Misinformation often harms women in Nigeria. Find out how.
With the internet dominating global communication, social media is a powerful tool for connection, education, and advocacy. However, it has also become a breeding ground for misinformation, hate speech, technology-facilitated Gender-Based Violence and exploitation.
The 2023 Nigerian elections brought these issues into sharp focus, revealing the disproportionate harm misinformation inflicts, especially on Nigerian women. Here are three critical ways misinformation is affecting Nigerian women and practical steps we can take to combat this growing menace.
Reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes
Misinformation often reinforces damaging gender stereotypes that stigmatise Nigerian women, limit opportunities for Nigerian women and more. Online narratives frequently portray women as less capable leaders or perpetuate myths about their societal roles.
For instance, during the elections, several female candidates, including gubernatorial candidate Natasha Akpoti, were targeted with fake news, accusing them of moral misconduct, and damaging their public image and campaign efforts. Such narratives discourage other women from participating in public life and potentially hinder their general progress.
How to fight back:
- Enhance digital literacy: We need to equip journalists with the skills to identify fake news and misinformation, enabling them to critically analyse online content and report harmful narratives.
- Celebrate women’s achievements: Using social media to amplify the stories of successful Nigerian women goes a long way to counter negative stereotypes.
- Demand BigTech accountability: Pushing for stronger moderation policies to flag and remove misogynistic content and misinformation is a necessary move.
Exacerbating online harassment and violence
Misinformation fuels targeted online harassment of women, exposing them to cyberbullying, doxxing, and other forms of digital violence. False rumours or doctored images spread rapidly, causing reputational damage, emotional distress, and, in some cases, offline consequences.
A UNESCO survey spanning 15 countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, revealed that 73% of women journalists have experienced online violence during their careers. Alarmingly, misinformation has escalated to fuel offline threats and acts of violence against women, amplifying the dangers they face digitally and physically.
In 2022, Deborah Yakubu, a Christian student, was accused of blasphemy on WhatsApp. The accusations, based on misinterpreted comments, led to a mob lynching her at Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto. This tragic case highlights how misinformation can escalate to deadly offline violence.
How to fight back:
- Strengthen laws against cyberbullying: We need to advocate for stricter enforcement of laws addressing online harassment and misinformation.
- Promote safe online spaces: We must create digital communities where women can share experiences and access legal resources and emotional support.
As Tobi Ayodele, a feminist writer and advocate whose work addresses the deep-rooted issues of gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria, puts it, “We need spaces where we can talk about consent, rape, and the realities of gender-based violence. We have to keep shaping the conversation, even when it’s difficult, and learn to recognise and combat cyberbullying in all its forms.”
Undermining women’s health and well-being
False information about reproductive health, maternal care, and vaccines puts women’s health at serious risk. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigerian women were particularly affected by fake news that fueled vaccine hesitancy. These false claims circulated online alleged that vaccines cause infertility in women, which led to widespread vaccine hesitancy, particularly among women in rural Nigeria.
These false narratives not only endanger women’s health but also erode trust in medical professionals and public health institutions. This is especially dire in rural communities where access to accurate health information is already limited.
How to fight back:
- Partner with healthcare professionals: Collaborating with medical experts who are aware of and understand the dangers of disinformation can help to disseminate accurate health information online.
- Leverage social media for good: We can fight disinformation by debunking health myths, and promoting verified resources.
Misinformation is not just an online nuisance; it has real-world consequences that disproportionately affect Nigerian women. From perpetuating harmful stereotypes to fueling harassment and jeopardising health, the impact is far-reaching.
BigTech companies have a crucial role in curbing misinformation by implementing stronger content moderation, increasing transparency, and investing in localised solutions, and platforms that can reduce the spread of harmful content.
However, the responsibility does not lie solely with these companies. Combating this issue requires a collective effort through education, advocacy, and accountability to create a safer internet for all. By taking action today, we can empower women to navigate the digital world confidently and harness its potential for positive change.
This was written in collaboration with Gatefield’s #FWDWithFacts campaign, which raises awareness about the dangers of misinformation, and advocates for a safer digital environment.
