Women journalists across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia are facing an escalating wave of gender-based violence and intimidation. From relentless online abuse to targeted smear campaigns, the attacks are growing in frequency and ferocity—especially on social media. Investigative reporters, in particular, are bearing the brunt of this aggression, often enduring daily sexist insults, threats, and pressure meant to break their resolve and force them into silence. Though male journalists are also targeted, the nature of the abuse directed at women reveals a stark gendered dimension. They are attacked not only for the stories they pursue, but simply because they are women daring to speak out. Misogynistic slurs, character assassination, and threats of violence have become a routine part of their lives. In most cases, there are no effective measures in place to protect female journalists. Legal safeguards are inadequate, investigations are slow or non-existent, and the silence from authorities is deafening. Despite the risks, these women continue to report, investigate, and hold power to account. Read more here.
Source: OBCT