COPENHAGEN, 12 August 2021 – Special Representative on Gender Issues Hedy Fry (Canada) issued the 2021 Report today with a thematic focus on “Violence against women journalists and politicians: a growing crisis,” shedding light on intensifying and widespread offline and online violence against women in two public fields – journalism and politics.

The report, divided into two parts, explores the impact of such violence and its implications on the fields of journalism and politics, as well as democracy as a whole – outlining that the negative effect goes well beyond physical and mental health challenges. It examines the existing barriers to effective responses and possible ways forward that could be implemented to address this growing issue. Lastly, the report provides information on the dynamics of gender balance in the OSCE structures and its field offices.

In the conclusion of the report, Fry highlights that “the OSCE PA and its participating States must celebrate the strength and resilience of women journalists and politicians, and at the same time, step up its efforts to support and protect these women. As parliamentarians, we must lead such efforts and examine what actions our parliaments can take to address the growing crisis of violence against women journalists and politicians.”

Based on the findings of the report, she also issued “An Appeal to Act” addressed to the delegates of 57 OSCE PA participating States, including policymakers, to tackle the growing crisis of violence against women journalists and politicians in the OSCE region. This letter provides clear step-by-step recommendations to respond to this negative phenomenon, which endangers women, puts the wellbeing of societies and democracies at risk, and threatens to undermine progress toward gender equality.

In autumn 2021, the OSCE PA will host an online dialogue involving experts in the field to discuss the report’s findings, examine possible concerted actions to address this complex issue and share lessons learned among the OSCE parliamentarians.

To read the full version of Fry’s report on “Violence against women journalists and politicians: a growing crisis” and “An Appeal to Act”, please click here.