Female journalists almost six times more likely to face abuse than men, study says

A stark new study highlights the pervasive and deeply concerning issue of harassment within media workplaces, revealing that women journalists are disproportionately targeted. The findings, which paint a grim picture of the challenges faced by female professionals, underscore a systemic problem that demands urgent attention.

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Female journalists almost six times more likely than men to face abuse.

The research, conducted across 21 countries and involving over 2,800 media professionals, indicates that women experience significantly more verbal and online harassment than men. The statistics are particularly alarming in certain regions, such as Bangladesh, where female journalists are nearly six times more likely to face abuse. This disparity points to specific cultural or workplace dynamics that exacerbate the problem for women in these areas.

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Sixty percent of women reported verbal harassment compared with 9 percent of men, while 48 percent faced online harassment versus 15 percent of men.

Compounding the issue is the high rate of underreporting. Many women remain silent about their experiences due to legitimate fears of negative career consequences, such as stalled promotions or even job loss. Furthermore, even when incidents are reported, the study suggests that employers are often slow or ineffective in addressing the complaints, leaving survivors feeling unsupported and unprotected.

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Most survivors in Bangladesh did not report incidents, citing fears of career repercussions.

From the perspective of the Daily Star in Bangladesh, this study serves as a critical wake-up call. While the global figures are troubling, the specific data for Bangladesh underscores the urgent need for improved safety protocols and a cultural shift within the country's media industry. The article implicitly calls for greater accountability from media organizations and a more robust support system for female journalists who bravely continue their work in the face of such adversity. The findings challenge the notion of journalism as a safe profession for all, demanding a re-evaluation of workplace governance and journalistic integrity.

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Sexual harassment in media is not an isolated workplace issue, it is a structural barrier that shapes who feels safe to participate, stay, and lead within journalism.