DOCUMENTATION OF ATTACKS ON FEMALE JOURNALISTS ONE of the main issues that invalidates the collection of data on online gender-based violence is that there is a general lack of a standardised approach. As Free Press Unlimited (FPU), quoting CFOM point out, existing shadow monitoring under SDG 16.10 is patchy. Many CSOs lack the means and capacity for systematic data collection, enabling comparisons. What may be deemed as a violation in one country may not be seen as such in another. In many cases, the attacks on female journalists are often gendered and sexual in nature and for this reason, some may not be comfortable in reporting them. MISA — with all its chapters in Southern Africa — is the only organisation that monitors attacks on journalists in the region and this is mainly based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 16.10. However, there is need for a deliberate approach in specifically documenting attacks on female journalists. laws and the implementation thereof, and to follow trends. The analysis of the data can shape advocacy efforts and recommendations on the development of better laws, procedures and mechanisms geared towards the protection of journalists. Freedom Forum also adds that data on the violations against journalists is a strong source and basis for advocacy. It is hoped that this report may begin a wider debate on standardisation of monitoring, reporting and documenting online gender-based violence. SHARE Foundation, for example, monitors online violations and media support organisations in Southern Africa could adopt that example, with particular emphasis on attacks on female journalists. Hindustan Times of India also has an interesting idea on monitoring and documenting attacks of female journalists online. Under their “Let’s talk about trolls” publication has an interactive platform where it monitors attacks on prominent FPU further postulates that collecting data on the violations against media workers is a first step towards creating safer working conditions in which they can fulfil their job of providing citizens with reliable information. Gathering data helps to paint a picture of the safety situation in a country, to track the gaps in the 11 women in real-time. The platform is based on X (formerly Twitter) and monitors attacks on four women. The data was then categorised into five categories — political, religious, racial, sexual and violent. Such kind of documentation provides a platform for advocacy for the improvement of the safety of female journalists online. These are examples that Southern African media support organisations can learn from. It is important to reiterate that there is scant data collection and gathering in Southern Africa on attacks on female journalists. But there is anecdotal evidence that shows that online genderbased violence is prevalent in the region. Using the reported examples, journalists, media support organisations, the academia and authorities could use this as a springboard to demand legislative reforms from their respective governments and social media platforms.