IFJ affiliates across the world will back on 25 November a call for global action against gender-based violence as reports of attacks on women journalists soar.
From Kathmandu to Buenos Aires journalists unions will take part in meetings, protests, training sessions and marches to demand an end to attacks on women journalists and for action to tackle the impunity which allows perpetrators to go unpunished.
Read: Gender Council report on November 25
To mark the UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, the IFJ will also formally sign up to the campaign for an ILO Convention to stop gender-based violence at work.
Recent studies show that almost 65% of women media workers have experienced intimidation, threats or abuse in relation to their work, nearly a quarter have experienced acts of physical violence at work.
While many attacks happen in the field most happen in the office and almost half are carried out by a boss or supervisor.
Incidents of sexual violence, sexual harassment and online abuse are continuing to hit the headlines and yet little action is taken – 70% of women media workers claim their organisations are not taking action to protect their security or safety.
IFJ President Philippe Leruth said: “Violence against women remains one of the most widespread and tolerated violations of human rights and its perpetrators continue to enjoy impunity while its victims face losing their job, having their careers ruined, being silenced or worst of all killed.
“The IFJ and its affiliates will commit to vigorously campaign for a new ILO Convention to help stop the violence and tackle impunity. We will also back affiliates who seek to take legal action against perpetrators, and support those who seek to negotiate safety and security policies and campaign for the rights of women media workers to be respected”.
Download the IFJ visuals here and share them on your social media this Friday, 25 November, to mark this day calling to end gender-based violence against female journalists at workplace.
List of IFJ affiliates supporting the #IFJVAW
For more information, please contact IFJ on + 32 2 235 22 16
The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries