Women Journalists writing for justice

Photo: UNIC Islamabad

Women journalists in Asia and the Pacific are playing an important role in challenging gender stereotypes and reporting on where injustices lie in societies. They are often the first to uncover stories of discrimination, inequality and exclusion. They ensure that a multiplicity of voices are represented, reaching those most marginalized by society, and holding those we trust with justice accountable.

Women Journalist Journal

The Women Journalist Journal tells the personal stories of ten women journalists from across the Asia and Pacific region. Their stories reflect what it means to be a woman journalist in the region today, what it is like reporting on human rights and gender equality, documenting injustice, and using the power of their pen to amplify the voices of women and those most marginalized.

Delve into a virtual journal which showcases the extracts from women journalists' in-depth insights on gender justice in Asia and the Pacific

Protecting the rights of journalists

The UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity aims to create a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers, both in conflict and non-conflict situations, with a view to strengthening peace, democracy and development worldwide. Its measures include: the establishment of a coordinated inter-agency mechanism to handle issues related to the safety of journalists; assisting countries to develop legislation and mechanisms favourable to freedom of expression and information; and supporting their efforts to implement existing international rules and principles. Read more

UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (1999): The UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders provides a legal framework that “seeks to protect the monitoring and advocacy functions of journalists and media workers by recognizing in its article 6 their right to obtain and disseminate information relevant to the enjoyment of human rights.
UN Security Council Resolution 1738 (2006): The UN Security Council Resolution 1738 (2006) condemns attacks against journalists in conflict situations, emphasizing “the responsibility of States in that regard, as well as their obligation to end impunity and to prosecute those responsible for serious violations.”

“Journalists and human rights defenders play an indispensable role in our societies, and when they are silenced, we all suffer”

—Michelle Bachelet,UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Women journalists are raising awareness about human rights frameworks

Through the reporting of women journalists from across Asia and the Pacific, they are contributing to awareness raising on women’s rights and on the gap between substantive articles of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and women’s meaningful access to justice.

The following articles have been authored by women journalists participating in the course titled ‘Protection, Safety, and Gender in Journalism in Asia’, developed by UN Women in collaboration with OHCHR and partnership with UNESCO. The articles explore the practical application of CEDAW Article 16 in countries across the Asia-Pacific region and offer insightful perspectives from women journalists working in the region.

Illustration: UN Women/Jenny Leonard

While reporting from different countries in the region, women journalists from Asia and the Pacific are witnessing and writing about similar issues in the justice chain. To overcome barriers posed by an overburdened and outdated system, women journalists are committed to using the power of the pen to support a justice-sector reform that ensures justice for all. Read more

Learn more about the 'Enhancing Access to Justice for Women in Asia and the Pacific' Regional Programme