Gendered Disinformation: Silencing Rural Voices in India’s Digital Landscape
A groundbreaking collaboration between the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and Chambal Media shines a light on the insidious effects of gendered disinformation on rural women and gender-diverse persons in India. This initiative, “Unpacking gendered disinformation in India: Deepening understanding and exploring countermeasures,” aims to build awareness and empower marginalized communities through evidence-based research, creative content, and analysis of this growing threat. The project seeks to understand the root causes, trends, challenges, violations, and potential remedies related to online disinformation, with a specific focus on its gendered dimensions.
The rise of gendered disinformation poses a severe challenge to the fundamental rights of marginalized communities across India. Recent articles published by APC’s feminist platform, GenderIT.org, have exposed the multifaceted nature of this issue. From financially exploiting vulnerable LGBTQ+ communities through online scams and fraudulent job offers to disseminating sexual and reproductive health misinformation that amplifies shame-based narratives, gendered disinformation pervades the digital sphere. Dalit and feminist creators on Instagram face algorithmic targeting, while Muslim women endure targeted hate campaigns and online violence. The growth of India’s “manosphere” further fuels this dangerous wave, targeting women, feminists, and gender justice advocates with relentless attacks.
However, amidst this bleak landscape, inspiring stories of resistance emerge. Rural women in Chhattisgarh are becoming grassroots digital defenders against misinformation and cybersecurity threats, while queer tribal men from Northeast India confront gendered disinformation and toxic masculinity both online and offline. These acts of defiance demonstrate the power of resilience and community-led initiatives to challenge the pervasive influence of online hate.
Amplifying the voices of women and gender-diverse persons targeted by disinformation is crucial to understanding its profound impact on individuals and communities. This collaborative project acknowledges the intersectional nature of this issue, recognizing that diverse lived experiences shape how disinformation is experienced and how remedies should be framed. A four-part multimedia series will unpack the impact of gendered disinformation, exploring its propagation, platform accountability, and necessary changes. This series will be disseminated through social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn, aiming to reach a broad audience.
To further illuminate the urgency of this issue and the project’s potential impact, conversations with Srishti, the business development lead at Chambal Media, and Sejal, a journalist at Khabar Lahariya, provide valuable insights. Khabar Lahariya, an independent news outlet staffed entirely by women from marginalized castes, plays a crucial role in amplifying rural voices. Srishti emphasizes the critical need to address gendered disinformation in rural contexts where internet access is growing but digital literacy and security remain low. Social and cultural norms further restrict women’s digital participation, making them particularly vulnerable to online harassment and gendered disinformation. The often-seen result is women silencing themselves online due to pressure and fear, hindering their ability to claim digital rights and freedoms.
Sejal highlights the tangible offline consequences of gendered disinformation in rural India. From social stigma and isolation to threats to livelihoods and silencing of voices, the impact extends far beyond the online sphere. Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring that digital expansion leads to inclusion rather than further marginalization. Access alone does not guarantee freedom; when gendered disinformation dictates how rural women engage online, platforms become spaces of insecurity and fear.
The partnership between APC and Chambal Media aims to bridge the gap between rural experiences and broader discussions on gendered disinformation. By bringing together firsthand accounts from rural women and Khabar Lahariya reporters with insights from researchers and academics, the project seeks to identify contextual challenges specific to rural settings. This collaboration is not only creating awareness within rural communities but also contributing to global debates on the issue, advocating for inclusive online spaces.
This initiative underscores the power of collaboration and grassroots engagement in tackling gendered disinformation. Combining research, storytelling, and local perspectives, the project aims to amplify marginalized voices and empower communities to navigate the digital landscape safely. By fostering dialogue and offering practical solutions, APC and Chambal Media are working to create a more inclusive and equitable digital environment for women and gender-diverse persons across India. The multimedia series will showcase real-life experiences, incorporating expert analysis to understand disinformation’s mechanics and explore solutions. The ultimate goal is to spark conversations around safety, accountability, and support systems, ensuring that digital spaces are more inclusive for all.