Module 3: Combatting Online Violence Against Women Journalists

The focus of this module:

• The prevalence and severe impacts of online violence against women journalists in SSA calls for concerted and wide-ranging efforts to protect them online and seek accountability for such harms.
• Litigation can be a particularly impactful way of doing so, but comes with particular requirements that warrant careful consideration, such as jurisdiction, standing, and admissibility.
• Alternatively, or in concert with litigation, supporters can consider law reform strategies as well as advocacy campaigns that can build public or targeted support for a particular issue or case.
• Finally, it is vital that journalists take practical steps to protect themselves online and to deal with online violence when it occurs to mitigate against the silencing effect of these attacks.