Empowering Women Journalists in Brazil with Access to Legal Support

SOURCE: UNESCO

Journalists play a crucial role in providing fact-based information.

Journalists play a crucial role in providing fact-based information, shedding light on critical aspects of society, from electoral processes to emerging issues and public concerns. UNESCO's recent report "The Role of Law Enforcement Officials: Ensuring the Safety of Journalists during Public Demonstrations and Elections" highlights a worrying trend: an increase in violence against journalists, particularly during elections, with attacks on women making up 29% of cases.

During the 2022 elections in Brazil, local NGOs Sitawi and Tornavoz ("Give Voice") joined forces to provide critical legal defense for women journalists who cannot afford legal representation. This initiative has become a frontline defense against those attempting to silence these journalists, as Mayrla Frazão, a journalist awaiting a Supreme Court appeal ruling, mentioned.

"Tornavoz found us at an important moment in our history. Receiving not only financial support, but also guidance regarding the procedures gave me more clarity and made me feel more confident. We know that the challenge of being a journalist is even more difficult for women. Knowing that we are not alone and that we can count on Tornavoz's support at this moment strengthens local journalism", said Mayrla Frazão.

Tornavoz successfully defended four women journalists in five different lawsuits, including one journalist who was facing 15 individual lawsuits.

One notable case involved Sandra Venancio, who faces defamation charges for publishing information related to a local public authority who is accused of sexual harassment. Through the support of this project, her case achieved an unexpectedly positive resolution and the charges were dismissed within a few months.

"In dark times, when journalists are threatened and harassed, Tornavoz's support was essential to the lawsuit I faced. Without it, I would not have the financial means to defend myself and the right to practice my profession. In my career, I had never felt so fragilized, both as a journalist and as a woman. Fortunately, I found help from this NGO, which made me feel stronger to face such a difficult challenge," said journalist Sandra Venancio.

Since 2022, Sitawi, Tornavoz and UNESCO have been working together to improve media freedom and ensure that journalists have access to legal assistance and increased safety through the Global Media Defense Fund, in line with the UN Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

Este proyecto complementa el décimo aniversario de la Iniciativa de Jueces de la UNESCO, con la participación de 36 000 participantes de más de 160 países. Este programa ofrece capacitación integral y práctica a los actores judiciales sobre la libertad de expresión y los estándares internacionales correspondientes.0