CCSD Co-Founder Rajaa Altalli joined practitioners, researchers, diplomats, human rights defenders and peacebuilders at an event hosted by the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations and convened by Cordaid, in collaboration with WO=MEN Dutch Gender Platform, SIPRI, and the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN).
The discussion explored how locally led approaches can counter gendered disinformation, strengthen resilience against harmful narratives, and advance conflict prevention under the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Drawing on the Syrian context, Rajaa outlined three recommendations to prevent and address the impact of gendered disinformation:
- Strengthen public sector transparency: Public institutions should provide accurate, reliable data, statistics, and factual information to help prevent the spread of gendered disinformation.
- Equip civil society and women’s organizations: These organizations need the expertise and resources to monitor and counter gendered disinformation, particularly through open-source monitoring and regular consultations with local communities.
- Engage the private sector: Technology companies and other private sector actors should help close the gender gap in access to technology in Syria and contribute technical expertise and resources to combat gendered disinformation.
These recommendations underscore the importance of coordinated action across public institutions, civil society, and the private sector to counter harmful narratives, strengthen social cohesion, and support women’s meaningful participation in public life and peacebuilding.