Civil Society Organizations Unite to Combat Gender Disinformation and Promote Inclusivity in Digital and Civic Spaces
Dhaka, Bangladesh – A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) convened in Dhaka to address the escalating issue of gender disinformation and advocate for greater inclusivity in both digital and civic spheres. Hosted by Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE) at the YWCA training center, the meeting brought together journalists, academics, human rights defenders, and digital rights activists to strategize against the growing threat of online manipulation and its disproportionate impact on women and marginalized communities. Participants emphasized the urgent need for collaborative action, educational initiatives, and increased awareness among law enforcement agencies to foster safer and more equitable online and offline environments.
The discussions centered on the principle of "Leave No One Behind" (LNOB), highlighting the importance of ensuring that civic spaces remain accessible to all members of society, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or social standing. Participants underscored the historical marginalization of indigenous communities in Bangladesh across various political regimes and stressed the importance of actively working towards their inclusion in public discourse and decision-making processes. This commitment to inclusivity, they argued, is crucial for fostering a vibrant and representative democracy. The meeting also acknowledged the evolving nature of threats to freedom of expression, stemming from both state and non-state actors, further emphasizing the necessity of a unified approach to address these complex challenges.
Experts at the meeting emphasized the pervasive nature of gender disinformation and its potential to exacerbate existing social inequalities. They pointed to the deliberate attempts by certain groups to exploit societal divisions, highlighting the urgent need to integrate principles of inclusivity and a "Do No Harm" approach into educational curricula. This proactive measure, they argued, would equip future generations with the critical thinking skills and ethical awareness necessary to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape and contribute to a more tolerant and inclusive society. Participants further advocated for school-based awareness programs to promote respect for marginalized communities and empower individuals to identify and combat gender disinformation.
The call for greater inclusivity in digital and civic spaces resonated strongly throughout the meeting. Speakers emphasized the importance of ensuring that these platforms are not dominated by majority voices but remain open and accessible to all members of society. They argued that a truly democratic society requires the active participation of all citizens, including those from marginalized groups, in shaping public discourse and holding decision-makers accountable. This inclusivity, they emphasized, is not merely a matter of fairness but is essential for ensuring that policies and initiatives reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of the entire population. A failure to address the digital divide and promote inclusivity in online spaces risks exacerbating existing inequalities and undermining the very foundations of democratic governance.
Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, Executive Director of VOICE, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in combating disinformation and protecting freedom of expression. He called for stronger partnerships between journalists, NGOs, CSOs, digital rights activists, and human rights defenders to share knowledge, disseminate successful strategies, and collectively address the challenges posed by online manipulation and censorship. This collaborative approach, he argued, is crucial for building a robust and resilient ecosystem that can effectively counter disinformation campaigns and safeguard the rights of all individuals to express themselves freely and without fear of reprisal. He also stressed the importance of equipping individuals with the skills and resources necessary to critically evaluate information and navigate the complexities of the digital landscape.
Promiti Prova Chowdhury, Project Manager at VOICE, presented compelling cases of digital civic space (DCS) violations and gender disinformation from recent events, underscoring the growing threats to free expression and the urgent need for concerted action. She highlighted the increasing prevalence of online harassment, intimidation, and disinformation campaigns targeting women and marginalized groups, emphasizing the chilling effect these tactics have on freedom of expression and civic participation. Chowdhury stressed the importance of holding perpetrators of these violations accountable and implementing effective mechanisms to protect individuals from online abuse and harassment. She further advocated for a multi-pronged approach that combines legal frameworks, technological solutions, and educational initiatives to create a safer and more inclusive digital environment.
The meeting served as a crucial platform for civil society organizations to unite their efforts in combating gender disinformation and advocating for greater inclusivity in digital and civic spaces. Participants agreed on the urgent need for collaborative action, increased awareness among law enforcement agencies, and educational initiatives to empower individuals to identify and counter disinformation campaigns. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that civic spaces remain accessible to all members of society and called for a renewed commitment to the principle of "Leave No One Behind." The discussions underscored the interconnectedness of online and offline spaces and the need for a holistic approach to address the challenges posed by disinformation and promote a more inclusive and democratic society. The meeting marked a significant step towards building a stronger coalition to safeguard freedom of expression and promote gender equality both online and offline.