Promotion of Gender-Sensitive Communication and the Prevention of Hate Speech : Լaunch of the Project 

The “Women’s Information-Analytical Network” NGO announces the launch of the  “Promoting Gender-Sensitive Media and Countering Disinformation in Electoral Processes” project.

The project is implemented within the framework of the “ProElect – Promote accountability in Electoral processes in EaP through increased participation and capacity of civic actors” is a regional project run by the Transatlantic Foundation in partnership with ERIM (Equal Rights and Independent Media) and funded by the European Union.

Monitoring and research conducted in the Armenian media landscape demonstrate that gender-based disinformation and online hate speech, particularly during the pre-election period, deepen discrimination against women, reduce their visibility in the media, and increase the risk of their disengagement from political participation.

The project “Promoting Gender-Sensitive Media and Countering Disinformation in Electoral Processes” is aimed at making Armenia’s electoral information space safer, more inclusive, and more accountable by reducing hate speech, disinformation, and gender-based attacks.

It will do so through three interconnected components:

• pre-election media content analysis to identify and document trends of hate speech, sexist framing, and discrimination;
• development of a web-based multimedia manual on gender-sensitive journalism with practical case studies, legal guidance, and self-assessment tools; and
• creation of an interactive web application that allows journalists to paste or upload text and receive real-time detection of potentially harmful language, pop-up explanations of why it is problematic, and direct links to educational resources.

The project also includes a capacity-building component aimed at familiarizing representatives of the media landscape and other stakeholders with the developed tools and the principles of gender-sensitive communication.

In addition, a public awareness campaign is planned with infographics and media literacy content, and policy dialogue with the Central Electoral Commission, media regulators, and lawmakers to promote adoption of gender-sensitive standards and stronger enforcement mechanisms.

Together, these interventions will create a practical, scalable solution to prevent harmful narratives and support equal participation of women and other underrepresented groups in Armenia’s democratic processes.

About ProElect Project

“ProElect – Promote accountability in Electoral processes in EaP through increased participation and capacity of civic actors” is a regional project run by the Transatlantic Foundation in partnership with ERIM (Equal Rights and Independent Media) and funded by the European Union. The project aims to ensure that civil society actors in the Eastern Neighbourhood are engaged, capable and knowledgeable in monitoring elections and promoting democratic accountability mechanisms

This publication  was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union and Equal Rights & Independent Media (ERIM). Its contents are the sole responsibility of Women’s Information-Analytical Network NGO (WomenNet NGO) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EU and ERIM.