Gender Disinformation Plagues Armenian Media: A Case Study and the Call for Corporate Responsibility
Armenia is grappling with a rising tide of gender disinformation, a pernicious form of misinformation that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and biases, impacting individuals and societal perceptions. A recent study conducted by the OxYGen Foundation, titled "Combating Gender Disinformation: Transforming the Narrative," sheds light on the pervasiveness of this issue within Armenian media. Monitoring 12 different media outlets, including online platforms, radio, and television, the study uncovered 332 instances of gender disinformation within a sample of 92,000 publications. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for intervention and collaboration between media organizations, civil society, and the business community to combat this growing problem.
The OxYGen Foundation’s research highlights the destructive power of gender disinformation through a poignant case presented by human rights advocate Zara Hovhannisyan. The case involved a woman escaping domestic abuse, leaving her husband due to psychological and economic hardship, but facing a protracted battle to regain custody of her child. The child, left with the father, endured months of neglect, malnutrition, and educational deprivation. Despite the mother’s continued financial support and numerous pleas to state institutions, her struggle was prolonged until an intervention secured the child’s removal and placement in a shelter. The child’s dire physical and emotional state upon rescue speaks volumes about the severity of the neglect.
This already tragic situation was further exacerbated by the irresponsible reporting of a local media outlet, which presented a skewed narrative solely from the father’s perspective, falsely portraying the mother as the abuser. This biased and sensationalized reporting fueled public condemnation of the mother, forcing her to flee the country with her child to escape the relentless harassment. This case serves as a stark reminder of the media’s power to shape public perception and the devastating consequences of unchecked disinformation. The incident also underscores the urgent need for media outlets to prioritize ethical reporting, fact-checking, and sensitivity in covering gender-related issues.
The OxYGen Foundation’s research emphasizes that combating gender disinformation requires a multi-pronged approach. While media outlets bear primary responsibility for accurate and unbiased reporting, the business community also plays a crucial role in curbing the spread of harmful narratives. Businesses, through their advertising spending, wield considerable influence over media platforms. By refusing to support outlets that propagate gender disinformation, businesses can leverage their economic power to promote responsible journalism and discourage the dissemination of harmful content. This conscious choice aligns with principles of corporate social responsibility, ensuring that businesses contribute to a healthier and more equitable media landscape.
Human rights advocates and gender equality experts stress the need for proactive engagement from businesses. Silva Mesropyan, Chairperson of the NGO "Innovative Women’s Entrepreneurship," advocates for businesses to meticulously vet media platforms before engaging in interviews or partnerships. This due diligence can prevent unintended association with outlets known for biased or inaccurate reporting. Ani Kojoyan, a lecturer at Yerevan State University specializing in gender studies and women’s rights, emphasizes the role businesses can play in supporting investigative journalism, fact-checking initiatives, and independent media platforms committed to combating disinformation. These investments not only demonstrate corporate social responsibility but also contribute to a more informed and resilient public sphere.
The OxYGen Foundation proposes concrete steps to address this challenge, including engaging advertising agencies to bolster their social responsibility within the media landscape. Recognizing that sustainable solutions require long-term commitment, the Foundation advocates for ongoing awareness campaigns, collaborative efforts with the business community, and targeted research that provides actionable insights for businesses. In addition to external efforts, businesses should also establish internal mechanisms to support employees who become targets of gender disinformation. This can include psychological and legal assistance, as well as fostering a supportive work environment that prevents re-victimization. This comprehensive approach, combining external pressure and internal support, can significantly contribute to mitigating the harmful effects of gender disinformation in Armenia.