A Maharat Foundation report examines the rise in targeted online attacks against women field reporters, how they navigate these threats, and the urgent need for legal and policy reforms.
This statement was originally published on maharatfoundation.org on 8 March 2025.
Women journalists play a critical role in covering political and field conflicts, often working on the frontlines despite facing significant risks, including targeted violence, harassment, and cyber-attacks. This report, prepared by Maharat Foundation, with the support of UN Women – Lebanon and the French Embassy in Beirut, examines the escalating patterns of digital violence against women field reporters covering the war on Lebanon. It highlights the challenges they face, the impact of online attacks, and the gaps in protection mechanisms.
Based on a survey of 21 women field reporters and documented cases of Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWP) by Maharat, this report provides an in-depth analysis of how cyber violence affects the physical and mental well-being, as well as the professional work, of women journalists. It identifies various forms of digital attacks, including treason campaigns and incitement to murder, which fuel a culture of fear and self-censorship.
The report examines how women field reporters navigate these threats, the strategies they employ to mitigate harm, and the existing gaps in the Lebanese legal framework. It also reviews international frameworks and best practices for addressing cyber violence against women in public life, drawing from global and regional experiences to propose actionable solutions that balance freedom of expression with the need to protect women from gender-based violence.
Finally, this report calls for urgent action to combat cyber violence against women journalists in Lebanon. Addressing this issue requires stronger international cooperation, legal reforms, and the effective enforcement of existing laws. Civil society must play a key role in raising awareness, providing training, and establishing support networks, while judicial bodies must be equipped with resources and training to handle cases effectively. Digital platforms must also strengthen protective measures and collaborate with civil society.
By implementing these recommendations, Lebanon can create a safer digital space, protect women journalists, and uphold freedom of expression.
Read the full report: PUBLIC POLICIES SUPPORTING WOMEN’S RIGHT TO PROTECTION FROM CYBER VIOLENCE – THE CASE OF WOMEN FIELD JOURNALISTS
