On 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 44 institutions as members of IFEX, the International Freedom of Expression eXchange network, drew attention to women who are being targeted due to their struggle for freedom of expression and because of their gender. They called for concrete precautions to be taken in order to end the violence directed against women journalists and activists.

The joint statement was also signed by two Turkish institutions, namely the Initiative against Thought Crimes and the IPS Communication Foundation. They urged the officials to take action against the violence experienced by more than 50 women, among them peace mother Sultan Acıbuca.

The institutions sent their joint letter to Michelle Bachelet, Undersecretary-General for the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women, UN Women in short. They explicitly called for solidarity with women who were exposed to violence in countries where freedom of expression is not upheld.

Attacks against female bloggers and activists on the rise

The letter read, "Women who report on matters of public interest or defend human rights often put themselves at risk in order to make their voices heard. The challenges facing women extend beyond traditional media venues and into the cyber realm. This year has seen a disturbing trend towards the increased intimidation, assault and imprisonment of female bloggers and activists".

The undersigned IFEX members quoted examples of women who were exposed to violence in Vietnam, Colombia, Mexico, Iran, Tunisia, Gambia and Russia. Thet urged Bachelet to

- Condemn all forms of violence and repression against women who exercise their right to free expression and call attention to the cases of gender-based violence, as outlined in the list below.

- Stand in solidarity with the many women around the world who face injustice and gender-based violence for carrying out their civic and professional duties, and address critical areas of concern and weaknesses in global women's rights, including violence and freedom of expression, as outlined in the Beijing Platform for Action.

- Ask that national authorities undertake full and uncompromising investigations into the cases of women journalists, writers, activists and bloggers who have been victims of gender-based violence in order that their attackers and killers may face justice.

Finally, the institutions reminded the Head of UN Women that "it is time for governments, international institutions and civil society to take concrete measures to end the atrocities our female colleagues face in the course of their work". (EÇ/BB/VK)

Source: IFEX

Click here to read the full letter.