Clarice Wambua, a lawyer at leading corporate and commercial law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) Kenya, has contributed to the development of a fact sheet entitled “Disinformation and Online Harassment against Women Journalists in sub-Saharan Africa“, to be utilised in the Media Defence resource hub for lawyers litigating digital rights and freedom of expression cases.
According to Clarice, women journalists in sub-Saharan Africa– who provide a vital service to society must not be bullied into silence, especially with the rise of disinformation and online harassment.
By The Numbers
The factsheet was developed against the face of mounting evidence that online violence against women journalists is increasingly rampant.
A recent UNESCO study covering 15 countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, highlights that 73% of women journalists have encountered online violence during their work.
Similarly, in Kenya, a concerning 75.4% of women journalists reported experiencing online harassment due to factors such as the news content they cover, their ethnicity, and their gender.
Why This Matters
Disinformation and online harassment not only cause psychological and emotional distress but also undermine the freedom of expression and the public’s right to receive information. Moreover, they jeopardise trust in journalism and deprive society of diverse voices and perspectives.
Zoom Out
There exist legal protective mechanisms for women journalists. At a continental level, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has adopted resolutions to safeguard women against digital violence, calling for legislative measures and gender-sensitive training to combat online harassment.
Furthermore, several sub-Saharan African countries have enacted national frameworks, such as the Cybercrimes Act in Nigeria and the Protection from Harassment Act in South Africa, to address disinformation tactics and prevent online harassment of journalists.
However, while legal frameworks provide avenues for recourse, more proactive measures are needed to combat online violence effectively. Women journalists should be able to leverage reporting mechanisms provided by social media platforms, engage legal practitioners to pursue legal action against perpetrators, and seek support from regional or local bodies dedicated to media safety.
What They’re Saying
“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.
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