On World Press Freedom Day, IAWRT Philippines calls for a safe space for women media workers, and release of detained community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio
The International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Philippines is calling on fellow Filipino journalists, media workers, and communication researchers to stand together in solidarity as the country commemorates World Press Freedom Day today, May 3.
This year, UNESCO has recognized the role of freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights. While the rise of digital technologies has led to the expansion of independent media worldwide, the increase in attacks on media freedom and freedom of expression “impacts the realization of other rights.”
We ask for continuing collaboration among stakeholders to protect the rights and welfare of journalists–particularly women truth tellers who are also facing the gendered impacts of press freedom violations against them–as well as their newsrooms and the larger community fighting for genuine change.
Women journalists have been subjected to relentless attacks, particularly gendered disinformation and online harassment that attempt to discredit them and their critical reportage of issues affecting marginalized communities. Others have been charged with trumped up charges, including one of our colleagues, Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who continues to be detained for more than three years.
Frenchie Mae must be released, and trumped-up charges against other Filipino women journalists, including Nobel Peace prize awardee Maria Ressa, must be dropped.
IAWRT Philippines pushes for the media community to continue working towards providing a safe space for women journalists to be able to fulfill their role as truth tellers. Reports of gender-based attacks, including but not limited to sexual harassment in workplaces, must be documented and investigated, and perpetrators be held to account.
Our organization also reiterates that with the intensifying political and economic situation here and abroad, along with the erosion of trust in the media, the rights and welfare of women journalists, media workers, and communication researchers should all the more be upheld to continue its role in amplifying the truth and the voices of marginalized communities.
Rise, women journalists! Defend press freedom!
Reference:
Executive Board
International Association of Women in Radio and Television – Philippines
