Women leaders confront online abuse, misinformation ahead of elections
Source: Radio Tamazuj
Women leaders, journalists, and lawmakers in South Sudan on Thursday warned that online harassment, cyberbullying, and AI-generated misinformation are becoming growing threats to women’s political participation ahead of the country’s planned December 2026 elections.
The concerns were raised during a two-day workshop in Juba on communication, public speaking, and digital political outreach, organised by the Female Journalists Network (FJN) with support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
As South Sudan prepares for what could become its first post-independence elections, participants said digital platforms were increasingly shaping political debate while also exposing women leaders and journalists to abuse, intimidation, and disinformation.
“Public opinion is shaped online. Policies are debated online. Campaigns are mobilised online,” said Oliver Mori, spokesperson of South Sudan’s National Assembly. “But while the digital space has opened opportunities, it has also introduced challenges, especially for women.”
Women leaders, journalists, and lawmakers in South Sudan on Thursday warned that online harassment, cyberbullying, and AI-generated misinformation are becoming growing threats to women’s political participation ahead of the country’s planned December 2026 elections.
The concerns were raised during a two-day workshop in Juba on communication, public speaking, and digital political outreach, organised by the Female Journalists Network (FJN) with support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
As South Sudan prepares for what could become its first post-independence elections, participants said digital platforms were increasingly shaping political debate while also exposing women leaders and journalists to abuse, intimidation, and disinformation.
“Public opinion is shaped online. Policies are debated online. Campaigns are mobilised online,” said Oliver Mori, spokesperson of South Sudan’s National Assembly. “But while the digital space has opened opportunities, it has also introduced challenges, especially for women.”