TRACKING SAFETY INDEX FOR WOMEN JOURNALISTS
Reports and numbers that tell us the story about the risks and attacks women journalists face around the world
The Coalition For Women In Journalism keeps a close watch on the threats faced by women journalists around the world. We actively document any form of targeting or attacks on women journalists that impact their ability to work. We gather information through our networks on the ground. Our data consists of cases that are publicly available as well as those that are shared with us privately in places where we are actively engaged. To request any details or report information about an incident, or violation press freedom in a region, email us at data@womeninjournalism.org. For press inquiries please email us at press@womeninjournalism.org.
Imprisoned Around The World
In 2021, at least 50 women journalists around the world are in prisons for their journalistic coverage. In 2019, that figure was 47. Iran is the country with the highest number of imprisoned women journalists, with 11 women journalists awaiting justice behind bars. China followed its lead by locking seven women journalists in prison.
Turkey is another country that relentlessly persecutes women journalists, with at least four journalists imprisoned across the country. Saudi Arabia incarcerated at least four women journalists, while Egypt had four in custody. Belarus, Vietnam and the Philippines jailed three women journalists, while Burundi, Myanmar and Cambodia have at least two women journalists behind bars. Laos, Russia, Guatemala, Palestine and Syria also have at least one journalist in prison. The country-specific breakdown below provides details about the journalists who remain imprisoned through 2021.
Read our statements and find details about cases here.
Killed in the field
Kate Mitchell, a BBC correspondent for BBC Media Action services in several countries passed away in a tragic death.
Rasha Abdullah al-Harazi and her unborn child were killed in a horrific car bombing in Aden this afternoon.
Four years ago today, on October 16, 2017, Malta’s renowned journalist Daphne Caruana Galiza was assassinated.
Lyra McKee, a 29-year-old writer and prominent investigative journalist, was shot on April 19, 2019, while covering a riot at the Creggan estate.
A reporter for Ariana News, Mina Khairi was murdered on Thursday evening in Kabul.
Reports: Threats Against Women Journalists
Throughout the month of November 2021, The Coalition For Women In Journalism documented 56 cases of violations against women journalists.
Country and Region Reports →
Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, women journalists in the country have found themselves navigating an extremely dangerous and uncertain landscape.
On International Human Rights Day, CFWIJ would like to highlight a group especially vulnerable to human rights violations around the world are non-male journalists.
Throughout the month of November 2021, The Coalition For Women In Journalism documented 56 cases of violations against women journalists.
CFWIJ calls on the international community to recognize that for women journalists, job hazards and gender-based violence often amount to the same thing.
