NAIROBI, Kenya, June 8 — With the increased use of the digital space to drive conversations, many journalists are seizing the opportunity to share ideas and newsworthy pieces that would not make it to the mainstream media platforms.
The online space, however, poses more challenges than opportunities for journalists who face increased surveillance, and threats among other challenges which may tempt many to shun giving their opinions.
While most of these challenges are felt by all journalists, female scribes are more susceptible to them owing to the high scrutiny placed on them by the society based on their family setup, looks among others.
Capital FM spoke to several female journalists, the majority of whom noted they avoided sharing work information online for fear of ‘online bullies.” Many just opt to focus on personal and aesthetic aspects of their lives which attracts ‘good’ comments.
A popular news anchor at Nation Media Group’s NTV who sought anonymity said that she tries to minimize her exposure online, choosing to post or repost work-related information. According to her, too much exposure makes one susceptible to online trolls.
The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) Executive Director Judy Kaberia told Capital FM that the lobby group receives up to 15 cases per month of female journalists who have faced online bullies highlighting the gravity of the matter which she said has taken a toll on the mental health on many prominent female journalists.
Ranging from their physical appearance, family backgrounds, and marital status, Kaberia said these women get targeted anytime they share even serious information that would have been otherwise shared by their counterparts.
But in order to encourage women to utilize the online space and be part of important discourses, Kaberia highlighted 5 key tips on digital safety and protection management that women should adopt in the line of duty in order to stay at par with like-minded colleagues.
For abusive comments, Do not bite the hook!
- When you have been ambushed by an abusive comment, one will feel hyper-aroused and eager to strike back instantly. Do not do this. Press the pause button: take a few deep breaths first or, better still, come back to considering whether or not to respond to abusive comments, later
Threats
- Choose not to engage with the person, block them, mute them and report them to the platform. Explicit threats are serious. You need to lock down your physical location by relocating temporarily or by developing a home security plan. Be sure to report to the police and inform your employer and allies of the threats.
Online sexual abuse
- The first thing to do is report any form of online sexual violence to the platform on which it was received and document the abuse. You can also press charges against the abuser. Reaching out to others for support can go a long way in ensuring your mental health
Impersonation
- Ensure you make a statement on your real social media accounts alerting your online communities about the impersonation. Facebook and Twitter now allow one to ‘pin’ posts to the top of their profile. Ensure you do so for quite a long time. Be sure to report to your employer as well regarding the issue, especially if the offensive statement published by the imposter involves your work as a journalist
Trolling
- The best mitigating strategy that has worked for most victims of trolling is muting. This enables you to hide specific abusive content so that you do not have to see it. While at it, do not forget to report any annoying or offensive content to the platform where it appears, and to document all instances of trolling from repeat offenders. Take screenshots of the message, and timestamps, and ensure that the offender’s name is visible
Body shaming
- Remember that body positivity starts with you. Just keep at reminding yourself that you are more than just your body, and say no to body shaming. Over and above that, ensure you report and flag the message
These are just but a few of the tips which are included in the handbook launched by AMWIK in partnership with Deutsche Welle (DW) Akademie.
The two have also embarked on training programs aimed at empowering female journalists to fully utilize the digital space which without doubt, forms a key part of national conversations on unlimited topics.
“We are running a project where we have been teaching female journalists how to utilize the digital space and equipping them with surviving skills on how to remain safe online, we have also worked with different universities targeting among others, those who have been victims,” she remarked.
Besides, Kaberia has urged newsrooms and media organizations to adopt counter practices and media literacy programs that will enhance safe digital spaces and subsequently encourage journalists to own the digital space.
“Considering the internet is a challenge, it’s not easy to control what happens online but if we focus on activation of the Cybercrimes Act and more training of those involved in investigations as well as more checks by service providers such as Facebook and Twitter, we can tighten measures for those providing the services and increase awareness among the public,” Kaberia added.
