UNESCO indicators unveil Gendered Realities of Journalists' Safety in East Africa

The civic space is shrinking, according to the latest research findings by the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC). In particular, women journalists and media workers are faced with gender-based violence in the form of stigmatization, sexist hate speech, trolling, physical assault, rape, and even murder. These threats inflict massive harms on their well-being, work and freedom at large. And yet, amidst rising threats to the safety of journalists, the political will to protect freedom of expression and access to information—and especially female journalists—is declining.

This declining situation is outlined in the report “The Gendered Dimensions of Journalists’ Safety in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (2016-2021) Based on UNESCO’s Journalists’ Safety Indicators”, a study that was supported by UNESCO and conducted by AFIC.  It reveals a complex landscape where safety concerns intersect with gender dynamics. While both male and female journalists exhibit acute awareness of safety issues, their experiences are different. Female journalists encounter distinct challenges, including a less welcoming newsroom environment and heightened vulnerability to sexual harassment and cyberbullying.

Troublingly, toxic masculinity pervades newsroom dynamics across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda and perpetuates attitudes that underly attacks against female journalists. Meanwhile, sexual harassment, unequal employment terms and exploitation in media industry persist. Female journalists are more likely to self-censor due to fear of violence and reprisal, a phenomenon that is directly related to systemic failures in anti-harassment policies.

Beyond the newsroom, journalists face a myriad of threats irrespective of gender. Physical threats not only impact individual journalists but also hinder the broader journalism profession from covering sensitive topics effectively.

One of the study’s key contributions lies in its observations of the digital realm, which presents new challenges and especially to female journalists who experience extreme safety issues online. From invasion of privacy to online harassment, female journalists in East Africa find themselves disproportionately targeted. Media organizations are responding with training programs and counselling sessions, but issues will not be effectively addressed unless all stakeholders come on board.

The report is a timely intervention that reveals key issues that various stakeholders must address to ensure the safety of journalists, especially female journalists:

• The media: Media organizations acknowledge the significance of journalists' safety and have developed safety policies to protect them. However, challenges in implementing these policies, especially concerning female journalists, persist. The spotlight on prioritizing female journalists' safety is an important first step but concerted efforts are needed for effective implementation.
• The State and Political Actors: While state institutions recognize the importance of media freedom, specific measures for the safety of female journalists are notably absent. Legal frameworks exist, but the gendered aspect of journalists' safety lacks dedicated attention. Advocacy for targeted laws and policies is imperative to address this gap.
• Civil Society Organizations: Civil society organizations play a pivotal role in monitoring journalists' safety and advocating for their well-being. However, resource constraints limit their capacity. Collaborative efforts with international organizations and increased support are essential to fortify their impact.
• Academia:  Academia should integrate journalists' safety into training programmes and curriculum. The gap between academia, policymakers, NGOs, and media indicates calls for more cohesive efforts to ensure journalist’s safety
• United Nations and Intergovernmental Bodies: The UN and international bodies exhibit commitment to journalists' safety, particularly female journalists. Strategic partnerships, capacity-building programs, and partnerships highlight a collective effort to implement the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

As East Africa grapples with multifaceted challenges surrounding journalists' safety, a holistic approach is imperative. This UNESCO-backed study not only unveils the gendered dimensions of these challenges but also emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts among media stakeholders, governments, civil society, academia, and international bodies. Concrete measures, especially addressing the distinct challenges faced by female journalists, are essential to foster a safe and inclusive media landscape in East Africa.

UNESCO's International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) promotes media development within developing countries, countries in transition, and countries in conflict and post-conflict situations. As the only multilateral forum in the UN system designed to mobilize the international community around media development, the Programme provides support for media projects while seeking accord to secure a healthy environment for the growth of free and pluralistic press.