2024-09-12 14:31:16
The fund not only finances prevention and protection programs, but also supports research into the types of gender-based violence faced by women journalists.
In a significant act for the defense of the rights of women journalists, the National Government officially launched the “It’s Not Time to Keep Quiet” Fund, aimed at supporting women journalists who are victims of gender violence. The launch of this fund is part of compliance with the ruling of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) in the case ‘Bedoya Lima and another Vs. Colombia’.
The presentation took place in the Constitution Hall of Congress on Monday, where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented Law 2358 of 2024, which establishes the “It’s Not Time to Keep Quiet” Fund. This mechanism will finance programs aimed at the prevention, protection and assistance of women journalists and communicators who have suffered gender violence in the exercise of their duties. The fund has an initial budget of 500,000 dollars per year, renewable each year, allocated at the national, departmental and municipal levels.
‘A dream from 15 years ago’
Jineth Bedoya, one of the main promoters of the law, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “This fund is a recognition of all the women journalists who communicate in all corners of the country, such as those in Cauca, Montes de María, La Guajira and Leticia. It is a dream that was born 15 years ago, when I decided to speak publicly about the violence I suffered. Today, this phrase has become a State policy that allows women journalists to continue telling their stories without fear.”
During the launch, Bedoya called on President Gustavo Petro to stop his stigmatizing speeches towards women journalists. “That is the language that hangs the gravestone on women. Therefore, with all due respect, dear Mr. President, I tell you that collective accusations do not benefit democracy, freedom of the press and women,” she said.
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‘An honor’
Journalist Claudia Julieta Duque, a victim of ongoing torture, expressed her gratitude: “It is an honour for me to have received this law. It is a real shame that a law like this is only possible as a measure to repair the damage caused. Thank you to Jineth for having come this far.” Duque also regretted the Government’s previous statements that stigmatised women journalists, hoping that the new law will promote tolerance, respect and freedom of the press.
Katherine Miranda, representative of the Green Alliance Party, highlighted the negative impact of stigmatizing speeches: “The stigmatization that women journalists are experiencing today in the country is a form of psychological torture. This will end up triggering other types of violence.” Together with other political figures and journalists, Miranda called for an end to these speeches and to strengthen protection measures such as the “It’s Not Time to Keep Quiet” Fund.
Government assumes responsibility
Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo responded to the call of the journalists and assured that the Government and the State fully assume this responsibility. “It is essential that the fund be allocated to the protection and prevention of women journalists, so that they can carry out their work without fear. In Colombia, we have to eradicate fear and dread,” declared Murillo.
The “It’s Not Time to Keep Quiet” Fund not only finances prevention and protection programs, but also supports research into the types of gender-based violence faced by women journalists. The results of this research will be essential for designing public policies that strengthen the fight against this type of violence.
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