We invite stakeholders from academia/research, civil society, education, including youth organisations, as well as journalists and social media content creators from Europe to join us on 20-21 January for the international conference and workshop “Education in Countering Gendered Disinformation.”
This online event brings together experts and practitioners to discuss how gendered disinformation operates, how it affects individuals and societies, and how education can act as a key tool for prevention and resilience-building.
Background and Thematic Overview
Gendered disinformation – false, misleading or manipulated and harmful information – is a specific form of disinformation that disproportionately targets women and members of the LGBTQ+ community by exploiting patriarchal gender stereotypes. The trend is widespread globally, targeting high-profile women politicians, activists, journalists, and public figures.
The conference on 20 January includes three thematic panels:
1. Understanding Gendered Disinformation and its Impact on Society
This session introduces the core mechanisms, forms, and narratives of gendered disinformation. Speakers will present findings from the G-LENS focus groups and research, illustrating how gendered disinformation affects public perception, individual wellbeing, and democratic participation. Participants will gain a clear understanding of why gendered disinformation is a growing societal challenge.
2. Context and Landscapes for Understanding Gender-based Disinformation. European and national Legislation, Gender biases, anti-Gender Movements and Amplification of Disinformation through social media and AI
This session provides a broader perspective on the political, social, and cultural factors that enable the spread of gendered disinformation. Experts will discuss European and national legal frameworks, persistent gender biases, the rise of anti-gender movements, and the ways disinformation is amplified through digital platforms and social dynamics.
3. Tackling gendered disinformation from an educational standpoint
Focusing on solutions, this session explores how education can counter gendered disinformation. The panel will highlight practical approaches to building learners’ resilience, promoting critical thinking, and fostering gender-sensitive educational environments.
AGENDA
20 January 2026, 9:00 - 18:00 (EET)
9:00 – 09:30 Welcoming participants & registration
09:30 – 10:00 Opening Speeches, Streaming Launch
- Carmen Nemeș | President of ANAIS Association
- Abdi Hassan | Country Director of British Council Romania
- Tudorina Mihai | Programme Coordinator Friedrich Ebert Foundation
10:00 – 11:30 Keynote Speech
- Paula-Charlotte Matlach | The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (Germany)
11:30 – 12:00 Coffee break
12:00 – 13:00 Panel 1: Understanding Gendered Disinformation and its Impact on Society
Mapping Gendered Disinformation and G-LENS Findings: Comparative Trends from Poland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania
- Daphne Demetriou | Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies (Cyprus)
- Małgorzata Kopka-Piątek | Institute of Public Affairs (Poland)
- Irina Ilisei, PhD | ANAIS Association (Romania)
- Pepa Peneva Veleva | OPEN SPACE Foundation (Bulgaria)
Creating alternative narratives in the fight against anti-gender movements and gender disinformation
- Lana Bobic | independent feminist theologian, activist and author (Croatia)
13:00 – 13:15 Interactive Reflection Session
- Zabya Abo Aljadayel | Centre for the Humanities, Nova University Lisbon (Portugal)
13:15 Lunch
14:00 – 15:30 Panel 2: Context and Landscapes for Understanding Gender-based Disinformation. European and national Legislation, Gender biases, anti-Gender Movements and Amplification of Disinformation through social media and AI
- Blurred Lines: How Disinformation Shapes Gender-Based Discriminatory Narratives
Natalia Gruepenter | Disinformation Analysis Centre, Research and Academic Computer Network (NASK, Poland) - Disinformation, Polarization, and Democratic Erosion: Intersectional Monitoring of Romania’s 2024–2025 Elections
Xhenis Shehu, PhD. | National University of Political and Administrative Sciences (Romania) - Institutionalized Genderphobia and Disinformation: The Case of Bulgaria
Emilia Slavova, PhD | Sofia University (Bulgaria) - Gender Disinformation Tactics and Democratic Impact. Insights from Republic of Moldova
Mihaela Siritanu | Comunity WatchDog.md
15:30 – 16:00 Coffee break
16:00 – 17:30 Panel 3: Tackling Gender-based Disinformation from an Educational Standpoint
- Representative of the British Embassy in Bucharest
- A Case Study: Gender-Based Disinformation in Bulgaria
Ivan Radev | Association of European Journalists (Bulgaria) - Learning through Story-Making
Anna Tsiarta | Educational Technology Department of the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute - Countering disinformation targeting women. Proposed systemic and social solutions
Katarzyna Bąkowicz | Central European Digital Media Observatory; Chancellery of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland
17:30 – 18:00 Closing Remarks & Discussions
21 January 2026
On 21 January, we invite teachers, educators, and youth workers interested in inclusivity, gender equality, and countering prejudice and disinformation to join our online workshop.
During the session, we will:
- discuss how gendered disinformation affects young people and their civic engagement;
- introduce participants to the methodology used in G-LENS on gender equality and disinformation;
- facilitate participants’ reflection on how selected activities from the G-LENS methodology could be adapted and applied in their work with young people (in classrooms and youth work settings).
The workshop will take place from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EET.
The workshop will be conducted by Dominika Cieślikowska - Intercultural psychologist, diversity trainer, facilitator, and educational supervisor with over 20 years of experience in designing and delivering high-impact educational programmes. She has conducted more than 9500 hours of training for international corporations, non-governmental organisations, and public institutions in Poland and abroad, including numerous projects developed in cooperation with the British Council.
She specialises, among others, in leadership development and empowerment, particularly supporting young people in challenging practices that silence minorities and undermine their credibility and participation in public life.
Actively involved in local, regional, and international initiatives, she promotes diversity, inclusion, and equality while countering hate speech, discrimination, and disinformation. As the author of over 40 educational publications created for organisations such as the British Council, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and the International Organisation for Migration, she contributes to shaping international standards in diversity education. Through her collaboration with the media, she raises public awareness on gender inequality and disinformation, with her expert commentary and articles featured in leading media, including Newsweek.
About the Event
The conference & workshop are organized by the ANAIS Association in Romania, with the support of Fundacja British Council (Poland), as part of the international G-LENS project (Gender-Inclusive, Long-lasting, and Empowered Networks and Societies). This two-year (2024-2026) European project, co-funded by the European Union, adopts a comprehensive approach to countering gendered disinformation. By combining research, education, and advocacy, G-LENS empowers young people to create a more inclusive and democratic digital environment.
About the host
ANAIS Association is a Romanian civil society organisation founded in 2011, dedicated to preventing gender-based violence and supporting survivors. It offers free psychological, legal, and social assistance to women and children, having supported over 11,000 people, including refugees. ANAIS also advocates for legal reforms, contributing to the recognition of cyberviolence as a form of domestic abuse. The organisation runs educational programs, public campaigns, and professional trainings to raise awareness and promote early intervention. Additionally, it conducts research on GBV, strengthens the capacity of institutions and NGOs, and participates in national and regional cooperation networks.
Disclaimer
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.