Over 150 journalists gathered in Chile to discuss democracy and a profession free from violence

With the cold climate of the southern city of Punta Arenas (Chile) as the backdrop, around 150 journalists and writers from various countries participated in the 25th World Congress of Women Journalists and Writers (AMMPE), supported by UNESCO. Over the course of the five-day event, key issues such as democracy, artificial intelligence (AI), and the growing problem of digital violence against women were discussed.

The congress offered panels and presentations focused on the challenges that women journalists face in practising their profession safely, freely, and under fair conditions. During the opening session, Rosa Montero, the renowned Spanish writer and journalist for El País, warned of the crisis facing democracies and the risks for journalism posed by the resurgence of extremism.

Experts in technology and misinformation also shared their perspectives. Sandra González-Bailón, a sociologist from the University of Pennsylvania, highlighted how the excess of information can act as a form of censorship by making it difficult to access relevant content. She also emphasised the lack of transparency in digital platforms. Meanwhile, Argentine academic Carlos Scolari underscored the importance of understanding the biases of AI and promoting its ethical and transparent use within journalism.

Online violence

Between 2021 and 2022, the number of women journalists murdered almost doubled, rising from 6% to 11% of the total victims. Moreover, online violence against them has increased alarmingly, manifesting in defamation, misinformation, cyberbullying, and hate speech. A UNESCO study, which surveyed 900 journalists from 125 countries, revealed that at least 73% of women journalists have been victims of such attacks.

Sergio Pinto, from UNESCO's Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, delved into the challenges that online violence poses for women journalists. According to this study, 25% of respondents had received threats of physical or sexual violence, leading many to self-censor out of fear of reprisals, thus impacting press freedom and weakening the foundations of democracy.

Esther Kuisch Laroche, director of UNESCO's regional office, expressed her concern, stating that "protecting women journalists is not just a matter of individual rights, but of ensuring diversity and plurality of voices in our societies. It is essential that we continue working collectively to create a safe environment, both physical and digital, that allows women journalists to do their work without fear or reprisals."

At the close of the event, the organisation issued a document urging joint global action to create a more equitable environment for women in journalism and writing. It also raised the alarm about the use of fake news to weaken societies and the risks posed by the misuse of artificial intelligence in journalism.