Iranian Journalists Face Increased Pressure Following Deadly Port Explosion
April 29, 2025
Ukrainian Journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna Tortured and Killed in Russian Captivity
April 29, 2025
April 29, 2025 – General –
At the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in March 2025, a pivotal event called “For ALL Women and Girls: The Beijing+30 Action Agenda” set the stage for a renewed commitment to advancing women’s rights globally. The event, hosted by UN Women, focused on addressing key challenges faced by women worldwide, including the alarming issues of safety, equality, and gender-based violence. One of the key advocates during this event was Sushmita S. Preetha, a prominent journalist from Bangladesh, who emphasized the critical need for better protection of women journalists.
Preetha, a senior reporter at The Daily Star in Dhaka, Bangladesh, has long been a vocal advocate for press freedom and women’s rights. During the event, she shed light on the increasing risks that women journalists face, especially those reporting in conflict zones or politically unstable regions. These journalists often face threats ranging from online harassment to physical violence, including intimidation and assault. Preetha’s contributions to the event focused on proposing concrete measures for both online and offline safety, as well as advocating for workplace environments that foster gender equality in the media sector.
The Beijing+30 Action Agenda, launched during the CSW69 event, outlines six key actions designed to accelerate progress toward achieving gender equality. These actions aim to address barriers that prevent women from accessing equal opportunities in all aspects of life, from the workplace to personal safety. Among the priorities, ensuring the protection of women journalists is central, as their work is often essential in holding powerful institutions accountable.
Preetha’s advocacy aligns directly with these action items, focusing on the empowerment of women in journalism through the provision of better safety protocols, stronger legal protections, and ensuring equal representation in media leadership. Her call to protect the rights of women journalists highlights the ongoing struggles for women in media worldwide. Preetha’s involvement at CSW69 reinforces the importance of collaborative efforts to address gender inequality, empowering women in journalism and ensuring their voices are not silenced.
Reference –
