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Despite the dangers, women journalists continue their mission

2024-03-24 17:01:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Attacks and threats against the media are increasing worldwide. Experts say that women journalists are more vulnerable to harassment. Despite the dangers, many journalists refuse to remain silent and continue to report.

Strengthening the voices of women around the world, First Lady Jill Biden salutes the 2024 Women of Courage Award winners.

One of them is Ugandan journalist and lawyer, Agather Atuhaire. Recognized as a credible voice for justice and social responsibility, this journalist's work has helped bring about change.

But at a price. Reporting on powerful people makes you vulnerable to threats, she says.

"I was a careless person. I never thought to look behind my back or check what I was eating. But, this has been the life I've led for more or less the last three years. Every day, a new enemy".

Despite the risks, journalist Atuhaire says she will continue to speak out.

“You know what's the worst thing that can happen to you if you talk? You might die, but you might have inspired someone else to speak up," she adds.

Journalists, especially women, are increasingly being targeted, media analysts say.

"And we see this happening more to women than to men. In addition, what we are seeing nowadays is that women are becoming targets for fake news and disinformation campaigns", says media analyst Elisa Lees Muñoz.

In countries like Afghanistan, women's voices are being weakened. The return of the Taliban led to widespread exclusion of women from the media, restrictions on their rights to travel and strict dress codes that make working difficult.

"We are seeing that they are in a basic inability to be part of the news industry. That's why we can't hear their voice. Although, there are of course extremely ladylike women who are daring to report from these countries and for us to get to know the events they bring", says Elisa Lees Muñoz, media analyst.

Journalists who are able to report say their work has a strong impact.

"I felt that this was the opportunity to influence the world in a meaningful way and to do so through a touching combination, thanks to the emotion that is conveyed through the photograph, but also the thought of what the photograph embodies", says photojournalist Corinne Dufka.

Photojournalist Dufka has covered conflicts and civil wars. Throughout her career, she has been one of the few women covering such events.

"I wanted to enrich the historical chronicles of conflicts, I have covered some events that have been little covered and continue to be unreported or have little coverage in the media, but also to contribute to the role of women in this gender (genre) of journalism, as photo reporting", she emphasizes.

At a time when studies show that female journalists are the target of threats and harassment, defenders of their rights want to fill this gap. Their main goal, more women in newsrooms, better protection and support for them./ VOA