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November 26, 2025 – Yemen –
The Yemeni Journalists Syndicate (YJS) — in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) — convened a solidarity meeting to support women journalists in Yemen confronting violence, incitement, and smear campaigns. The meeting aligned with the international campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender‑Based Violence.
The gathering was prompted by growing concern over threats aimed at female media professionals. Among the concerns was the situation of a television journalist from Aljomhouriya TV, Ahad Yaseen, who has become the target of coordinated attacks by influential religious and political figures. Her coverage has been met with public campaigns accusing her of undermining moral values because of her dress — a tactic reportedly aimed at undermining her credibility rather than contesting her reporting.
YJS General Secretary Mohammed Shabita condemned efforts to silence female journalists through incitement at mosques, social media smear campaigns, and political forums, warning that these attacks exploit cultural and religious norms to stigmatize women in media.
Speaking on behalf of IFJ, Maria Angeles Sampiero, Chair of the IFJ Gender Council, reaffirmed global solidarity with Yemeni women in journalism. She praised their resilience in continuing to report despite intimidation and harassment.
The IFJ’s regional director for the Arab world, Monir Zarour, emphasized that women journalists across Yemen and the broader region face systemic obstacles rooted in entrenched social and political resistance to women’s public participation. He underlined the necessity of concrete tools to protect female media workers amid rising backlash against their visibility and voice.
During the meeting, several women journalists shared firsthand accounts of harassment, intimidation, and community ostracism. Their testimonies illustrated how threats are not only professional but deeply personal — targeting their dignity, reputation, and safety rather than critiquing their journalism.
In response, YJS and IFJ announced plans to launch a formal complaint mechanism in December 2025. This mechanism aims to provide legal and institutional support to women journalists facing gender-based violence and harassment — a step advocates hope will strengthen protection, promote accountability, and reinforce media freedom amid ongoing threats.
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