The rise in violence against female journalists puts women’s participation in the media at risk

A recent global study prepared by researchers from the Information Integrity Initiative (III) in cooperation with UNESCO and within the UN Women “ACT to End Violence against Women and Girls” program revealed a noticeable increase in digital violence against female journalists, as this violence is gradually extending to the real world.

The findings came in a new report titled: “The Tipping Point: The Alarming Rise of Violence Against Women in the Public Sphere in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”

The data showed that:

75% of female journalists have been exposed to online violence while doing their work, compared to 73% in 2020.

42% of female journalists linked digital attacks to exposure to harassment or physical assault, nearly double the percentage recorded in 2020 (20%).

About 24% of all participants, including journalists and human rights defenders, were exposed to digital violence using artificial intelligence technologies, while the percentage among female journalists and media employees was 19%.

Tawfiq Jalassi, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO, stressed that digital violence has become a major threat to the safety of female journalists and freedom of expression. While Professor Julie Posetti, Director of the Information Integrity Initiative, stressed that impunity for online violence reinforces real-life crimes against women journalists.

UNESCO noted that digital violence hinders women’s participation in journalism and democratic life, and reduces the diversity of newsrooms, which limits public access to information. Therefore, the organization works on several axes, including:

Promoting human rights-based governance of digital platforms and artificial intelligence technologies.

Supporting gender-sensitive safety protocols in newsrooms, and providing specialized psychological support.

Cooperating with governments to strengthen national protection mechanisms for female journalists.

Promote media and information awareness, including a practical guide to analyzing the risks of bias and discrimination in AI technologies.

The 2025 study confirms the escalation of risks facing female journalists compared to 2020, forming an important database that supports international and national policies and programs to protect women in the field of media.