Kenyan Experts Advocate for Inclusive Strategies to Combat Gendered Disinformation Online
The digital revolution has ushered in an era of unprecedented interconnectedness, yet it has also amplified existing societal biases and inequalities. In Kenya, as elsewhere, women are disproportionately targeted by online harassment, misogynistic attacks, and gendered disinformation, posing a significant threat to their safety, well-being, and democratic participation. Experts gathered at the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF24) to discuss these challenges and advocate for collaborative action to create a safer and more inclusive digital space.
John Okande, representing UNESCO, emphasized the organization’s commitment to promoting digital peace and combating harmful online content. UNESCO’s support for initiatives like the Social Media 4 Peace (SM4P) project, which recently trained 25 content creators and influencers on digital peacebuilding, demonstrates a proactive approach to leveraging digital platforms for positive change. These initiatives aim to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to counter mis/disinformation and hate speech, fostering a more constructive online environment.
Cherie Oyier from the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) highlighted the specific challenges faced by women online. From the dismissal of their opinions and relentless online bullying to body shaming and targeted harassment, women’s voices are often silenced and their online experiences marred by negativity. Oyier stressed the detrimental impact of these issues on democracy and freedom of expression, underscoring the urgent need to address the mirroring of offline misogynistic stereotypes in the digital sphere, particularly within the African context. This reflection of societal biases exacerbates the spread of gendered disinformation and reinforces harmful narratives.
Promoting inclusivity in strategies to counter online gendered disinformation is crucial. Miriam Beatrice from Paradigm Initiative (PIN) advocated for approaches that consider the diverse needs and experiences of women from all socio-economic backgrounds. Emphasizing the “Design with, not Design for” principle, Beatrice stressed the importance of involving women at every level of decision-making. By actively including women in the design and implementation processes, solutions can be tailored to their specific needs and concerns, leading to more effective outcomes. Furthermore, Beatrice highlighted PIN’s interventions, including the Ayeta toolkit, which provides resources and guidance on navigating digital threats, and the Ripoti platform, a reporting channel for digital violations offering litigation support. These resources empower women to protect themselves online and seek redress for experienced harms.
Muthuri Kathure from the Mozilla Foundation observed that while outrageous content shared for engagement is a widespread issue, women disproportionately bear the brunt of the resulting backlash. He advocated for holding perpetrators of gender-based violence accountable and emphasized the need for capacity-building within law enforcement and judicial systems to effectively address technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). Strengthening the capacity of these institutions to investigate and prosecute online offenses is essential to deterring future acts of violence and ensuring justice for survivors.
The discussions at DRIF24 underscored the urgent need for collective action to combat gendered disinformation and create a safer online environment for women. Projects like SM4P, coupled with advocacy efforts by organizations like KICTANet, PIN, and the Mozilla Foundation, are driving momentum towards this goal. The development of tools like Ayeta and Ripoti represents a significant step towards empowering women to navigate the digital landscape safely and report instances of abuse.
The ongoing work in Kenya exemplifies the global movement towards a more just and equitable digital future. By fostering inclusive strategies, supporting targeted interventions, and promoting collaborative efforts, stakeholders can work towards creating an online environment that prioritizes the rights and safety of all users. Empowering women and marginalized groups through capacity building and access to resources is not only essential for individual well-being but also for strengthening democratic participation and fostering a more inclusive digital society. The fight against gendered disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach that involves education, policy reform, technological innovation, and sustained advocacy. Only through continued collaboration and a commitment to inclusive solutions can we hope to build a digital world where everyone can safely and freely exercise their rights.