The protection of female journalists from harassment and violence came under the spotlight during the handover ceremony of the Windhoek Declaration Certificate of Inscription in Windhoek on Friday.

Veteran journalist Gwen Lister said Namibia must continue to strengthen media freedom, including access to information and protections against harassment, intimidation and political pressure.

This is in view of the evolving landscape due to new digital technologies.

Lister also stressed that credible journalism is essential in an era increasingly shaped by misinformation, disinformation and fake news.

She warned that the erosion of trust in information sources poses a major challenge to democracy and public accountability.

"In a time of the erosion of these rights, I might add, exacerbated by the toxic and trashy content which is prevalent on social media, the buy-in of all governments and citizens is essential to ensure the survival and longevity of good journalism, which again, in the words of our president, is, and I quote, 'central to the protection of human rights, advancement of development, and the preservation of peace and security'."

The European Union Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, said women journalists continue to face disproportionate attacks globally.

"Across the world, journalists face growing threats, violence, harassment, arbitrary detention and intimidation. Women journalists are disproportionately targeted, often facing gender-based violence. The past year has been one of the deadliest on record for journalists."

Namibia has also seen growing representation of women in media leadership, making reference to the first-ever female to hold the position of the Director General at the national broadcaster, Menesia Muinjo.