UNESCO Highlights Need for Urgent Action Against AI Facilitated Violence Targeting Women Journalists in Namibia

In addition, Ms. Smith highlighted findings from the Internet Society Namibia Chapter showing that a majority of women social media users experience online violence, with journalists among the most targeted groups. She further observed that Namibia has seen a rise in AI manipulated content and deepfakes that imitate the images or voices of women journalists, often used to deceive or defame them, further undermining public trust in journalism.

In her remarks at the commemoration, Ms. Erika Goldson, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative to Namibia and Chair of the United Nations Gender Theme Group (UNGTG), emphasized that the event coincides with the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence campaign, held under the theme: "UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls." She also explained that digital violence is a rapidly growing form of abuse that disproportionately affects women journalists, who play a vital role in informing and empowering communities.

"Today, we must shine a light on an urgent and often overlooked crisis, Digital Gender Based Violence. The issue of AI facilitated gender based violence against women journalists, is not a distant threat. It is here, shaping the realities of those who inform and empower our society," said Ms. Goldson.