The alarming rise of misinformation and disinformation has permeated every level of public discourse, from the casual echo chambers of social media to the official chambers of Parliament. Increasingly, political actors with anti-migrant and racist agendas are hijacking the critical issue of violence against women and girls (VAWG) to serve as a convenient tool for political point-scoring. By weaponizing these tragedies, proponents of harmful ideologies seek to scapegoat marginalized groups, further entrenching social division and obscuring the systemic roots of violence.
Recognizing the overwhelming frustration this climate creates for advocates and the public alike, a collective of leading organizations has stepped forward to provide a structured response. On July 14, 2026, the End Violence Against Women Coalition, in partnership with Hibiscus, Southall Black Sisters, the Latin American Women’s Rights Service, Women for Refugee Women, Imkaan, and Asylum Matters, will host a vital webinar. This event is designed to move beyond passive observation, offering concrete steps for those who wish to actively challenge these toxic narratives.
The discussion will center on the launch of a new, evidence-based resource titled Not in Our Name: How to talk about the weaponisation of violence against women and girls. This guide is specifically designed to arm individuals with the practical tools necessary to dismantle falsehoods. By providing a strategic communications framework, the document empowers advocates to move past defensive reactions and engage in productive, effective conversations with friends, family, and colleagues regarding the intersection of VAWG and immigration policy.
Expertise is at the heart of this initiative, with the webinar set to be delivered by strategic communications specialist Kathryn Quinton. Participants will be introduced to the principles of “values-based framing,” a sophisticated approach designed to shift public perception. By learning to communicate through the lens of shared values rather than polarizing rhetoric, attendees will gain the skills to dismantle myths and foster more empathetic, fact-based discussions in their own communities.
The urgency of this work cannot be overstated, as inflammatory and dangerous reporting regarding immigration and VAWG continues to inflict tangible harm on our societal fabric. These distorted narratives not only endanger the safety and dignity of refugees and migrants, but they also distract from the comprehensive policy changes required to truly end violence against women. The coalition behind the webinar emphasizes that the responsibility to resist these manipulative narratives rests with everyone, not just policymakers and advocacy groups.
Ultimately, this initiative is a call to action for those who refuse to let the plight of vulnerable women be exploited for political gain. By fostering a more informed and articulate public, the organizers hope to replace misinformation with evidence, and division with understanding. Those interested in taking a stand against the cynical weaponization of these issues are encouraged to register for the upcoming webinar to begin the essential process of reclaiming the public conversation.
