As part of the project “Speak Up, Speak Out: Breaking the Silence for Combating Gender Disinformation,” the third program was conducted in Albanian with the theme “The Concept of Gender-Based Disinformation and Its Impact.”
The program featured distinguished guests:
- Getoarbë Mulliqi, Executive Director of the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK)
- Xhemajl Rexha, President of the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK)
- Ardiana Thaçi, Investigative Journalist
Gender-based disinformation refers to the dissemination of false information that exploits or attacks a person’s gender. Historically, this concept was narrower, focusing on disinformation about women, particularly those in public positions or involved in politics.
With the advent of social media, gender-based disinformation has broadened, encompassing a wider array of issues affecting women. This form of disinformation can have significant consequences, including causing many women to withdraw from political or activist roles. False information often persists on online platforms, negatively impacting not only the individuals targeted but also their families.
Getoarbë Mulliqi, Executive Director of AGK, provided insights into the subject of gender-based disinformation.
Xhemajl Rexha, President of AGK, highlighted that women are often the primary targets of disinformation, which is mainly aimed at discrediting them. Rexha pointed out that social media platforms are public arenas where gender-based disinformation tends to proliferate.
Rigid gender role perceptions and media portrayals of women are used to justify violence against them. Disinformation and hate speech are closely intertwined, often fueling each other.
Ardiana Thaçi, Investigative Journalist, delved deeper into this critical issue, offering concrete examples of gender-based prejudice.
In conclusion, disinformation perpetuates stereotypes and prejudices against specific minority groups, with a particular focus on women. Women in Kosovo face insecurity not only in their physical lives but also in the digital sphere of media and online platforms.
“This program was produced with the financial support of the European Union. The content of this program is the sole responsibility of radio Vala Rinore and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union”.