GO “Women in Media” published the study “Underestimated threat: gender misinformation regarding Ukrainian female journalists.”
Due to the lack of attention to the problem of gender misinformation both from the state, specific institutions, and partly from the media, women who are subject to information attacks are forced to deal with the problem and its consequences alone, which in the long run can lead to a decrease in the level of involvement women in socio-political processes While touching on important topics and fighting for the rights of others, media women are not always ready to fight for their own, because precedents for publicly identifying and appropriately responding to gender disinformation itself are still individual cases, and not a systematic response.
Brief conclusions of the study:
Content analysis in the period from February 24, 2022 to August 2023 of the information space of Ukraine and Russia (media, social networks, radio, television) using the Attack Index information and analytical service showed the presence of gender misinformation regarding Ukrainian female journalists.
Russia is using a gender disinformation strategy in Ukraine to silence female journalists and create certain negative perceptions about gender equality and the role of women in democratic societies.
The general context of the information field showed that during the period under review, negative attitudes towards the ideas of feminism and gender equality intensified in the Russian information space. For example, Russian media consolidate the associative series: “feminism – sexual perversions – pro-Ukrainian views (nationalism) – terrorism.”
In contrast, in the Ukrainian information space, narratives asymmetrical to Russian ones are emerging: “Feminism is a movement of strong women”, “The history of Ukrainian feminism” is much older than the tradition of communism”, “Gender approach – equality of opportunity, universal values”.
Ukrainian right-wing radical groups are independent agents of spreading gender misinformation. However, they do not go mainstream and do not have much influence on public discourse.
It is important at all levels (state – police – media editorial – public organizations) to take care of creating an atmosphere and system in which women journalists could distinguish between facts of gender disinformation and report them without fear of being removed from future tasks, and be confident that they can receive the necessary help and support.
Download the study:
