create a future where every woman and girl can enjoy her human rights, live free from violence, and contribute to society without fear of being attacked.