Fighting gendered misinformation and harassment on social media for Bangladesh’s female journalists
Nishat Parvez · Media Asia · 2025
ABSTARCTThis study investigates the pervasive gendered misinformation and harassment faced by female journalists on social media in Bangladesh, amidst a digital transformation that has perpetuated systemic patriarchal norms. Through an analysis of YouTube comments and semi-structured interviews, the research reveals a pattern of targeted attacks that range from sexual harassment and objectification to threats of violence, challenging the journalists’ professionalism and censoring their voices. Drawing on feminist theory, this study highlights the intersectional nature of the harassment, exacerbated by cultural, societal, and media structures. The research underscores the urgent need for a collaborative response involving media organizations, authorities, and community support to ensure a safer environment for female journalists. It calls for systemic change and policy reforms that go beyond treating symptoms to addressing the root causes of gendered harassment in the media industry.