Joanie de Rijke

Speaker
Dutch
English
Photo of Joanie de Rijke

Who is Joanie De Rijke?

As a war correspondent, Joanie de Rijke regularly travels to conflict zones such as Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, Syria and Libya. Reporting from the heart of these conflicts, she speaks with policymakers, military personnel, aid workers and civilians, giving her a unique perspective on both geopolitical developments and the human impact of war. Her reports have appeared in De Morgen and on the Belgian public broadcaster VRT.

Her experience in some of the world’s most dangerous regions was put to the ultimate test in 2008, when she was kidnapped by the Taliban while on assignment in Afghanistan. For six days, she fought for her life, an experience that profoundly shaped her understanding of conflict, resilience and human behaviour.

Through her work, she keeps a finger on the pulse of international conflicts, bringing not only the facts but also the stories of the people living through them. While we are confronted with images of war and violence every day, the reality remains difficult for most of us to imagine. Joanie goes to places where most people would rather not go. In a compelling and moving way, she shares her experiences and offers a rare insight into the human side of conflict, courage and survival.

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  • How drones are changing war and world

    The nature of warfare has changed dramatically since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While soldiers still fight from trenches and cities are still pounded by artillery, a new kind of war has emerged in the skies. 
    Drones have turned the front line into a vast kill zone, an area where virtually every airborne movement is detected and can be attacked immediately. In some places, this zone extends up to fifty kilometres behind the front line. No one can move through it unseen any longer. 
    Above cities such as Kherson, small Russian drones deliberately target civilians. In Kyiv, air-raid sirens regularly sound as swarms of Shahed drones approach. Russia is increasingly deploying faster, jet-powered variants for this purpose.

    However, Ukraine is also innovating at breakneck speed. In just a few years, Ukraine has become one of the world's leading testing grounds for drone warfare. Using home-built drones, some of which are as large as small aeroplanes, Ukrainians are attacking targets deep inside Russia, including oil refineries, fuel depots, and arms factories.
    War correspondent Joanie de Rijke draws on her experiences on the front line to explain how drones are not only changing the war in Ukraine, but also warfare worldwide. Unknown drones are also appearing with increasing frequency over Europe and on NATO’s borders.

    How is the technological cat-and-mouse game between Russia and Ukraine unfolding? Who has the upper hand? What role does artificial intelligence play? What can Europe learn from the war in Ukraine? How are drones being deployed in other conflicts?

    This is a compelling talk about the breakneck technological race at the forefront of the conflict, and about a war that is closer than we realise.

  • Women and war

    War is mainly men’s business. They are the ones who fight, commit acts of terrorism, plunder and rape. What happens to women in times of war? What role do they play? Women in wars tend to be reported in extreme circumstances. They are either victims, heroines or monsters. But things aren’t so clear-cut in practice.

    Like most men, women's main aim during war is to survive, to look after their children and family, and to put food on the table. But some women also fight, often as hard as their male counterparts, and find themselves on the front lines. On the other hand, some women are taken captive, raped, sold and abused. While others devise plans and fight in the resistance.
    Joanie has spoken to women from various war zones. About their fears, hopes, illusions and disillusions, and the roles that they play.

  • War Journalism

    War journalism is an outsider in the field. Not many people want to do it, and we often hear clichés like “adventurers” or “adrenaline junkies” about those who do.

    Undoubtedly there are guys in conflict areas who do it 'for kicks', but the journalists who have been traveling the world's hotbeds to report for years can hardly be categorized as cowboys who are mainly out for excitement.
    In 2022, there are a lot of solid and experienced reporters on the front lines every day whose main motivation consists of reporting the news, of what is happening at that moment, in that place. Some risk their lives for it. It certainly doesn't get any easier for journalists. Not in general and certainly not for war reporters. In Ukraine alone, more than 20 journalists have been killed this year.

    Why does someone choose this profession and how does it work? Joanie de Rijke talks about the fascinating world of reporters on the frontline.

  • Ukraine: On the Front Line

    Joanie de Rijke delivers a powerful keynote on the human side of the war in Ukraine, drawing on her recent experiences and observations from the region. She begins by describing the devastating impact of Russian missile attacks, which have caused widespread blackouts across the country. Recounting her experiences in cities plunged into darkness, she highlights the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of hardship. She explains how many have become resigned to the circumstances, as almost everyone is affected, while illustrating the personal suffering endured by individuals and families.

    Through the lens of her own experiences, she traces the evolution of the war, its origins, and the challenges that lie ahead. She shares stories of the selfless efforts and courage of those who risk their own safety to help others despite the constant threat of attack. Joanie de Rijke’s keynote offers a profound insight into the human dimension of the war in Ukraine, shedding light on the hardships, resilience, and sacrifices of civilians, volunteers, and aid workers alike.

The lecture by Joanie de Rijke flowed perfectly. A nice presentation and a pleasant chat afterwards.

Annie Vanmarcke

Inner Wheel Mandel-Leie

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Joanie de Rijke's lecture, ‘Oorlog in Syrië en vluchtelingenstroom’ (War in Syria and the refugee train) is the story of someone who has experienced everything from close by; someone who views the positives as well as the negatives; balanced but also captivating.

Luc Graindourze

GROS Sint-Tuiden

Joanie de Rijke's lecture, ‘In de handen van de Taliban’ (In the hands of the Taliban) received nothing but positive reactions. Very well done.

Christian Loosvelt

Gezinsbond Rekkem

Everyone was very enthusiastic about the lecture by Joanie de Rijke. A top speaker with a fantastic story.

Kelly de Plecker

Artemis Noord-West-Vlaanderen

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We heard the lecture by Joanie de Rijke this morning. In one word: FANTASTIC! Our members hung on her every word. Thank you once again for the great collaboration.

Nadine De Knock

editor - for VIE (Vrouwen In Evolutie) Ghent

We are very pleased with the lecture by Joanie de Rijke. She presented the perfect mix of travel stories, travel suggestions and political context in the countries concerned. Our audience really enjoyed it.

Annemie Arras

Bree library