Feedback on the webinar "Women Journalists and Freedom of Expression: Challenges in the Americas"

The discussion was moderated by Pedro Vaca, IACHR’ Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression. The four journalists who were invited shared their personal experience regarding Freedom of expression on the hemisphere, from a woman perspective as well as from a journalist one, in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Haiti and Venezuela. Crisis situations were discussed with the example of Venezuela, but Freedom of expression can be threatened everywhere, especially when women are targeted: censorship, discrimination, on-line abuse and violence, all this could lead to self-censorship. This conference was also an opportunity to convey a message of hope - women journalists carry a surprisingly strong voice.

Writer and PEN-International’s President Jennifer Clement, is one of those powerful voices. She gave the final remarks with a focus on women’s contribution to literature while emphasizing the need to fight censorship which is a negation of existence-. PEN-International is an organization that defends freedom of expression and promotes literature. Its motto "Literature has no borders" is about words bridging gaps and overcoming political, geographic, ethnic, cultural, and religious divisions. It is in this sense that freedom of expression is crucial and must be guaranteed - especially for women journalists and writers.

If you are interested, the webinar is still available. just click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3b6qLw5fyc

To find photos from the event: https://www.flickr.com/photos/oasoea/albums/72157718623087202