Women in War. Challenges and Possibilities for female journalists covering wars and conflicts.

Abstract

The chapter takes as its starting point the notion that journalists’ safety is a precondition for free expression and free media. Based on interviews and discussions with experienced female war and confl ict journalists from seven countries worldwide, the discussion evolves around questions linked to what particular challenges and opportunities women journalists face, and how their security can best be ensured when covering war and conflict zones. The deli berations are believed to have a direct bearing on debates about female journalists’ safety online and offline, the importance of the presence of female journalists covering wars and conflicts, and how their being there may serve as an indicator of freedom of expression, civil rights and media freedom in general.