A documentary exploring the impact of disinformation, prejudice and gender stereotypes has been launched as an educational resource for schools, young people and civil society organisations, aiming to strengthen awareness of equality, respect and violence prevention.
Inventing the Enemy: Gender, Fear, and Disinformation, developed by LGBTIQ+ Gozo with support from the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence through the Together We Empower funding programme, sheds light on how narratives rooted in fear and disinformation can reinforce stigma, discrimination and inequality in society.
Speaking at the screening, Minister for Equality and Civil Rights Rosianne Cutajar stressed that tackling gender-based violence must begin at its roots by challenging the stereotypes and prejudices that influence attitudes and behaviour in society.
“Our work cannot stop at tackling violence once it has already occurred. We must also work on prevention by addressing the prejudices and stereotypes that can lead to discrimination and violence. Respect, dignity and equality must be the foundations of a society where everyone feels safe and accepted,” the Minister said.
The Minister thanked LGBTIQ+ Gozo for its work on the project, as well as the participants who shared their personal experiences. She also emphasised the importance of civil society remaining a key partner in promoting equality and preventing violence.
Commissioner on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence Samantha Pace Gasan highlighted that preventing violence requires continuous efforts to challenge narratives and attitudes that perpetuate inequality. She said that collaboration with civil society enables the Commission to broaden its work and reach different communities.
The project is one of the initiatives supported through Together We Empower, a programme that helps civil society organisations carry out projects focused on awareness-raising, education and the prevention of gender-based violence.
