From February 7-9, a three-day Women’s Mutual Support Workshop was held to support active women in communities in resisting the psychological impact of gendered disinformation. Gender-related issues in Armenia often become a target for disinformation, particularly affecting women engaged in public and social activities. The workshop brought together municipal council members, community administration staff, and other socially active women, providing a platform for discussion, experience-sharing, and mutual support.
The workshop included both theoretical and practical components to ensure participants’ active engagement and knowledge exchange.
Main focus areas:
- Gender inequality and its presence in Armenian media
- Psychological impact of gender-based disinformation and strategies to strengthen resilience
Participants analyzed how gender stereotypes and disinformation spread through media, their influence on women, and the tools that can be used to counteract them.
Speaking about the significance of the workshop, Ani Kojoyan, one of the expert speakers, highlighted:
“This workshop aimed to create support and mutual aid groups. It was particularly important that women from different political parties and backgrounds participated, allowing for a deeper understanding that women are often targeted not because of their political views but simply because they are women. Gender-based disinformation is consistently used as a tool, and one of the most effective ways to combat it is through the formation of women’s mutual support groups that strengthen and empower each other.”
A key outcome of the workshop was the creation of a women’s mutual support group, which will serve as a vital platform for information exchange, consultation, and joint efforts in combating gender-based disinformation.
One of the participants shared her impressions:
“The workshop was insightful and well-structured, guided by a knowledgeable psychologist. It provided an opportunity not only to discuss important topics but also to gain new perspectives. The most valuable part was the connections and friendships we formed. The methods introduced will be useful in enhancing resilience in daily life.
I am grateful to the organizers for this important opportunity and hope such meetings will continue.”
The workshop was organized within the framework of the “Combating Gendered Disinformation: Building Resilience” project, implemented by OxYGen, funded by the Artemis Alliance project.
The project aims to counter the impact of gender-based disinformation in Armenia by engaging the private sector in responsible media financing processes and enhancing the resilience of targeted groups.