Gendered Disinformation: A National Security Threat?

Gendered disinformation is a growing global challenge that undermines the credibility and success of women and gender minorities in politics, often driving them away from political careers and, in some cases, putting them at risk of physical violence. These campaigns exploit sexist narratives and gender stereotypes, posing not only a threat to gender equality and women’s rights but also to national and international security. Authoritarian actors intentionally use gendered disinformation to polarize societies, weaken democracies, and roll back multilateral cooperation. Addressing this issue requires integrating human rights and gender equality into national and global security frameworks. In 2024, with over 60 national elections held and record-breaking voter turnout, gendered disinformation has been a notable factor in electoral interference and influence operations. These tactics have raised critical questions about their impact on gender diversity in politics, electoral outcomes, and approaches to national security. Join us for an engaging online discussion examining the role of gendered disinformation in key 2024 elections. We will explore its implications for democracy, debate the merits of framing it as a national security issue, and delve into current initiatives and policy responses to combat this pervasive threat.