Browsing: Media Defence’s role in supporting women journalists

• In Kenya, a concerning 75.4% of women journalists have reported experiencing online harassment.
• Several sub-Saharan African countries have enacted national frameworks, such as the Cybercrimes Act to counter the menace.
• However, while legal frameworks provide avenues for recourse, more proactive measures are needed to combat online violence effectively.

In an era dominated by digital platforms and social media, the rise of disinformation and online harassment poses significant challenges for journalists across the globe.

According to Clarice Wambua, a lawyer at leading corporate and commercial law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) Kenya, this is especially true for women journalists in sub-Saharan Africa, who provide a vital service to society and must not be bullied into silence.

She notes that the pursuit of truth is of utmost importance, but women journalists in Africa often encounter difficult situations. Despite their valuable contributions to the field, they often face different types of harassment, which …