Session on Cyberbullying and Online Blackmail Against Women Journalists

In the second session of the second day of the Third Yemeni Media Conference, the topic of “the Ongoing Challenges of Cyberbullying and Online Blackmail Against Women Journalists ” was discussed, along with insights into digital threats and the importance of professional safety for journalists in Yemen. The session was moderated by Haifa Al-Odaini from the Hodaj platform, where journalist Farah Qaed shared her painful personal experience dealing with online blackmail, explaining the motivations that gave her the strength to continue her work.

Farah stated, “I went through a bitter experience when personal photos were posted on a fake account that impersonated my name.” She added that she does not see this as the end of the road, emphasizing her pride in herself, her intellect, and her beauty, and that she will continue to resist the negative ideas that use blackmail to undermine women and their social standing. Farah’s story is an inspiration to other women, empowering them to learn from experiences that break the fear barrier and adopt effective ways to protect themselves.

In a related context, digital expert Eng. Noor Khaled presented a set of tools and tips to protect women journalists from cyberattacks, warning about the dangers of sharing personal information online and stressing the importance of caution when using technology and social media, as any mistake could lead to the leakage of sensitive information.

Additionally, trainer in community protection and family consultant Altaf Al-Ahdal discussed strategies to combat cyberbullying and blackmail, highlighting the importance of collective effort to create a positive impact in society. Altaf pointed out that societal barriers, driven by narrow perspectives and deep-rooted cultures, hinder women’s progress in the fields of journalism and media, requiring them to be smart and flexible in overcoming these challenges and creating a more supportive environment for women.

The session was rich with information and experiences that shed light on the challenges faced by women journalists and offered practical strategies to address them.

You can watch the full session via the following link