Italy: Women Press Freedom Decries Sexual Harassment of Journalists by Alleged Security Staff During Milan Pride
Incident occurred while journalists were covering press conference of Democratic Party’s Elly Schlein
Location: Italy, Milan
Date: June 30, 2024
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the sexual harassment experienced by journalists, including Chiara Daffini of Fanpage.it, during the 2024 Milan Pride parade. Daffini and three other journalists reported being harassed by an individual who appeared to be security personnel while covering the event. We stand in solidarity with Chiara Daffini and the three other brave journalists who have come forward. Sexual harassment and violence against journalists, especially during public events, are unacceptable and must be addressed with the utmost urgency. Women Press Freedom calls for a thorough investigation into these incidents to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences. We also urge event organizers to implement stricter safety measures and training for all personnel to protect journalists from harassment and assault.
Several journalists, including Fanpage.it’s Chiara Daffini, were sexually harassed during the 2024 Milan Pride parade by an individual who appeared to be a security personnel. The incidents occurred while journalists attempted to interview Democratic Party (PD) guest Elly Schlein.
"Just before 3 p.m., I approached the PD float on Via Vittor Pisani. A man asked if I was a journalist. When I confirmed, he guided me through a cordon of men surrounding the reporters waiting for Schlein," Daffini recounts. "I felt a strange pressure on my lower back. Despite the crowded conditions, I realized the man's body was consistently pressed against me."
Daffini attempted to use her bag as a shield, but the inappropriate contact continued. "When Schlein finished speaking, the man reached around and touched my intimate parts. I moved away, angry but unsure of what had happened," she said. Later, other journalists contacted her, sharing similar experiences.
The Milan PD secretary quickly expressed solidarity, ensuring that the man involved was not a party volunteer and distancing the incident from the Pride's spirit.
"In response to four journalists reporting sexual harassment by a non-PD man during Elly Schlein's press point, we condemn the act and express our deepest solidarity," stated PD Lombardy Secretary Silvia Roggiani and PD Milan Secretary Alessandro Capelli. "We will investigate this unacceptable and disgraceful incident and ensure the complaint is not ignored. We stand with those who report such violence and against all forms of gender violence and sexual harassment."
Women Press Freedom stands in firm solidarity with Chiara Daffini of Fanpage.it and the three other journalists who experienced sexual harassment while covering the Milan Pride 2024 parade. This abhorrent behavior not only violates the dignity and safety of the journalists involved but also undermines the principles of press freedom and the spirit of inclusivity that Pride represents. We call for a thorough investigation into these incidents and for measures to be implemented that will protect journalists from harassment and violence.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.