January 11, 2021- Several women journalists face sexual harassment by protestors while covering the farmers’ demonstrations across India. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) condemns these malicious attacks against journalists and demands Indian authorities to safeguard the media. We are deeply concerned about gender-based violations across the country.
According to Swarajya, editor of India Today, Preeti Choudhry alleged that several women were sexually harassed by the farmers. Preeti said that her team reported various incidents of harassment against women journalists covering the ongoing demonstrations. She wrote on her Twitter account, “Our farmers have already etched themselves in world history..but they would be doing themselves the biggest disfavour by letting a sizeable chunk of depraves to sexually harass reporters..our own team has enough incidents to report ..those in solidarity need to call this out too!” She also urged the farmers’ representatives to distance themselves from the perpetrators.

In her subsequent Tweets, Preeti reiterated that people should refrain from counter accusations that could complicate the issue. Preeti commented on how hard it is to tell who molested you when in a crowd.

CFWIJ documented several cases of attacks against women journalists covering the farmers’ protests on the ground. Many women reporters are vulnerable to online trolling campaigns that target journalists covering the unrest in India. We find these cases of attacks and harassment as threats to press freedom. We continue to support female journalists reporting on the demonstrations throughout India.

Journalists reporting the ongoing protests are not only disseminating information about a historic event in India but also giving a voice to a part of the country that makes up 70% of the workforce. India has already recorded an increase in the number of harassment cases since the pandemic hit the country. According to a report by Reporters Without Borders, 15 cases of intimidation and harassment were reported in only one month. Considering the hostile environment for journalists in the country, the Press Freedom Index rates India 142nd  out 180 countries.

In 2020, The Coalition For Women In Journalism has documented at least 33 cases in India. While at least seven women journalists were attacked or impeded in the field, three were subjected to sexual harassment last year. We are closely monitoring the ongoing protests in India with great concern. Many women journalists continue to face relentless attacks and harassment on the ground. Journalists should be able to work in a safe environment, free from harmful interference. We urge Indian authorities to ensure journalists’ safety throughout their coverage of the protests.