Women journalists are also particularly targeted in the digital sphere. In a 2020 UNESCO-ICFJ global survey on online violence faced by women journalists, 73% of women respondents said they had experienced online violence in the course of their work.
UNESCO, the International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) and University of Texas at Austin's Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas are launching a joint Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) called "How to Report Safely: A Guide for Women Journalists and their Allies". The course, which begins on World Press Freedom Day (May 3rd), aims to address the gender dimensions of safety of journalists both online and offline and offers women journalists specialised safety training.
Led by instructor Alison Baskerville, the course is divided into four weekly modules:
- Introduction to safety planning, including developing a risk assessment and a communication strategy
- Situational awareness and personal safety, including mitigating risk in the field
- Harassment and gender-based violence, including how to prepare for it and how to support those experiencing it
- Self-care and mental wellbeing, including creating a self-care plan and peer support networks
Fostering a safe environment for women journalists to do their work is central to protecting freedom of expression and access to information. This online course, which complements UNESCO's existing work with Member States and media organizations, will be a great space for sharing of practical tools and advice tailored to women journalists on how to stay safe.
Guilherme Canela, Chief of Section for Freedom of Expression and the Safety of Journalists at UNESC
Having a basic safety plan will not eliminate risk, but it will mitigate the impact of the risk.
Alison Baskerville, lead inclusive safety trainer for IWMF
The course will include video lectures and interviews with guest speakers, as well as readings and handouts. Students will also participate in discussion forums and take weekly quizzes.
