Photo courtesy of CIPESA
Gendered disinformation has become an increasing form of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) affecting women and gender-diverse human rights defenders, activists, politicians and journalists. As an escalating form of online gender backlash, it is increasingly being used to undermine feminist achievements and impede progress toward gender equality.
The Association for Progressive Communications (APC), in collaboration with partners in Africa and beyond, has adopted human rights approaches through evidence-based research, capacity-building initiatives, and policy advocacy to address the impacts of gendered disinformation and uphold the human rights of the affected communities. APC and its partners organised a panel discussion during the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) 2025 in Windhoek, Namibia, where they explored research findings, examined collective strategies adopted, and reviewed existing legal frameworks aimed at addressing gendered disinformation, especially in the context of elections, protests, war and civil unrest in Africa.