Some 50 women journalists from all over the country gathered in Mandaue City, Cebu to discuss welfare and safety issues in the face of online and physical threats and sexual harassment that make the profession an increasingly dangerous and distressing one for women.
The March 15-17, 2024 national conference of the Movement for the Welfare and Safety of Women Journalists (We-Move) was spearheaded by the Asian Center for Journalism (ACFJ) at the Ateneo de Manila University.
We-Move 2024 focused on creating a safe space for women journalists, and helping ensure their physical, psychological and emotional well-being.
Dr. Czarina Saloma Akpedonu, dean of the Ateneo’s School of Social Sciences, graced the opening of the event.
Psychology professor Dr. Mira Ofreneo, head of the Ateneo’s Gender Hub, led discussions about safe and unsafe spaces in the journalism profession.
Dr. Karina Fernandez, former director of the Ateneo’s Bulatao Center, guided the women journalists through mindfulness and self-care exercises.
Participants consisted of journalists from print, broadcast and online platforms as well as freelancers, journalist-lawyers, journalist-academics, and retired journalists.
ACFJ partnered with STET Women of Cebu, the Kordilyera Citizen Media Council, and the Mindanao Institute of Journalism for the We-Move conference, which was funded by the International Media Support.
We-Move was born a year ago when 20 senior women journalists met to discuss creating a support system for their colleagues. We-Move 2023 activities were organized with support from the Embassy of the Netherlands in the Philippines. (Asian Center for Journalism)
