NEW YORK – Alongside the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) the World Jewish Congress hosted a virtual CSW parallel event on Thursday entitled “Faith, Feminism, and the Fight Against Misogynistic Myths.” The program was co-sponsored by the UN Permanent Missions of France, Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, Canada, Czechia, Italy, Greece, and Slovakia, and supported by Conspiracy Watch (France), Women's International Zionist Organization, International Council of Jewish Women, Jewish Women International, and the National Council of Jewish Women.
The event examined how conspiracy theories, online hate, and gendered disinformation contributed to violence against women and undermined their role in building resilient and peaceful societies. Moderated by WJC Jewish Diplomatic Corps member Déborah Lichentin, the panel brought together experts who shared insights from diverse perspectives on how faith-based organizations, civil society, and educational institutions are confronting misogynistic myths, online disinformation.
Key Insights:
- Sasha Moriniere, Programme Manager, Conspiracy Watch, provided expert insight into how social media amplifies conspiracy theories targeting women through disinformation campaigns, noting that narratives surrounding sexual violence and misogyny are not “reinventing any wheels,” but instead utilize certain language and imagery to effectively push inaccurate information to mass audiences.
- Karolina Placzynta, PhD researcher, Aston Institute for Forensic Linguistics. Consultant, Section of Global Citizenship and Peace Education, UNESCO, addressed the power in using social media as a tool to challenge conspiracy narratives by developing educational resources for teenagers, teachers and organizations to promote.
- Anat Vidor, President, Women’s International Zionist Organization and WJC Vice President, touched upon the lasting impact that the October 7 acts of sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas has had on Israeli women, stating that “the ripple effect of this war goes far beyond the borders.”
The discussion closed with input from Amb. Isabelle Rome, Ambassador at-Large for Human Rights, and Michelle Mari, who was a survivor of October 7th.
Ambassador Rome noted that since the October 7 terror attacks, women have occupied a particularly vulnerable place at the “crossroads of gender-fueled hatred and religious xenophobia” and emphasized the need to safeguard universal human rights against threats of religious extremism.
Michelle Mari shared her harrowing experience as a survivor of the October 7th terrorist attacks, highlighting the profound personal impact of sexual violence and how she advocated for recognition of the atrocities of that day following a lack of global recognition and accountability.
The CSW is annually organized by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the institution’s principal global platform for advancing gender equality and the rights of women and girls. WJC Executive Committee Member Elizabeth Chen is leading a delegation of WJC Elevate Members participating in civil society events throughout the two-week convening.
