Iqra Iqbal, *Sara Chinnasamy, Shifa Binti Faizal

Abstract:

This study explores the impacts and challenges of cyber harassment on Pakistani female journalists. Although female journalists persistently experience misogynist online harassment in their jobs, this topic has yet to receive due attention in the journalism landscape. This study is closely aligned with
the social feminism theory, which supports equal rights for working female journalists. The study sample comprised seven Pakistani female journalists, selected using purposive and snowball sampling. Adopting a qualitative research methodology, in-depth interviews were utilised for data collection to gain a comprehensive understanding of their experiences and perspectives. As revealed by the analysis, criticism of their work often takes the form of misogynistic attacks. These attacks include accusations of attention-seeking, discreditation of their skills, infantilisation, unsolicited images, misogynist slurs and even coercive fantasies of sexual violence and rape.

Keywords: Cyber misogyny, online harassment, gender-based attack, female journalists, cybersecurity