(iPoster) Silencing Effects of Gendered Disinformation in Local Politics in Sri Lanka

• In Event: Poster Sessions: Public Opinion 1 & Diverse Perspectives on South Asian Politics
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Diverse Perspectives on South Asian Politics

Abstract

This study explores the complex and often overlooked impact of gendered disinformation on women engaged in local politics in Sri Lanka. Through qualitative insights collected from 120 women involved in political activities across various regions, this research investigates the social, political, and mental health impacts of targeted disinformation campaigns. Among these participants, 30 detailed case studies were documented with consent, offering in-depth narratives of their experiences. The findings reveal alarming trends that align with global literature on gendered disinformation (EU DisinfoLab, Di Meco and Wilfore (2021), Veritasia et al. (2024), and Hedling (2024)). However, the study also identifies unique national and regional dynamics specific to Sri Lanka and South Asia, building on baseline literature.
In the northern regions, gendered disinformation predominantly centered around false sexual narratives intended to damage women's reputations. In the eastern parts of Sri Lanka, such campaigns frequently exploited ethnic tensions, while in the southern regions, disinformation tactics were often driven by peer conflicts and pressure. Across all regions, Facebook and WhatsApp emerged as the primary platforms through which disinformation campaigns were conducted.
These campaigns strategically targeted women to undermine their credibility, weaken their political support base, and diminish community trust. At least 60% of the observed cases reflected attempts to silence women by fostering public mistrust regarding their character and sexual conduct. The implications of these disinformation tactics extend beyond personal and professional harm; they also threaten the broader democratic framework by discouraging women from participating in public discourse and limiting their ability to exercise free speech.
Significantly, this research highlights the psychological toll these campaigns have had on women in politics. Many respondents reported disengaging from political activities for extended periods due to emotional distress, depression, fear, anxiety, sleep problems, trauma, stigma, and fear of further targeting. This withdrawal further curtails democratic dissent, reducing the representation of women's voices in political decision-making.
This data was collected as part of an initiative implemented by the Carter Center and Campaign for Free & Fair Election (CaFFE) and supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, designed to empower women in local politics with digital literacy and strategies to protect themselves from, and respond to, online threats. While these efforts have equipped some women with resilience and technical skills, the long-term impact on Sri Lanka's democratic environment remains concerning. The emerging patterns suggest that gendered disinformation campaigns play a critical role in perpetuating systemic barriers that hinder women's sustained engagement in politics. Social media monitoring conducted by the Carter Center and local civil society organizations in Sri Lanka including the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) and Hashtag Generation during the 2024 parliamentary elections revealed that gendered mis- and dis- information, hate speech, and other negative content against women candidates remains a feature of electoral and political discourse online.
The final analysis provides comprehensive insights into how gendered disinformation strategies are employed to silence women in local politics, as well as the strategies women adopt to resist these attacks. By identifying key trends and exploring context-specific responses, this research aims to inform policy recommendations and support systems that strengthen democracy and empower women to actively participate in Sri Lanka's political landscape.

Authors

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