Thabisile Gumede
12 August 2025
A recent Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) study revealed that 33% of women journalists in South Africa face gendered and sexualised online abuse. The report, “Exposing the Silent Threat: Online Abuse Against Journalists in South Africa,” highlights the growing problem of cyberbullying targeting female journalists and evaluates media houses’ responses.
Using surveys, interviews, and desk research, the study found that covering politics, investigative journalism, and corruption increases the risk of cyber-attacks. Globally, 73% of female journalists report harassment, leading to depression, anxiety, and widespread self-censorship – 40% admit to self-censoring to avoid abuse, which harms media diversity.
Media organisations largely fail to support women adequately, with only 11% effectively intervening in harassment cases. Psychological support is scarce, and harassment is often normalised, resulting in underreporting. Weak laws and limited social media accountability worsen the situation.
At a Safeguarding Female Journalists Workshop in Durban on 11 August, hosted by MDDA and GIZ, journalists helped validate a framework aimed at improving safety, dignity, and working conditions for women in media.
Key recommendations include developing peer support networks, accessible mental health resources, survivor-centred approaches, safe reporting tools, and inclusive editorial and hiring practices. The study emphasises urgent action to protect women journalists, safeguard their mental health, and uphold democratic values.
