Launch and discussion of the findings of a monitoring study on hate speech and sexism in Albania

An UNDEF project in Albania implemented by the “Counselling Line for Women and Girls (CLWG)” organized a roundtable with journalists and other key media actors on the 22nd of November in Tirana. 

The event was attended by over 50 people. The participants varied from journalists to government officials, students, and professionals of different institutions. All recommendations of the study were reviewed and discussed by the panelists, which included the CLWG Director, the Chair of the Complaints Council at the Audiovisual Media Authority, a Representative from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Commissioner for Protection against Discrimination and also a Member of the Albanian Parliament.

Among the recommendations presented was strengthening journalists' skills through continuous training, especially with a focus on sexism and hate speech ethics when reporting gender-based crimes. Other recommendations included the mentoring and strengthening of the leadership skills of women journalists together with the creation of mandatory courses on gender studies in journalism programs as well as the strengthening of current self-regulatory mechanisms for ethical reporting. 

During the event, two videos were displayed, one addressing hate speech and the other sexism against women. Based on the open discussion between the participants and the panel experts, it was clear that the event was beneficial to everyone present. Furthermore, all participants expressed their support for the recommended actions.