The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), the Pan-African organization of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), commemorates International Women’s Day on 8 March 2025 by standing in full solidarity with women journalists across Africa, who, despite their indispensable contributions to professional journalism and the wider society, continue to endure harassment, violence and systemic exclusion. Today, we not only recognize the outstanding achievements registered by female journalists across the continent but would also want to make a decisive call for urgent measures to protect their rights, safety and space in the media industry.
FULL TEXT of Press Release:
Women journalists remain at the forefront of journalism and are the backbone of the media industry, yet they continue to face direct attacks aimed at silencing them. Whether in newsrooms or in the field, they are subjected to threats that include physical violence, arbitrary arrests, digital harassment and gender-based intimidation – challenges that their male counterparts often do not experience. The rise of online violence, particularly through coordinated smear campaigns and cyberbullying, has further exposed them to intimidation, leading many to self-censorship or to abandon the profession altogether.
Beyond the security risks, women in the media also endure severe economic inequalities. Many are underpaid as compared to their male colleagues, denied job stability and assigned to lower profile beats instead of political, economic or investigative reporting. The lack of fair pay, maternity protection and career advancement opportunities keeps them in precarious working conditions, forcing many to leave journalism early in their careers. The situation is even more dire for freelance women journalists, who work without contracts, insurance, or legal protections, yet often cover some of the most dangerous and important stories.
The working environment in many newsrooms remains deeply hostile for women, where gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment are widespread but often go unreported. Many media houses lack clear policies to address workplace sexual violence and harassment and where such policies exist, enforcement is weak or completely absent. The culture of silence and fear discourages victims from reporting abuse, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity. The lack of women in leadership positions in media organizations further exacerbates these challenges, as newsroom policies and editorial decisions continue to be shaped predominantly by men.
“Women journalists are at the forefront of the fight for truth, justice and democracy in this continent, yet they continue to face relentless threats, harassment and exclusion. This is abhorrent and unacceptable. There can be no media freedom where women journalists live in fear, work in appalling conditions and are consciously discriminated against. Their voices must not be silenced by violence, intimidation, or systemic discrimination. As we mark International Women’s Day, urgent action is needed to protect their safety, uphold their dignity and ensure they are fully represented in the media industry. A free media cannot exist without women journalists,” said FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman.
A major step forward in the fight against gender-based violence was the adoption of the African Union (AU) Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls by the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union. This is the first comprehensive continental instrument addressing violence against women and girls and its implementation is a critical step in holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring legal protections for women across Africa, including women in the media. FAJ urges all African governments to swiftly and fully domesticate and enforce this convention to ensure that women journalists are protected both in their workplaces and in the field.
The domestication of ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work is equally crucial in making newsrooms and media organizations safe spaces free from harassment and violence. Journalist unions must fully advocate for the effective domestication of this convention and media houses must implement strict policies against sexual harassment, establish independent reporting mechanisms and enforce accountability measures against offenders. Ending impunity for workplace violence and harassment is essential to fostering an environment where women journalists can work with dignity and without fear of reprisal.
The role of the media in addressing gender inequality goes beyond ensuring safe workplaces. The narratives that journalists produce shape public perceptions of women’s rights, gender-based violence and social justice. However, mainstream media continues to under-represent women’s voices in news coverage and decision-making roles. Gender biases in reporting, the lack of women in editorial leadership and the failure to prioritize gender-sensitive journalism contribute to the reinforcement of stereotypes and the marginalization of women’s issues. It is imperative that media organizations actively work to dismantle these biases and amplify women’s voices in the news agenda.
The fight for gender equality and equity in the media is not just about journalism – it is part of a broader demand for gender justice across Africa. Those who perpetuate this injustice must be held accountable and all institutions must act decisively to end discrimination and exclusion. FAJ is committed to mobilizing the media to ensure that violence against women and girls, much of which goes unreported or ignored by authorities, is brought to light and tackled. The media has a responsibility to expose these injustices, provide survivors with a platform to be heard and push for justice. Journalists and media organizations must lead the fight for accountability, ensuring that these issues remain a priority in public discourse.
On International Women’s Day, FAJ reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the rights, safety and empowerment of women journalists across Africa. Their protection is not just a media issue – it is a human rights imperative. A truly free and independent media cannot exist while women journalists continue to face discrimination, harassment and violence. Every newsroom, media organization and government must take responsibility for ensuring that women in the profession are protected, respected and given equal opportunities to excel and attain positions of leadership in their careers.
Source: IFJ
Photo Credit: MFWA