This work stems from the collaboration of #ShePersisted with LUISS Guido Carli University in Rome and represents an in-depth analysis of the research titled "How to identify and counter coordinated disinformation operations in Italy", published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The study includes interviews granted by Alessandra Moretti, Laura Boldrini, Maria Elena Boschi, Monica Cirinnà, and Valeria Fedeli, women involved in politics who shared their experience with gender-based disinformation.

The goal of this report is to analyze the modus operandi of defamatory and online hate campaigns targeting women in politics and explain how they contribute to undermining democratic debate and women's rights in our country. This occurs through various means, ranging from simple and easily identifiable false news or fake news to hate narratives spread by actual manipulation campaigns.

What is observed is even more concerning in the current context of the country, characterized by strong anti-democratic influences from Russia, including online disinformation campaigns about the war in Ukraine, and the growing electoral favor enjoyed by many right-wing sovereignist and populist parties and movements across Europe. Considering Italy's geopolitically strategic position in the European context, what happens in Italy can and should serve as a warning to all European countries about the importance of combating gender-based disinformation to safeguard democracy and liberal values.

Read the research HERE

By Lucina Di Meco and Nicoletta Appolito