Late last year, Malaysia had its 15th General Elections after a series of government changes since the pandemic. The stakes were high and the battle for voters was intense. This led to the use of propaganda by various parties to pursue voters, including the propagation of gendered disinformation.

There is growing research that shows that women in politics are disproportionately targeted by gendered disinformation. It is aimed at delegitimising, depersonalising and ultimately dissuading them from being politically active. Gendered disinformation aggravates harmful stereotyping of women as “weak” and “domestic” and harmful sexualisation of women as “available” or “slutty”. Gendered disinformation is also a form of online gender-based violence that has the effect of silencing their voices.

In this episode, we unpack the concept of gendered disinformation within the Malaysian context, its impact on women's public and political participation during the 15th General election, and the recommendations for addressing the issues.

Featuring guest speakers: YB Amira Aisya, the State Assemblyperson for Puteri Wangsa, Johor & Cynthia Sylvia, the Media and Communications Officer at the Centre for Independent Journalism.

*NOTE: Views presented by the speakers are their own personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of KRYSS Network, or the organizations or institutions they are affiliated with.