Exile, journalism and gender in Central America
Being a journalist in Central America is challenging enough, but the difficulties facing a journalist in exile can be even greater. For women journalists in exile in Central America, their work can be overwhelming.
Although more recent attention has been paid to journalists in exile, very little has been focused on the experience of women in the context of exile. In this newly published paper, DW Akademie and IPLEX attempt to fill that knowledge gap so as to develop a better understanding of women journalists in exile.
Exiled female journalists encounter specific pressures and challenges because of their gender, from why a journalist leaves her country of origin to integrating into a host country, women exiled journalists struggle precisely at the intersection between journalism, exile and gender.
From DW Akademie's and IPLEX's new paper, downloadable in Spanish below, here are some takeaways from interviews collected from female journalists working in exile in Central America.
Gendered violence: The violence that forces Central American women reporters to leave their countries usually comes from actors in power and is misogynistic in tone, with attacks that tend to focus on their physical appearance, their sexuality and their family roles. Their professional identity comes under attack. Online harassment in the form of hate speech, trolling and threats continue even after exile.
Double burdens in exile: Journalists in exile find they are shut out of many spaces due to the stigma of their country of origin, legal struggles and gender stereotypes. This, coupled with the burden of gender-normative roles and household management, complicates their ability to work.
Health issues: Both mental and physical health are challenges for these women journalists. The lack of economic stability can make basic care, including gynecological issues and follow-ups on preexisting issues, difficult. Psychological support is usually needed, but journalists in exile lack access to such care. "There is no way to be outside your country and have good mental health," said one journalist.
Exile: More than a physical displacement, exile is a process that is internalized. Having access to a network and resources that recognize the specific needs that women exile journalists face both materially and emotionally is key to a successful career and life in the host country.
Resilience in the face of exile
Despite the difficult situation the women find themselves in, the journalists have continued to find ways to adapt to their new situation, with many finding their work a source of strength.
One journalist, *Patricia (the names of respondents have been changed for security reasons), who fled Guatemala after death threats, continues to practice journalism as a freelancer in the United States, working for an outlet that serves the Guatemalan community there. "It's something that keeps hope alive and reminds me that I am a journalist," she said.
*Camila has assembled a team of fellow Nicaraguan journalists to conduct investigative journalism from her host country of Costa Rica.
*Julieta, while not currently practicing journalism, has helped maintain ties and build communities, mentoring Salvadoran journalists exiled in the United States. *Diana is compiling a guide based on her overseas experiences to help other Central American journalists who face exile.
Policy and development
While exile journalists have shown resilience, policymakers and development organizations can support these women who face unique challenges. The report advocates for policy development centered on the needs of women journalists. This includes specialized risk assessment tools and tailored safety protocols that factor in gender-specific threats.
Furthermore, the report suggests comprehensive programs to provide tailored support for women journalists that goes beyond immediate relief and focuses on job sustainability and entrepreneurship. Encouraging exile journalists to work together and share their experiences through transnational support networks can help them not only continue to work, but to establish new connections that can create an emotional support system and a sense of community.
These recommendations underscore the importance of paying special attention to the needs and challenges of women when implementing projects for journalists in exile, while using their resilience and professional expertise as the basis for further support.
This publication was produced within the framework of the project Casa para el Periodismo Libre, a collaborative project of DW Akademie and IPLEX, promoted by the Federal Foreign Office.
DW Akademie works with women exile journalists around the world through the Hannah Arendt Initiative from the German Federal Foreign Office. You can read the full report, along with recommendations in the paper, by downloading it below.
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