The Center for Investigative reporting (CIR) will host a panel discussion titled ‘Election Disinformation, Online Hate & Women’s Political Representation on 20 November 2024 from 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm at the NH Collection Hotel Colombo 03.
The panel comprises Smriti Singh, Regional Director – South Asia for Amnesty International, Shreen Abdul Saroor, Co-founder of Women’s Action Network (WAN) and Kanaka Abeygunawardana, Convener of Gender and Election Working Group (GEWG). The discussion will be moderated by Sharmini Boyle, an international media development specialist.
Elections also witness a significant increase in politically motivated hate/ dangerous speech, disinformation, and divisive propaganda. Studies indicate how political disinformation/ hate campaigns play a huge role in driving women away or in silencing them, compelling them to deal with a toxic, discriminatory and judgmental internet, discouraging women from engaging in public life. The big tech too has not taken sufficient measures to contain the spreading of sexism and misogyny, and this becomes stark during election time.
In the aftermath of two significant elections, the panel discussion will explore the impact of online hate and the use of technology to possibly thwart women’s participation in politics, and to make recommendations towards a more inclusive and non-discriminatory electoral process which ensures just representation for women.
The event is supported by Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF).
