Full Breakdown
UN Women Report Highlights Surge in Online Violence Against Female Journalists
5/4/2026, 3:26:28 AM
UN Women Report Highlights Surge in Online Violence Against Female Journalists
A UN Women report in 2025 quantifies a rise in online violence targeting women. The study surveyed 641 female journalists in 119 countries, defining online violence as an act using digital tools that may cause physical, sexual, psychological, social, political, or economic harm.
Harassment Trends in Canada and Globally
Harassment against women journalists and journalists of colour is documented. Canada ranked 20th of 180 nations in 2026 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, a decline from prior year. 2022 International Center for Journalists survey found nearly three-quarters of women respondents experienced online violence in their work. Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) and Canadian Journalism Forum on Violence and Trauma reported harassment, prompting journalists to leave.
Key Figures: Rachel Gilmore and Brent Jolly
Journalist Rachel Gilmore, formerly of CTV and Global News, is highlighted. She now runs Bubble Pop and has detailed threats, including death, rape, sexual deepfakes, and location-revealing posts. Brent Jolly, president of CAJ, stresses the need for systematic documentation and policy reform.
Data Snapshot: Reporting, Mental Health, and Self-Censorship
22 % of respondents reported incidents to police, a rate that has doubled since 2020. 25 % indicated treatment for anxiety or depression linked to online harassment. Nearly 50 % self-censor on social media, up from 30 % in 2020; 22 % self-censor at work. Survey methodology limits generalizability to public.
Official Statements & Institutional Responses
UN Women’s definition frames issue as a violation of safety and human rights. The CAJ calls for enhanced documentation, workplace safety plans, and collective-agreement remedies, noting such measures exclude freelance and independent journalists. Law-enforcement agencies have been urged to investigate telecommunications-based harassment proactively.
Criticism: Inadequate Protections for Freelancers
Gilmore reports that employers and authorities advise journalists to reduce their online presence when targeted, a practice she calls “doubly punishing” victims. This guidance conflicts with need to maintain a digital footprint, for independent reporters lacking institutional support.
Conflicting Findings and Gaps
UN Women study notes its sampling approach prevents extrapolation to general population. While police reporting has risen, effectiveness of law-enforcement response remains unclear, as Gilmore’s experience of repeated threats shows.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I went to the police so many times. I sent them so much documentation, so many threats over the years,” — Rachel Gilmore, Independent Journalist
- “I don't know any woman in Canada, in journalism or in public service, who is not regularly harassed,” — Brent Jolly, National President, CAJ
- “It's not going to stop me," she said.” — Rachel Gilmore, Journalist
What’s Next
Stakeholders call for legislative updates to address harassment, police training on online threats, and safety protocols for freelancers. Monitoring by UN Women and journalist associations will track impact on online violence.
