In Ukraine, conversations about gender-based violence often get lost amid the urgency of the war. Yet the topic remains present in everyday life – at home, in communities and increasingly online, where women face new forms of pressure, harassment and intimidation.
For this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, AICS Kyiv is collaborating with Women in Media to share a few essential, easy-to-use tools: updated data, clear terminology, and practical recommendations for anyone who communicates about GBV or simply wants to understand the topic better.
Women in Mediais an NGO created in 2019 by a network of Ukrainian journalists who wanted to change how women are represented, supported and protected in the country’s media landscape. They monitor how women appear in the news, document online harassment and intimidation, help journalists who face digital attacks, and develop practical guidelines on how to communicate about violence and gender issues responsibly. Their work combines data, media analysis and direct support to women who often deal with pressure, cyber-violence and harmful narratives.
Through this collaboration, we aim to share clear, accessible information: updated data on domestic violence, correct terminology, and simple recommendations for safer and more ethical communication. The idea is straightforward: amplify reliable Ukrainian expertise, avoid stereotypes, and strengthen public awareness at a moment when war, digital spaces and gender dynamics intersect in complex ways.
We interviewed Liza Kuzmenko, founder of Women in Media, to better understand how the full-scale invasion has reshaped gender-based violence – both online and offline – and what tools can help strengthen safer communication today.
From your monitoring work, how has the full-scale war changed the nature of gender-based violence in Ukraine — not only incidents, but also how violence is reported or understood?
The full-scale war has intensified many existing social problems, and gender-based violence is no exception. Families have lost income, essential services have been disrupted, and people live under constant psychological pressure. All of this creates conditions in which violence can escalate or remain hidden. At the same time, Ukraine has taken important steps at the policy level, including the ratification of the Istanbul Convention in 2022. Both institutions and civil society stress the principle of zero tolerance and work to prevent the normalisation of violence – even in wartime, when life is far from normal.
What patterns do you observe in attacks against Ukrainian women journalists and public figures?
We see a consistent use of gendered disinformation and manipulation. Recently, together with partners, we analysed hundreds of AI-generated videos that used the faces of well-known Ukrainian women journalists without their consent. These deepfakes reached millions of views and were used to spread false statements, emotional manipulation, or misleading narratives linked to Russian disinformation. Users often confuse the real journalist with her AI-generated “double,” which harms reputations and exposes women to further harassment. This is part of a broader trend: attempts to sexualise, ridicule, or delegitimise women in the public sphere. The goal is to silence them and to weaken trust in independent media. We documented similar tendencies in earlier research, which showed that gendered disinformation is used as a strategic tool, not an accidental phenomenon.
Digital violence is now part of the information battlefield. Which forms of online abuse are most widespread, and why do they escalate so quickly during war?
Our surveys show that the vast majority of women journalists in Ukraine have faced some form of online violence. The most common attacks include misogynistic insults, reputational defamation, trolling, doxing, cyberstalking, impersonation and threats – including threats that sometimes move offline. During wartime, the information space is highly polarised, emotions run high, and the pressure on media is enormous. This creates an environment where attacks spread fast and become more aggressive. Online violence also has real consequences: psychological distress, reduced ability to work, and in many cases self-censorship. This is particularly dangerous in a context where women make up a large share of Ukraine’s media workforce.
To make the issue more visible, Women in Media launched an Interactive Map documenting online attacks against women journalists, and we also provide legal and psychological support through our partners.
Do you see specific gendered narratives being used to discredit or silence Ukrainian women?
Yes. One recent example is an anonymous Telegram channel that published a long list of “enemies,” including many women in the media, accusing them of propagating certain views or supporting the government. These lists rely on gendered narratives – portraying women journalists as “agents,” “manipulators,” or unprofessional, often using personal details to intimidate them. We reported the case to the Cyber Police, and a criminal investigation is underway. However, the response system still relies heavily on individual appeals, so we continue to advocate for more proactive mechanisms.
In an information space dominated by war, what makes communication about GBV effective and sensitive rather than lost or oversimplified?
Three principles matter most. First, grounding messages in facts. People are overwhelmed, so clarity and solid data help the public understand why GBV increases during crisis and why it remains urgent. Second, using survivor-centred, non-sensational language. War already creates trauma; communication should raise awareness without reproducing harm.
Third, offering practical guidance. When people know how to recognise violence, where to seek help, or how to use correct terminology, the topic becomes actionable and relevant.
If you were to give three evidence-based recommendations for women and girls to protect themselves online during the war, what would they be?
- Strengthen digital hygiene. Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep devices updated. Research shows these simple steps prevent many attacks.
- Limit publicly available personal information. Doxing and impersonation increase during conflict, and attackers often exploit details found online.
- Document incidents and seek support early. Save screenshots, links, and dates. This evidence is essential for reporting to platforms or law enforcement. Do not face attacks alone, reaching out to colleagues or expert organisations reduces psychological impact and prevents escalation.
To learn more about Women in Media’s work:
Website
https://wim.org.ua/en/
An Underestimated Threat: Gendered Disinformation about Ukrainian Women Journalists
Her Voice, Their Target: Gendered Online Violence Against Ukrainian Women Journalists