“The more women you have out there covering stories, the more stories get told”.
This year has seen more journalists in Kenya get arrested, many related to posts on social media touching on corruption, land and security – which are Kenya’s three hottest and most controversial topics.
According to a recent report by Reporters Without Borders, 2016 World Press Freedom Index ranks Kenya 95 out of 180 countries. It says that freedom of information in the country has “declined dramatically” since 2013, when the government appointed a press watchdog body called the Media Council with the power to withdraw press accreditation and impose huge fines on journalists and media outlets.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day focuses on three different aspects of press freedom:
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Freedom of information as a fundamental freedom and as a human right
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Protecting press freedom from censorship and surveillance overreach
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Ensuring safety for journalism online and offline
For women journalists, violence and intimidation don’t just happen in conflict zones, they are every day experiences.
The gender-based online harassment, sexual violence and physical assault experienced by women journalists have a huge impact on press freedom.
Many women journalists have found themselves in the hands of assault, either being assaulted sexually, physically or emotionally.
2014 saw one very famous local TV reporter’s dreadlocks cut while in line of duty. The high demand for dreadlocks was breeding a new type of thief in Nairobi where thugs were shaving off people. Another female journalist was almost sexually assaulted just before being rescued by passersby.
It is really hectic for women in media, who some men crave for, when they see them on TV. From stalking to peddling malicious rumors about their love lives to all manner of hate, you name them.
In 2012, after reporting on the dangers of female genital mutilation, Liberian journalist Mae Azongo received death threats including that she will be caught and cut if she does not “shut up.” She was forced to go into hiding with her nine-year-old daughter.
Thanks to institutions like The Women’s Institute for Freedom of the Press (WIFP) which is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, research, education, and publishing organization. It was founded in 1972 to increase communication among women and reach the public with their experience, perspectives, and opinions. WIFP operates as a national and international network of associates: media women and media-concerned women, as well a few interested men.
Kenya has come a long way in media freedom but the situation is likely to worsen as the country nears the 2017 general elections.
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