Addressing Gender-Based Hate Speech through Media
We are proud that, within the framework of the regional project “Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust”, we brought together journalists, civil society representatives, youth, and representatives of international organizations to discuss and address gender-based hate speech and its impact both in online and offline spaces.
The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Naile Dema Selmani, Vice Chairperson of the Association of Journalists of Kosovo, with panelists: Besnik Velija – Board Member of AJK, Mexhide Demolli – Executive Director at Lëvizja FOL, and Gjylbehare Murati – hate speech expert.
The panelists emphasized the importance of addressing gender-based hate speech and the crucial role that the media plays in shaping gender narratives. They shared real-life experiences of women journalists who face daily online attacks, threats, and discrimination, and discussed concrete steps to create safer, more inclusive, and respectful media spaces.
As part of this initiative, Memorandums of Understanding were signed between AJK and local media outlets, committing to dedicate media space to stories that address hate speech and disinformation.
In addition, participants of the Academy for Journalists and Journalism Students: Peacebuilding and Combating Hate Speech, supported by the project, were awarded certificates for their commitment to peacebuilding and ethical reporting.
These activities are part of the Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust project, implemented in cooperation with AJK, UNDP, and UNFPA, with the support of the UN #PeacebuildingFund.
