Tech Noir Ep46: Disinformation - The Silent Barrier to African Women’s Political Rise

As we mark International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme "Accelerate Action," we must face a harsh truth: misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation are choking women’s political progress in Africa. These toxic forces don’t just distort facts—they target women with vicious intent, undermining their voices and threatening to derail decades of gains in gender justice. Far from the rosy narrative of steady empowerment, the data shows a looming crisis.

By 2030—just five years from now—these false narratives could slash women’s political participation across the continent. But with bold, practical action, we can fight back and secure a future where African women lead without fear.

What’s at Stake

Let’s be clear about the enemy.

Misinformation is false information spread unintentionally - like a rumour gone wild. Disinformation is deliberate lies, crafted to deceive or manipulate. Malinformation is trickier: true details twisted to harm, like leaking a politician’s private life to ruin her.

In Africa, these three are a triple threat. They flood elections with fake news, spark conflicts, and derail debates on health or rights. For women, they hit harder, turning digital spaces into battlegrounds.

Women in African politics already climb steep hills—poverty, tradition, and bias block their way. Yet, progress has crept forward: more women run for office, win seats, and speak out. But now, a new wall rises. Online smear campaigns, doctored photos, and vicious lies target female leaders, aiming to shame them into silence. This isn’t random noise. It’s a calculated attack to keep power male.

The Evidence

The numbers don’t lie. A study from ScienceDirect, titled "Misinformation technology: Internet use and political misperceptions in Africa," analyzed data from 35 African countries between 2011 and 2018, finding that internet use increases political action, such as participation in demonstrations and voting, but also erodes trust in government institutions, particularly parliament and ruling parties.

This dual effect is critical, as it suggests that while digital connectivity empowers, it also fuels distrust, especially when combined with gender-specific attacks.

Research further highlights that gender-specific disinformation, such as lies about women's morals or skills, surged during African elections, undermining their political roles. For instance, during Kenya's 2022 elections, female politicians faced fake scandals online, with little accountability for perpetrators, as noted in fact-checking reports

The 2030 Prediction

If we do nothing, the next five years could be grim. Women’s political representation in Africa hovers at 24% in parliaments, says UN Women—far below parity. Disinformation could freeze that number or push it down. Why? Fear. Online harassment and lies scare women off. A single smear can undo years of work, and with internet access doubling, the attacks will only grow. By 2030, we could see fewer female candidates, quieter voices, and a wider gender gap in power.

This isn’t alarmism - it’s math. The world already estimates 130 years to close the political gender gap. In Africa, disinformation could stretch that timeline further.

Trust in elections is crumbling, and women bear the brunt.

The rosy assumption - that women’s progress will march on - crumbles here. Digital disinformation is a systemic rollback of gains. Without action, 2030 could mark not a leap forward, but a step back.

Accelerating Action - Three Bold Fixes

We can stop this. Here’s how:

• Teach the Truth Locally - Media literacy is our first weapon. Governments, NGOs, and tech firms must fund programs that teach people—especially women—how to spot lies online. Make it simple: short videos, local languages, trusted voices like village elders. Equip women to fight back, and disinformation loses its grip.
• Force Platforms to Act - Social media giants like Facebook and X dodge Africa’s problems. African leaders must demand more. X’s “Community Notes” flop in diverse settings; we need solutions that fit Africa, not Silicon Valley.
• Laws that Shield, Not Gag - Some countries, like Kenya, have cybercrime laws - but they’re clumsy, often silencing free speech. We need laws that punish gendered disinformation and online violence, not critics. Protect women without choking democracy.

Why Now Matters

This isn’t a distant fight. Disinformation is here, rigging elections and gagging women today. African women have defied odds before. They led freedom fights, built movements, raised nations.

Now, they need tools—not platitudes—to beat this digital beast. They need our solidarity.

John Schaar said it best: “The future is not some place we are going, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made. And the activity of making them changes both the maker and the destination.”

Let’s create one where African women run for office, win, and lead - unshackled by lies. Disinformation is a silent thief, stealing their shot at power. We can’t wait. Accelerate action now. The choice is ours. Let’s choose boldly.

Remember, in this Tech Noir journey, the heroes are not just the technology itself, but the people who harness its potential for positive change.

Until next time, fellow adventurers!

#ProgressPower | #TechNoir