Anti-gender narratives have become an increasingly prominent feature of political and information manipulation. Framed around the defence of “traditional values,” family, or national identity, these narratives are used to stigmatize gender equality, marginalize targeted communities, and challenge democratic principles such as pluralism and human rights. Amplified by political actors and online networks, they can deepen polarization, erode trust, and contribute to democratic backsliding.
 

This panel brings together researchers, fact-checkers, media analysts, and strategic communication experts to explore how anti-gender narratives are produced, adapted, and amplified across different political and media environments. The discussion will examine the relationship between gendered disinformation, populist mobilisation, and foreign information manipulation, highlighting how narratives targeting women’s rights, LGBTQ+ communities, and gender equality policies increasingly transcend national borders and circulate through interconnected information ecosystems. 

 

Drawing on experiences from the Baltic states, the South Caucasus, and broader European contexts, speakers will assess the role of digital platforms, political actors, and coordinated influence networks in shaping public perceptions around gender and identity. By situating anti-gender disinformation within wider debates on democratic resilience, the discussion will explore why safeguarding inclusive public discourse remains a critical challenge for democracies.