Gender-based violence is not part of the job, but unfortunately for women journalists, it is. The abuse they face online and in real life is inescapable and omnipresent. The culprits are numerous and in most cases act with impunity. They vary from high-profile politicians, government officials, government non-affiliated agents who act as sources, male employers and colleagues to list a few. Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Coalition For Women In Journalism calls on the international community to recognize the sexist and misogynistic violence against women journalists and take urgent action in ensuring their safety.

The CFWIJ joins in on the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence annual campaign led by civil society and supported by the United Nations. This year's campaign theme “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls” calls for immediate attention to gender-based violence which persists in being the most prevalent human rights violation globally. 

Analogous to the phenomenon of violence against women and girls, the campaign aims to highlight crimes against women journalists, urges the safety of women journalists and cooperates with various partners in identifying and implementing solid practices in countering attacks against women journalists.