Combatting disinformation in elections in West Africa

Credit: Sierra Leone Association of Journalists

In Sierra Leone, social media and private messenger applications are increasingly popular means for citizens to engage in political discourse and access and share information. However, these platforms are also used by malicious actors to spread disinformation rapidly through the strategic spreading of false, exaggerated, inflammatory or contradictory information. Within this context, gendered disinformation poses a serious threat to women’s political participation and works to undermine inclusive and resilient democracy.

In response, 抖淫视频 partnered with the National Democratic Institute to combat gendered disinformation in West Africa. This partnership supported focus group discussions on online violence against women in politics, exploring causes, effects and potential remedies.

Women in politics: Leveraging social structures

A group of 40 women in politics from various political parties in Sierra Leone shared their experiences and highlighted the types of online harassment they face. Participants collaborated with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) to identify the primary causes of online violence against women in politics.  Participants exchanged personal experiences of the psychological trauma (such as emotional distress and damaged self-esteem) that leads to women’s withdrawal from political participation.

Recommendations to combat online violence and its effects include:

• stronger legal frameworks,
• accountability for perpetrators,
• digital literacy,
• fostering a positive online environment,
• responsible media reporting.

Raising awareness and empowering communities    

The SLAJ President and project team also visited two Ataya bases in Freetown for community engagement on countering disinformation. Twenty-five young community members participated in discussions about information challenges. The campaign raised awareness of the issue and informed society members on how to effectively counter disinformation.

For example, SLAJ and the project team introduced trusted news and information sources to verify information received from social media and various channels. The facilitator also provided practical examples of the dangers of misinformation. They cited election-related incidents that resulted in unrest and loss of life in areas such as Tombo, Makeni and Freetown.

Participants found the initiative enlightening and committed to combating disinformation. One participant remarked: “The Combatting Disinformation Project is a game-changer for us. [The facilitator’s] examples are very true, this will make us more aware of the dangers of disinformation. This visit has been an enlightening experience, and we appreciate the effort to educate our community.”

Canada is committed to supporting safe digital environments by addressing the legal, technological and social dimensions of online gendered disinformation. Everyone's human rights must be protected, defended and promoted online and offline. When women in politics thrive, society prospers.