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March 13, 2025 – Ukraine –
Ukraine’s Women in Media initiative has launched an interactive map that visualizes online attacks targeting women journalists, offering a powerful tool to raise awareness and document the digital harassment faced by female media professionals. Developed with support from the Institute of Mass Information (IMI), this digital platform allows users to see where, how, and how often female journalists in Ukraine are subjected to cyber threats and abuse.
The interactive map covers incidents reported from 2021 to 2024, detailing 130 verified cases of online harassment across the country. Each dot on the map represents an individual case, including details such as the type of attack (threats, doxxing, sexualized content, disinformation, etc.), the location, and whether the victim reported it to authorities. This transparency allows researchers, civil society, and policymakers to understand the scale and patterns of digital violence against women in journalism.
The project was born out of a growing recognition that women in media face a disproportionate amount of online hostility, often gendered in nature. According to IMI, nearly 80% of women journalists surveyed in Ukraine have experienced online abuse, with many reporting threats of physical harm, smear campaigns, and psychological pressure. These attacks are often linked to their professional activities—particularly when covering politics, corruption, or war.
The map is part of a broader effort by the Women in Media network to build solidarity, support, and resilience among female journalists. In a media environment already under immense strain due to the Russian invasion, these journalists face both physical and virtual threats. The platform encourages those affected to come forward and share their experiences, helping to break the culture of silence and impunity that often surrounds digital abuse.
By making these attacks visible, the interactive map not only fosters accountability but also strengthens advocacy efforts aimed at improving legal protections and workplace policies for women journalists. It represents a critical step toward safer, more inclusive journalism in Ukraine and beyond.
Reference –
Ukraine’s Women in Media: Networking against a war on all fronts
