Campaign to protest murder of Gauri Lankesh

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BANGALORE, INDIA, September 5 – The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the brutal murder of our Indian colleague Gauri Lankesh.

Gauri was shot to death by three unidentified gunmen outside her home in Bangalore. She was killed while she was returning to her home after her day at work. At least eight bullets were fired at the journalist, of which three hit her in the head, neck and chest, killing her on the spot.

It is believed that two of the shooters had followed her from her office, while one was waiting for her outside her home. The stifling of Gauri’s voice is a stark glimpse into what journalists in India, are increasingly facing.

More emphasis is needed on the clues our Indian colleagues have found since Gauri’s murder, and more generally other incidents and threats that have followed. Journalists from India, the Unites States and other parts of the world will chime in to highlight the work conditions of women journalists and the under reported threats they face in India, and non-western countries.

The murder also highlights the grave threats women in journalism are facing, often without getting due attention. The industry seems detached from the diversity of issues faced by women in journalism, especially women of color.

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The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world, and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

Follow us on Instagram @womeninjournalism and Twitter @CFWIJ.

Our website is WomenInJournalism.org and we can be reached at press@womeninjournalism.org