Honoring Julie Alipala: A Call to Action for Women Journalists

By Sonia P. Soto

The untimely passing of Julie Alipala, a dedicated journalist whose unwavering commitment to truth and justice shaped much of her career, serves as a painful reminder of the many challenges women journalists continue to face. Julie was more than just a journalist; she was an advocate for marginalized voices, a tireless storyteller, and a friend who always stood for what was right. I had the honor of meeting her in Cebu last year during a WE-Move gathering, where we, alongside our fellow women journalists, shared our stories, our struggles, and our hopes for a more inclusive media landscape.

Now, as we come to terms with the news of her passing, it is clear that her legacy endures through our work and the resolutions we continue to pursue in the fight for women in media.

Julie’s death is a devastating loss, especially to her family, her colleagues at the Philippine Daily Inquirer Mindanao, and her many friends who knew her as a determined and kind soul. In her last months, Julie made an effort to attend the Boracay WE-Move gathering, despite battling a difficult illness. Her commitment to championing the rights and well-being of women journalists, even in her time of personal hardship, speaks volumes about her resilience and dedication to the cause.

Women journalists like Julie have long navigated a media world that often feels hostile and dismissive of their voices. They face unique challenges, from workplace harassment to unequal pay and a constant struggle to be taken seriously in an industry that remains male-dominated. Yet, women like Julie have never wavered in their mission to give voice to the voiceless and share the stories of those often silenced by society’s power structures.

At last year’s WE-Move discussions in Cebu, we talked at length about these realities—the threats to safety, the mental and emotional toll, and the difficulties of balancing the demands of a career with the societal expectations placed on women. Julie’s presence at that gathering was a reminder of how important it is to build solidarity among women journalists and push for institutional change. Our collective work is far from done, and now, more than ever, we must carry on with the resolutions that were made—resolutions to protect, support, and uplift women journalists.

Julie’s work and her passion for this cause are the reasons why we, as WE-Movers, must not let her legacy fade. The resolutions we put forward—demanding better protections, fair compensation, and more leadership roles for women in media—must be brought to fruition. These are not just lofty ideals; they must become our actions.

It is essential that we work together to create a media landscape where women can thrive. This includes offering mentorship, creating safe networks, and ensuring access to resources for women who face harassment, discrimination, or violence in their work. We must also advocate for policies that specifically address these gendered challenges and ensure equal opportunities for women to rise in leadership roles in journalism.

To Julie’s family, her colleagues in PDI Mindanao, and her close friends, my heart goes out to you. Julie’s impact on journalism, her dedication to social justice, and her advocacy for those often left unheard will forever be remembered. She was a woman of immense courage and strength, and her influence will continue to guide the work of many who follow in her footsteps.

Julie’s passing is a tragedy, but it must also serve as a call to action. Her legacy is one of courage, resilience, and relentless pursuit of truth. Let us honor her memory by continuing the work she believed in—creating a world where women journalists are empowered, protected, and celebrated.

Together, as WE-Movers and as women in media, let us carry the torch for Julie and for the generations of women journalists yet to come. The fight for a safer, more equitable media environment is far from over, but it is one we can win, together. #