Summary

The report elaborates on an acknowledgement by the General Assembly in resolution 70/162 of the specific risks faced by women journalists in the exercise of their work and the importance of taking a gender-sensitive approach when considering measures to address the safety of journalists.

The report first describes the current situation pertaining to women journalists. It then sets out the applicable international law and provides an account of initiatives undertaken by relevant actors to address the safety of women journalists. Finally, the report suggests some ways for strengthening the safety of women journalists through a gender-sensitive approach.

The report highlights the urgent need for systematic monitoring of violations against journalists; the collection of concrete data that are disaggregated by, among other factors, gender, and their analysis; the need for clear political will to address the issue; legislative and policy development and implementation; and accountability.