Gendered Disinformation

Gendered disinformation is used worldwide to target women who engage openly in politics and public life. It takes many forms – sexualized smear campaigns, character assassination, impersonation, threats, and relentless harassment – all designed to push women out of public debate and to warn others not to follow.

At the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), we work with our regional offices and partners to understand and counter these dynamics. On International Women’s Day 2026, FNF is launching a new series of country studies examining gendered disinformation in Mexico, Lebanon, and the Philippines, following an earlier policy perspective on the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Drawing on statistical evidence, expert insights, and lived experience, the studies map shared patterns as well as country-specific tactics. The findings go beyond documenting harm: they highlight women’s resilience while offering practical strategies to push back – from policy responses and platform accountability to media responsibility and civil society action.

News

Country Perspectives

  • Mexico: EON Institute builds on insights from an FNF collaboration that explored generative AI in Mexico’s 2024 elections, using expert roundtables and dialogues with young women to capture the Mexican experience.
  • Libanon: Samir Kassir eyes Center and InflueAnswers draw on in-depth interviews with women in politics and journalism, comprehensive desk research, and international comparisons to analyze gendered disinformation in Libanon.
  • The Philippines: The Center for Liberalism and Democracy analyzes high-profile cases of gendered disinformation in the Philippines through different theoretical lenses.
  • The Czech Republic and Slovakia: Natália Sabol Tkáčová combines quantitative social‑media monitoring of disinformation narratives, surveys of women politicians, and in‑depth interviews capturing first‑hand accounts

Explore the publications

Gender-Based Disinformation & Deepnudes in Mexico

Gender-Based Disinformation & Deepnudes in Mexico

Gender-based disinformation is a growing threat to digital rights, gender equality, and democracy. By weaponizing stereotypes about women (in all their diversity), it distorts debates, damages reputations, and deters women from participating in public and political life. Grounded in previous research, expert insights, and dialogues with 23 young women, this study shows how AI amplifies these harms and sets out gaps, risks, and practical recommendations for policymakers to build a safer, more equitable digital space.

Part of an FNF-commissioned global series on gendered disinformation across multiple countries.

More
The Price of Freedom

The Price of Freedom

Gendered disinformation is not random hate. It is often intentional, coordinated, and aimed at pushing women out of public debate – harming women individually and damaging democracy as a whole. Drawing on nine in-depth interviews with women journalists and political figures, alongside an extensive literature review, this analysis combines lived experience with research evidence. It examines legal gaps and how AI is accelerating these attacks, and sets out practical recommendations for policymakers to build a safer, more equitable digital space.

Part of an FNF-commissioned global series on gendered disinformation across multiple countries.

More
Culture, Norms, Disruptions

Culture, Norms, Disruptions

How is violence against women in politics amplified online—and what does it do to democracy? This paper unpacks gendered disinformation in the Philippines, showing how weaponized stereotypes distort public debate, damage reputations, and deter women from participating in public and political life. The paper also maps the legal and political landscape, and offers practical entry points for a safer, more equitable digital space.

Part of an FNF-commissioned global series on gendered disinformation across multiple countries.

More
Defending Democracy

Defending Democracy

Across Czechia and Slovakia, women in politics are increasingly targeted by gendered disinformation that mixes false claims, personal insults, and sexist narratives. These attacks question their competence, morality, and loyalty, aiming to damage credibility and push them out of public life. Using social media analysis, surveys, and interviews, new research reveals how such narratives spread, often amplified by major political actors and how they affect not only the women themselves but also families, institutions, and democratic debate.

More
Gendered Disinformation

Gendered Disinformation

The spread of disinformation has become a growing concern in the digital age. A specific and damaging form of this phenomenon is gendered disinformation, which targets individuals based on gender or sexual identity, reinforcing stereotypes, deepening inequalities, and suppressing marginalized voices. Women, non-binary individuals, and LGBTQIA+ communities often face coordinated attacks, online harassment, and exclusion from public life, particularly in politics. The consequences are severe, deterring participation, fostering division, and undermining democratic principles. Studies show that politically active women, especially those in leadership, face disproportionate violence and harassment, discouraging their engagement. Gendered disinformation is not only a societal issue but also a geopolitical tool, weaponized to stoke fear, suppress progress, and align public sentiment with authoritarian agendas. Addressing this challenge requires stronger measures to counter digital violence and protect inclusive political participation.

More