In an era defined by a constant deluge of information, the lines between fact, opinion, and deliberate manipulation have become dangerously blurred. We are currently navigating a turbulent media landscape where misinformation, disinformation, and skewed news stories circulate with alarming speed—permeating everything from our private social media feeds and major newspapers to the highest levels of parliamentary debate. Perhaps most concerning is the emergence of a predatory trend where those harboring anti-migrant and racist agendas are hijacking the serious issue of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). By weaponizing these horrific acts for political gain and using marginalized communities as convenient scapegoats, these bad actors are deepening societal divisions and undermining the safety of the very groups they claim to protect.
It is entirely natural to feel paralyzed by the sheer scale of this manipulation. When we see complex human rights issues twisted into inflammatory soundbites, the sense of frustration can be suffocating. Many of us are left asking the same urgent questions: How can we possibly cut through this noise? What can I do in my own life to challenge these falsehoods? How do we stop this cycle of toxicity from causing further harm? It is this collective desire for action and clarity that has brought a coalition of leading experts together. On July 14, 2026, organizations including the End Violence Against Women Coalition, Hibiscus, Southall Black Sisters, the Latin American Women’s Rights Service, Women for Refugee Women, Imkaan, and Asylum Matters will host a vital webinar to address these concerns head-on.
This event serves as the formal launch for a new, practical guide titled Not in Our Name: How to talk about the weaponisation of violence against women and girls. Rather than simply pointing out what is wrong with the current discourse, this guide offers a constructive map for how to move forward. It is firmly rooted in an evidence-based strategic communications framework, designed to move us beyond reactive arguing and toward transformative advocacy. The goal is to provide everyday people with the tools necessary to dismantle harmful myths and, more importantly, to foster productive, values-based conversations with friends, family, and colleagues about the intersection of gender-based violence and immigration.
The webinar will be led by renowned strategic communications expert Kathryn Quinton, who brings a wealth of experience in understanding how public sentiment is shaped and shifted. Attendees will dive deep into the concept of “values-based framing,” a powerful technique that moves the conversation away from polarizing “us versus them” rhetoric. Instead of getting bogged down in the specific, often false details of sensationalist news cycles, Quinton will demonstrate how to pivot toward core human values—like dignity, justice, and solidarity—to help anchor discussions in reality. By learning how to bridge emotional divides and address the underlying anxieties that misinformation exploits, participants will be better equipped to neutralize toxic narratives before they take root.
We have reached a tipping point where inflammatory and dangerous storytelling is doing tangible damage to our communities. By scapegoating migrants and misrepresenting the realities of violence against women, these narratives don’t just mislead the public; they put vulnerable individuals in immediate danger and erode the social fabric. Passive observation is no longer an option when the stakes involve the safety and rights of women and the integrity of our society. This moment calls for a proactive defense of truth, one that begins in the small, personal interactions we have in our daily lives.
Ultimately, the responsibility to challenge these distorted narratives belongs to each of us. We have the collective capacity to change the tone of the conversation and ensure that the fight against gender-based violence remains centered on justice and safety for all women, rather than being twisted into a tool for exclusion. Whether you are an activist, a concerned neighbor, or simply someone trying to make sense of a confusing political climate, this webinar offers a path to being a more effective voice for the truth. We encourage you to register, join the conversation, and gain the skills necessary to ensure that violence against women and girls is never again used as a weapon of hate.