EU-DEM – Gender-Related Disinformation Workshop and Minority Community Outreach Event and Storytelling Workshop

The “Gender-Related Disinformation Workshop and Minority Community Outreach Event and Storytelling Workshop” was organised within the framework of the EU-DEM project, a European initiative bringing together organisations, researchers, journalists, and educators to strengthen democratic resilience, combat disinformation, and promote active, informed citizenship.

The local event in Hungary aimed to empower participants – young people, educators, and civil society actors – to recognise false narratives, question information sources, and take an active role in promoting responsible online communication.

Disinformation does not only distort facts. It also shapes perceptions, reinforces stereotypes, and influences how individuals understand complex social issues such as gender. In digital environments, gender-related disinformation often appears through subtle narratives, emotional framing, and manipulation techniques that can be difficult to recognise without the right skills.

To respond to this challenge, a workshop on gender-related disinformation was organised on 25 March 2026 in Szolnok, bringing together high-school and university students, as well as youth workers. The aim was to strengthen critical media literacy and provide practical tools to identify and analyse misleading narratives related to gender.

Workshop flow

The workshop began with an introductory session focusing on the concept and relevance of gender-related disinformation. Participants explored common narratives, stereotypes, and manipulation techniques, supported by real-life examples and case studies.

Despite the potentially sensitive nature of the topic, participants quickly engaged with the subject and demonstrated a strong understanding of the key ideas from the outset. This contributed to a dynamic and open learning environment.

The programme continued with small-group work, where participants analysed selected examples of online content. They identified gender-related narratives, recognised bias and manipulation techniques, and reflected on the potential impact of such content. The collaborative format encouraged critical thinking and practical application of knowledge.

An individual knowledge test followed, allowing participants to consolidate their understanding. This was complemented by a smartphone-based interactive quiz, which introduced a gamified and competitive element. Through timed questions and real-life scenarios, participants reinforced key concepts in an engaging way.

The workshop concluded with a reflection and discussion session, where participants shared insights and explored how to recognise and counter gender-related disinformation in everyday digital contexts.

Results and impact

The workshop created a balanced and inclusive learning environment, where 49 participants engaged actively regardless of gender. There were no visible divisions in participation, and contributions were equally constructive across the group.

Participants demonstrated:

• increased awareness of gender-related disinformation
• improved ability to identify manipulation techniques and bias
• stronger critical thinking and analytical skills
• confidence in discussing and challenging misleading narratives

The combination of theoretical input, practical exercises, and gamified learning proved to be highly effective.

Key components of the workshop

• Introduction to gender-related disinformation and its societal impact
• Group-based analysis of online content and narratives
• Individual knowledge assessment
• Interactive quiz using digital tools
• Reflection and discussion on practical applications