ISTANBUL – Gender biases continue to shape newsrooms and media narratives worldwide. This reality turns the careers of female journalists into a constant struggle for recognition and survival. With the rise of social media, the spread and diversification of gendered disinformation pose a growing threat—not only to women in journalism but to society as a whole.
In a powerful panel discussion titled “Gendered Disinformation and Journalism” moderated by veteran journalist Banu Tuna, the event brought together leading voices in the media industry, including Daniella Peled, Ahu Özyurt, Güldenay Sonumut, and Burçin Gerçek. The speakers shared candid accounts of their experiences with discrimination in journalism—from newsroom gatekeeping to online harassment—while calling for systemic changes and global solidarity to combat gendered disinformation.
The panel, hosted by the Turkish Journalists’ Union (TGS), also featured the launch of the Gendered Disinformation Handbook—a resource developed by the Institute for War & Peace Reporting (IWPR) and locally adapted for the Turkish context with the support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherland.
In the opening session, Daniella Peled provided a detailed framework on what gendered disinformation entails. She emphasized the critical role of international conventions like the Istanbul Convention in advancing gender equality and human rights, warning that withdrawing from such agreements leaves women even more vulnerable. Peled also noted that although figures like Theresa May, Kamala Harris, and Angela Merkel have held leadership roles, they rarely addressed gender equality during their tenure.
Misjudged and Overexposed: Double Standards in the Field
Veteran journalist Ahu Özyurt recounted her early years reporting in the 1990s, reflecting on how errors by male journalists were often excused, while women were branded as incompetent. Today, she argued, digital platforms have amplified these gendered judgments. “Social media has become a loudspeaker for attacks—both from the public and within the industry,” she said.
Drawing on her experience in newsrooms, Güldenay Sonumut described how female journalists are constantly judged for their appearance, specifically, their hair, clothing, and makeup, while male journalists rarely face such scrutiny. She emphasized that women had to fight hard for roles such as war reporting, and that if female war correspondents hadn’t paved the way, women might still be denied these assignments today.
National Patterns, Global Echoes: Gendered Narratives in Politics and the Press
Later in the panel, Burçin Gerçek shared firsthand observations of ongoing discrimination against women’s attitudes in government institutions, recounting experiences from Ankara’s ministry meetings. She cited examples like President Erdoğan’s “know your place, shameless woman” comment to a female journalist and how disinformation, such as false claims about LGBT+ education in municipal kindergartens, reinforces gendered narratives.
The seminar also featured international perspectives. Daniella Peled highlighted that gendered disinformation exists globally, from Moldova to the UK, noting how British tabloids have framed female politicians with discriminatory headlines like “Brexit or LEGit?” despite the country’s reputation for politeness.
Countering the Narrative: Tools for Resilience
The discussion then shifted to possible solutions. Güldenay Sonumut emphasized the power of language and visuals, while Daniella Peled stressed the need for both diplomatic and assertive communication. Participants agreed that the Istanbul Convention is crucial not just for women but also for men, as it promotes broader social equality. As the event drew to a close, speakers pointed out that younger journalists are bolder and more determined to confront these issues. However, they also noted that Turkey’s state-run Disinformation Combat Center lacks the independence needed for effective oversight, underscoring the importance of fact-checking journalism instead.
In conclusion, the “Gendered Disinformation and Journalism” seminar highlighted the slow but inevitable process of social change, with Banu Tuna summarizing the session:
“It’s important to put these issues on the table; at the end of the day, our job is about patience and persistence.”
About Gendered Disinformation Handbook
Released at a time when restrictions targeting women and LGBTQ+ individuals are on the rise, and freedom of assembly and expression is under increasing pressure, the Gendered Disinformation Handbook offers a timely intervention.
The handbook examines how gender-based narratives are manipulated, why this is significant, and how such disinformation can be effectively countered. From key concepts to case studies, it provides a comprehensive framework that debunks common misconceptions around gendered disinformation.
Originally developed by IWPR for journalists in Moldova, the guide was adapted for Turkey by the Inside Turkey team in collaboration with writer Nick Raistrick. The handbook also includes expert perspectives on the intersection of journalism, gender, and disinformation in Turkey.
Highlights from the Gendered Disinformation Handbook
“Disinformation can be inconsistent and self-contradictory, as well as sensationalist. At its core, it often aims to cultivate fear, pessimism, and mistrust within society.”
“A wide range of content can be used to spread gendered disinformation—fake news stories, Telegram or X (formerly Twitter) posts, meme images, jokes, and TikTok videos. Even when governments do not produce such content directly, they may strategically amplify it.”
“Misinformation about gender-based violence (GBV) can significantly distort public understanding of these incidents. Poor reporting—or the decision not to report at all—can stand in the way of justice for victims.”
“The claim that ‘she didn’t resist’ is frequently used in GBV cases. Yet in many instances, victims refrain from resisting due to threats, fear for their safety, concerns about social repercussions, or even fear for their lives.”
“Societies have long focused on shaping boys into ‘real men.’ But the internet has enabled a darker kind of role model—one that preys on insecure young men and builds influence through extreme misogyny.”
“It is vital to emphasize that LGBTQ+ rights are, fundamentally, human rights.”