Iris Pase

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on newsrooms around the world, and journalists have experienced a year rife with news, but full of challenges. While the media industry has taken a key role in tackling misinformation, journalists worldwide have suffered both mentally and financially. The Young Journalist Community, however, sheds a ray of hope for early-career journalists.

Is women’s access to safe abortions and contraception in danger? Freelance journalist Kaylen Ralph tells Iris Pase about Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s career and discusses what her appointment means for American women.
Podcast realised as part of the MLitt in Digital Journalism of the University of Strathclyde.
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Music from www.zapsplat.com

This year is one we’ll all remember – if for the wrong reasons – but it has been particularly tough on students. In the middle of a global pandemic, international students were encouraged to come to study in the UK. Once here, they found themselves subject to patchy online learning and extortionate rent, and even quarantined in their new halls of residence. I spoke to some overseas students at British universities about how they coped in 2020, and what shocked them the most about pandemic life in Britain.

Located in the Dutch capital, Open Meal with Refugees is a monthly public potluck where Amsterdammers and refugees are encouraged to mingle in a night of food, music, and dancing. | My article in The Local Europe as part of the #ChangingTheNarrative series

For VICE UK, I've written about so-called "Italians without citizenship", people who, despite being born and/or raised in Italy, are still denied citizenship due to outdated laws awarding blood ties.

These "invisible Italians" are disenfranchised and struggle to gain access to healthcare and jobs.

For The Independent, I've written about Italy's "Gardens of Angels", cemeteries where thousands of fetuses are buried every year by Catholic anti-choice association Defending Life with Mary (Advm) - all without the parents knowing.

"Changing the mainstream narrative is an ambitious and yet crucial goal to ensure women’s safety. We can contribute to fairer reporting and discourse by calling out any mistakes or inaccurate narratives both online and in real life."

How can language used in media reporting on violence against women challenge sexist and victim-blaming narratives? In this article for Engender Scotland's #FWords series, I look at why it's crucial for the media to report accurately and thoughtfully on violence against women.

My op-ed for The Independent discusses Italy's change in guidelines in regards to medical abortion. From now on, women in Italy will be able to use the abortion pill on an outpatient basis. In a country where seven out of 10 gynaecologists are conscientious objectors and ultra-Catholic groups are particularly strong, the regulation shows an advancement of women’s rights.

For YWCA Scotland, I produced a webinar on women's representation in the media, with a particular focus on how gender-based violence is reported.

With more than a hundred hate crimes against the LGBT+ community reported in Italy last year, there is a need for legal protection, which will not be enforced with a party-pleasing law.

Body perception is deeply influenced by media, as they shape our vision of the world and its inhabitants. Body standards and expectations are set at a very young age. This article analyses the impact of magazines on women's body image.

Planning a trip? Here's where to stay in Venice to live like a local and enjoy your stay to the fullest.
A bucket list destination for many, Venice has it all: food, art, scenery. The “Bride of the Sea” lures millions of visitors every year; few, however, know how to unravel the city’s mysteries. Read on to find out Plum Guide’s top recommendations on where to stay to get the best out of your trip.

Named the best city to live in 2018, Edinburgh is a modern capital set in a fairytale location. With its sublime mixture of medieval, Victorian and Georgian architecture, the Scottish capital will make you fall in love with it. Read on to find out Plum Guide’s top recommendations on where to stay to get all the magic this city can offer to your family.

Live the authentic Venice with this guide to the city.
From the variety of its majestic museums to its breathtaking architecture and tasty food, Venice is the perfect city break. Three days isn’t long. We want you to see as much as possible of this city –without needing a holiday at the end– so we’ve organised your itinerary to follow Venice’s neighbourhoods. It will save you time and your feet will thank you (and us).

At this time of the year, the streets of Venice are usually filled with hordes of revellers coming together to celebrate the city’s legendary carnival. But ever since the festivities were cancelled due to the fears surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, the streets have fallen quiet.