Female activists in Mannar have condemned defamatory campaigns carried out through fake social media accounts targeting women engaged in political and social activism in the Mannar District, with a call for immediate legal action against those responsible.
The condemnation was voiced at a media briefing last week at the Mannar Women’s Development Union office, organised by the Union under the leadership of its President, Mahalaxmi Guru Santhan. Women members of local government bodies, social activists, representatives of fishermen’s organisations and others participated in the briefing.
Addressing the media, participants stated that women involved in political and social activism play a vital role in social transformation and democratic development. However, they said that the recent spread of defamatory content, insults, gender-based harassment, threats and false information against such women through social media platforms was a matter of grave concern.
They noted that online harassment of this nature not only suppresses women’s freedom of expression but also undermines their confidence to participate in political and public life and to assume leadership roles. Participants warned that sustained efforts to silence women constitute a serious threat to democracy itself.
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While acknowledging that political differences of opinion are natural, the speakers stressed that expressing such differences by targeting women on the basis of their gender was entirely unacceptable. They said that humiliation, intimidation and incitement to violence directed at women activists cannot be justified under any circumstances.
The participants further pointed out that social media attacks which focus on women’s private lives, bodies and personal character amount to violations of human rights. They emphasised that ensuring a safe, respectful and equal online environment for women is a shared responsibility of the government, media institutions and social media platform administrators.
Calling for concrete measures, the participants urged that appropriate legal action be taken against gender-based online harassment and that women affected by such attacks be provided with immediate protection, justice and psychological support.
The Mannar Women’s Development Union strongly condemned all forms of defamatory content recently circulated against women engaged in political and social activities in the district. The participants stated that any attempt to obstruct women’s political participation cannot be accepted by a responsible society.
They further highlighted the urgent need for collective social action to safeguard women’s voices, rights and safety, affirming their commitment to creating an environment in which women can express their views without fear and participate equally in political and social life, including in leadership roles.
Concluding the briefing, participants reiterated their demand that the relevant authorities take decisive action against those operating fake social media accounts and bringing defamatory campaigns against women activists in the Mannar District.
