[hrpc] Fwd: [apc.members] Report on Gender-Based Digital Violence Against Journalists in Paraguay

[Mallory Knodel <[e-mail]>]

Relevant to the IPVC draft in problem statement. -M

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Maricarmen Sequera via APC.members" <[e-mail]>
> Date: 3 November 2023 at 13:19:50 CET
> To: "Karel novotný via APC.members" <[e-mail]>
> Subject: [apc.members] Report on Gender-Based Digital Violence Against Journalists in Paraguay
> Reply-To: Maricarmen Sequera <[e-mail]>, APC Members <[e-mail]>
> 
> 
> Hello APC members,
> 
> I hope this message finds you well. We would like to share with you a highly relevant report that has emerged as a result of our project, which focuses on addressing Crimes Against Journalists and, in particular, gender-based digital violence. In this digital age, we have witnessed a transformation in how we connect, communicate, and access information. However, we have also seen the emergence of new challenges and threats, particularly gender-based digital violence.
> 
> As part of the CAOV project, TEDIC has conducted an exploratory investigation into digital violence targeting female journalists in Paraguay. Our main goal has been to document, illustrate, and raise awareness about the impact of this violence and to identify the types of perpetrators, which are distinct from other groups of women.
> 
> Female journalists face daily gender-based digital violence with significant personal and professional consequences. This is because the dynamics of political and journalistic debates have been transformed by the internet and social media. In this context, Maricarmen Sequera and Jazmín Acuña, identified the need to lead this research, which encompasses the state of the art, historical analysis, and the definition of various aspects related to this issue. We also seek to contribute to the recognition and addressing of gender inequality in this field and promote a public discourse enriched by all perspectives, including in the virtual environment.
> 
> The main objective of the research was to assess whether the participants had experienced gender-related digital violence in the journalistic environment, challenging the mistaken notion that gender-based violence is limited to physical contexts and demonstrating how it manifests in the digital world. Through surveys, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups, we characterized online violence against journalists in Paraguay. More than 100 media professionals provided valuable insights that enriched the report with their experiences.
> 
> Some of the key findings include:
> 
> In Paraguay, female journalists face 12 specific forms of digital violence, ranging from harassment, threats, to defamation and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, according to TEDIC's classification of gender-based digital violence in collaboration with several organizations, from a Global South perspective.
> 
> Coverage of sensitive topics, the practice of critical journalism, and the gender of journalists are triggers for this type of violence.
> 
> Female journalists are disproportionately targeted regarding their image and intellectual capacity compared to their male counterparts.
> 
> Out of the 239 identified perpetrators, the majority originate from journalistic sources, followed by anonymous attackers, trolls, anti-rights groups, and, to a lesser extent, state authorities and internet intermediaries, a situation that may vary depending on the specific target population studied.
> 
> This research recognizes the critical role of female journalists as defenders of freedom of expression and emphasizes the need to address the digital violence that affects them and promote digital security training. It also underscores the responsibility of media outlets and other key actors in preventing digital violence. Finally, it highlights the need for protection measures and public awareness about these issues, as well as the importance of online platforms taking responsibility in the fight against digital violence.
> 
> This report is an important step toward understanding and taking action in relation to gender-based digital violence in journalism in Paraguay. We hope that this knowledge will drive initiatives to effectively address these issues.
> 
> We have attached the complete report for your review. If you wish to discuss it or collaborate on future related actions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Link: https://www.tedic.org/en/digital-gender-based-violence-against-journalists-in-paraguay/
> 
> Link2: https://www.tedic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Violencia-Genero-Periodistas-TEDIC-2023-ENG-web-1.pdf
> 
> Link3 Spanish: https://www.tedic.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Violencia-Genero-Periodistas-TEDIC-2023-web-2.pdf
> 
> -- 
> Maricarmen Sequera
> Co-Directora
> ONG TEDIC
> Tecnología, Investigación y Comunidad
> Asunción - Paraguay
> 
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