MISA Zimbabwe raises alarm over surge in AI-facilitated abuse of female journalists

HARARE – The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of technology-driven abuse targeting female journalists in Zimbabwe, warning that the trend threatens press freedom and gender equality.


In a statement marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI 2025), MISA Zimbabwe highlighted the growing prevalence of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), which includes AI-generated deepfakes, doxxing, gendered disinformation, surveillance, and targeted online harassment.

“The abuse includes AI-generated deepfakes, doxxing, gendered disinformation, surveillance, and targeted online harassment,” the statement read.

A 2025 report by Gender and Media Connect revealed that 63% of surveyed female journalists had experienced TFGBV. ZimFact also reported that nearly one in three women journalists (29%) had faced sexual abuse in the newsroom, while online harassment remains largely unpunished.

MISA Zimbabwe commended the Cyber and Data Protection Act for its provisions on cyberbullying and harassment, but called for stronger enforcement and broader reforms. The organisation urged stakeholders to implement gender-sensitive safety measures in newsrooms and digital platforms.

IDEI 2025’s theme, Chat GBV: Raising Awareness on AI-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Against Women Journalists, underscores the urgent need to protect women journalists in both digital and physical spaces.

MISA Zimbabwe also called for the implementation of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ Resolution 522, which urges states to criminalise digital violence, promote digital literacy, and train law enforcement and judiciary officials to respond effectively.

“As we observe IDEI 2025, MISA Zimbabwe reaffirms its commitment to media freedom, gender justice, and the protection of all journalists. Ending impunity for crimes against journalists, including AI-facilitated digital violence, is crucial for protecting democracy and fundamental human rights,” the statement concluded.