Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago
Across continents, authoritarian governments force journalists into exile. For women journalists, gendered violence, systemic discrimination and economic precarity weigh heavily in an “invisible backpack” they carry everywhere. Sexualized threats, digital harassment, caregiving pressures, and misogynistic campaigns undermine their credibility and silence their voices. This session unites women journalists from Central America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe to reveal what weighs on them in exile and to explore what specific challenges they encounter as women journalists. They will share personal stories about the obstacles they face in rebuilding careers and identities abroad while highlighting the urgent need for press freedom support systems that address gender‑specific challenges. And they will discuss key insights from DW Akademie’s Space for Freedom program, part of the Hannah Arendt Initiative, which is dedicated to protecting democratic values and supporting journalists in exile. Moderated by Nadine Jurrat. Sponsored by DW Akademie.
Con: Abigail Hernandez (founder and director La Sala – mujeres en la redaccion), Nadine Jurrat (deputy head Asia and Europe Department DW Akademie), Hsu Mon Phyo (co‑founder and program director Delta News Agency), Irina Novik (investigative journalist and author)
Across continents, authoritarian governments force journalists into exile. For women journalists, gendered violence, systemic discrimination and economic precarity weigh heavily in an “invisible backpack” they carry everywhere. Sexualized threats, digital harassment, caregiving pressures, and misogynistic campaigns undermine their credibility and silence their voices. This session unites women journalists from Central America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe to reveal what weighs on them in exile and to explore what specific challenges they encounter as women journalists. They will share personal stories about the obstacles they face in rebuilding careers and identities abroad while highlighting the urgent need for press freedom support systems that address gender‑specific challenges. And they will discuss key insights from DW Akademie’s Space for Freedom program, part of the Hannah Arendt Initiative, which is dedicated to protecting democratic values and supporting journalists in exile. Moderated by Nadine Jurrat. Sponsored by DW Akademie.
Con: Abigail Hernandez (founder and director La Sala – mujeres en la redaccion), Nadine Jurrat (deputy head Asia and Europe Department DW Akademie), Hsu Mon Phyo (co‑founder and program director Delta News Agency), Irina Novik (investigative journalist and author)
