ASMAA FATHI

Cairo- Women journalists are subjected to violence, harassment and pressure while reporting. In addition, their reports on violence against women also affect them because they have to learn all details to report such cases. Most of them go to psychologists to escape from nightmares and fear suffered by them.

Reporting on violence against women leaves negative psychological effects on journalists

Fatma Kheir, journalist, writer and media trainer, told NuJINHA that reporting on violence against women leaves negative psychological effects on journalists. Recalling the increasing violence cases during the Covid-19 lockdown, she said, “Journalists who reported on gender-based violence cases during the Covid-19 lockdown suffered from psychological trauma. Women journalists reporting on gender-based violence are psychologically affected by such reports because they have to learn every detail. Many organizations have provided psychological support to journalists in order to overcome these effects.”

Mentioning that she has been reporting on women’s issues for years, Fatma Kheir has been also psychological affected while reporting on violence against women. “I was not aware of the psychological effects of my reports on me. But now, I know how they affect me. More awareness- raising activities must be carried out to give information to journalists about psychological effects of their reports on them. Psychological support should be provided to journalists.”

‘I have been suffering from insomnia’

Faten Sobhi is an Egyptian journalist reporting on human rights issues and women’s issues. Speaking about the effects of violence against women cases on journalists, she said, “I have been affected by the recent violence against women cases. I have been suffering from insomnia. I cannot sleep by thinking of the details of these cases.” Recalling that their colleague Shaima Gamal was killed by her judge husband, Faten Sobhi said, “The killing of our colleague shocked us because it has proved that violence and danger are close to everyone. I was also subjected to police violence while interviewing a woman.”

Women journalists are aware

Journalist Madeleine Nader thinks gender-based violence affects everyone in society. “Women journalists are aware of the psychological effects of details of their reports on them,” she said, “2022 is the worst year for women journalists. The rate of suicide among women has increased. Women journalists are subjected to pressure on personal and social lives. Fear and anxiety are my companions. I try to protect myself by not watching videos containing violence and graphic content. The Journalists Syndicate should provide psychological support to journalists and media workers.”