Belgium, Kifkif vzw, Sankaa vzw and Hand in Hand vzw (2023), Vrijheid van meningsuiting? De ervaringen van vrouwen en non-binaire personen met migratieachtergrond met online haat (Freedom of expression? The experiences of women and non-binary persons with

Country

Belgium

Title

Belgium, Kifkif vzw, Sankaa vzw and Hand in Hand vzw (2023), Vrijheid van meningsuiting? De ervaringen van vrouwen en non-binaire personen met migratieachtergrond met online haat (Freedom of expression? The experiences of women and non-binary persons with a migration background facing online hate), available at: https://kifkif.be/cnt/artikel/onderzoek-online-haat-racisme-seksisme-en-queerfobie-mogen-geen-politiek-wapen.

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Year

2023

Publication type

Report - unofficial (CSO) data on incidents

Geographical coverage

National

Area/location of interest

Not applicable - national level

Type of Institution

Civil Society Organisation

Institution

Belgium, Kif Kif / Sankaa / Hand in Hand

Thematic focus

Hate speech: Public incitement to hatred or violence

Groups

Muslims Migrants People of African descent Other

Key findings

The study highlights how online hate specifically targets women and minorities, including women and non-binary individuals with migration or Muslim backgrounds. It establishes links to the growing normalisation of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and queerphobia. Muslim women often face discrimination due to the intersection of their faith, gender, and background. This exclusion occurs both online and offline. The research also underlines how inaccessible support systems and systemic biases in digital platforms exacerbate inequalities. Online hate thrives in a climate of right-wing politics, commercialisation, and impunity.

Methodology (Qualitative/Quantitative and exact type used, questionnaires etc)

Qualitative (interviews)

Sample details and representativeness

This study includes interviews with 10 women who were contacted because of their connection with the participating organisations and an open call on the sociale media accounts of the organisations. Among the interviewees, seven were women, including one trans woman. Three people were non-binary. Half identified themselves as queer or pansexual. Alternately, therefore, we refer to ‘gay and trans (phobia)’ and ‘queer (phobia)’ in the analysis. All interviewees have a migrant background. More than half of the interviewees are people of African origin and three participants were adopted. Five participants reported having a Islamic religious upbringing.

DISCLAIMERThe information presented here is collected under contract by the FRA's research network FRANET. The information and views contained do not necessarily reflect the views or the official position of the FRA.