PODGORICA, August 12th, 2021 – Female journalists, even though they usually carry most of the work on their backs, today face serious challenges and need special protection.
In Montenegro, female journalists are often targets of attacks, even during their regular working duties. Last time this was a case when journalist Jelena Jovanovic has been hit in the head during the protests in Niksic. Over the past year, we have witnessed numerous internet harassments and threats against female journalists, but also one arrest for allegedly causing riots and panic. The lawsuits were later dismissed, but journalist Andjela Djikanovic was remembered by almost cinematic scenes of her arrest.
The unsolved case of attempted murder of journalist Olivera Lakic still remains a burden to the country’s further integration into the EU.
Unfortunately, there are no special measures for protecting women in journalism adopted nor by authorities or by media outlets.
On the other hand, research shows that women are more often employed in the media sector than men.
According to International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) statistics, almost 65% of women media workers have experienced intimidation, threats or abuse in relation to their work. This is a threat to freedom of expression and media freedom.
Female journalists, besides being targets of harassment and attacks, face psychological pressure and are often job burnout victims.
This is the reason why international journalists’ organizations put their protection at the heart of their work.
„The violence and harassment faced by women journalists across the world. IFJ statistics demonstrate that at least 1 in every 2 journalists have suffered sexual harassment, psychological abuse, online trolling and other forms of human rights abuses“, show data of the IFJ.
They also emphasize the gender pay gap, which is a reality in every continent, and which not only affects women throughout their working lives but in retirement too.
„The increasingly precarious working conditions faced by women journalists, especially those forced to work without contracts, with a lack of social protections, pensions, paid holidays and other social benefits. The discrimination, including political, legal, cultural, racial and social factors faced by women journalists in their careers and communities, which impoverish them“, IFJ states.
That organization is committed to a fair gender portrayal in the news.
„Based on our commitment to ethical journalism, we fight against discrimination and help support positive quality journalism by publishing reporting guidelines and promoting best practices“.