Online abuse has become part of everyday life. It is so widespread that it constitutes a threat to democracy if people who are abused, subjected to hate speech and threatened on line are too afraid to speak up.
In 2021, the Nordic Council’s Committee for Welfare in the Nordic Region is focusing explicitly on digital abuse and online threats from a gender equality perspective. If anything, the topic has become even more relevant during the pandemic.
Politicians, researchers, organisations and young people will discuss in more detail how the Nordic countries can make the Internet a safer place. Promoting equality is an important part of Nordic co-operation and of the prime ministers’ vision of a socially sustainable and equal region.
The theme will be discussed from Finnish, Ålandic, Swedish and Norwegian perspectives.
The moderator will be Annika Damberg.
Programme
- The Nordic perspective – Thomas Blomqvist, Finnish Minister for Nordic Co-operation and Gender Equality
- Thematic focus and Finland’s perspective – Eva Biaudet, Chair of the National Council of Women of Finland
- Digital hate speech in the Nordic Region, including Sweden – Lisa Kaati, Head of Research at the Swedish Defence Research Agency
Discussion
- Nina Sandberg, Member of the Nordic Council Welfare Committee
- Hanna Onwen-Huma, expert, Gender Equality Unit, STM
- Touko Niinimäki, SYL, young students’ point of view
Summing up and looking ahead
Åland’s Minister for Gender Equality, Annika Hambrudd
