During sexual assault awareness month, CFWIJ shares the pain of women journalists who are survivors of sexual harassment and assault.

April 6, 2021 - Sexual assault affects men and women of every age, working in any profession. The Coalition For Women In Journalism has seen this toxic trend rising against women journalists in recent years. This April, we take the opportunity to discuss the dangerous prevalence and persistence of sexual assault. The intention is not just to highlight the incidents of sexual abuse, but to improve the laws and policies around the safety of women journalists. We wish to see a safe environment where women journalists benefit from equal opportunities without worrying about their safety. In recent months, CFWIJ has documented horrifying cases of sexual assault. We must appreciate the courage of these women journalists who, despite the social stereotypes, share their stories to help future generations of women in the profession. 

Throughout countries around the world, several women journalists are imprisoned. It is a disturbing pattern that jail authorities use abuse like sexual assault to torture women detainees. One example is Saudi women rights activist Loujain Al-Hathloul, who was released conditionally from prison and still faces trial. Loujain was arrested on charges of espionage and activism against the Kingdom in May 2018. The activist was reportedly subjected to sexual assault while in Saudi detention. Solafa Magdy, an Egyptian journalist, was sexually assaulted in jail. Prison authorities stripped her of her clothes and dragged her across the floor. She suffered heavy bleeding after one of the brutal assaults. She has been in jail since November 26, 2019.

A statement signed by over 150 French women sports journalists came to light on March 22. Women sports journalists banded together to denounce the sexist treatment they experience regularly and the fundamental change needed in sports journalism. The appeal was a unanimous effort by the women journalists to address workplace and online harassment. The same day the petition went public, a documentary was aired on French TV Canal+, sharing the stories of women sports journalists. These women reporters recounted the types of discrimination and harassment they face in the workplace. Sports journalist Melissa Reddy, a senior football correspondent, also shared disturbing details of a 2016 incident.  In the span of a few hours, her personal space was violated twice at Wembley stadium. The journalist tried to forget the incident, but Sarah Everard's murder resounded the need to speak out against assault.

Alanna Rizzo, a former Sportsnet LA correspondent, also opened up about her experience with the sexual harassment culture in sports journalism. Alana shared a few instances of how this toxic culture is pervasive in her profession. She shared how being with a player in a professional capacity often raises eyebrows. The journalist recalled how a player insisted she have dinner with him, even after being denied several times. Britt Ghiroli opened up about her encounter with sexual harassment. The journalist shared how she was once lured into a hotel room by a player in 2012. Britt arrived at the hotel to cover the story, but soon realized she was not invited in a professional capacity.  The room was lit with candles and the player made advances, trying to kiss her. She quickly left and later reported the incident. 

Five women journalists filed a legal complaint against Charter Communications for disregarding their work while considering Emmy Award nominations. Roma Torre, Kristen Shaughnessy, Jeanine Ramirez, Vivian Lee, and Amanda Farinacci shared that they were discriminated against based on age and gender. They also alleged that female employees are incessantly harassed and humiliated when they refuse sexual advances at work. In the same context, CFWIJ also recorded the case of Karin Garfin, a former NY1 senior producer. Karin filed a separate lawsuit accusing her former boss, Kevin Dugan, of pestering her with sexual remarks. Spectrum News NY1 is also managed by Charter Communications. Karin alleged that her former boss berated her work when she refused his unwelcome attention.

Victims can be reluctant to report revolting crimes like sexual assault for several reasons, like, fear of the perpetrator, consequences to their social life, or even the lack of substantive evidence. CFWIJ feels a responsibility to use our platform to amplify the voices of those women journalists. Laura Bill, a senior journalist at NCTA News, also narrated her story of the harrowing sexual abuse she suffered in the past. For Laura, it was difficult to divulge those details, still afraid that the assailants might recognize her. Harassers often take advantage of the fear they instill in their victims. We commend Laura for her courage and hope that she continues to thrive in her work.

In Albania, a female journalist was subjected to sexual harassment by the founder of Alpo RTV. The video indicated that Aristotel Petro behaved inappropriately with a female employee. Albanian Helsinki Committee also reported that many women journalists do not report sexual harassment cases for fear of being blacklisted from the industry. In Thailand, CFWIJ documented the harassment of women and nonbinary activists (WHRDs) who participated in the protest that started in February 2020. A report published in The Observatory, urging for the protection of human rights defenders, noted that WHRDs faced verbal abuse and sexual harassment in public and online spaces. Their activities were monitored to prevent them from participating in protests. 

The mentioned incidents reflect how sexual harassment and assault are used against women journalists and activists to intimidate them and silence their voices. The Coalition For Women In Journalism firmly believes that no woman journalist should tolerate harassment in their personal or professional life. Women journalists deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, whether by a boss, a colleague, a player, or anyone else she may interact with. We also recognize that the economic conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic have made it difficult for sexual assault survivors. To reveal your story knowing you could lose your job is not an easy step to take. CFWIJ stands with courageous women journalists and women everywhere. This April, we demand a strengthened global society that allows women journalists to pursue their passion without the fear of being targeted by sexual misconduct.