As women take more visible roles in Moldova’s public, civic and political life, they are also facing a growing wave of gender-based disinformation and sexist narratives. These attacks are not only aimed at discrediting individual women. They are designed to undermine credibility, discourage participation, and shift public debate away from policy and toward personal attacks.

To help address this challenge, a handbook authored by Loretta Handrabura, PhD in Philology, Associate Professor and researcher, is now available in English, Romanian and Russian. Drawing on Moldova’s national monitoring data from 2023 to 2025, international research, and firsthand testimonies, the publication explains how gender-based disinformation is created, amplified and used in political and online spaces. The handbook also clarifies the scope of gender-based disinformation is, and what it is not. It distinguishes these narratives from broader political disinformation and shows how they exploit stereotypes and social norms to silence women in public life.

This pattern is reflected in firsthand accounts. In one interview featured in this guide and originally published on Moldova.org, Anastasia Nikita, an athlete and former MP, described entering politics as “the nightmare of my life,” marked by sexist labelling and personal denigration: “There are sexist and very ugly labels, and you don’t even know how to respond.” Her experience illustrates a broader pattern documented through monitoring: women in public life are often attacked not for their policies or public positions, but through attempts to undermine their legitimacy.

Beyond analysis, the publication offers practical guidance for response. It sets out steps for identifying gender-based disinformation, documenting cases, responding responsibly, supporting targeted women, and encouraging institutions, media, civil society and political actors to act together to reduce the impact of such attacks..

Intended for policymakers, journalists, civil society organisations and international partners, the handbook makes a clear case that responding to gender-based disinformation is not only about protecting women as individuals. It is about protecting democratic participation itself. .

The publication is particularly timely in a context where attacks against women in public life risk discouraging participation and narrowing the space for inclusive democratic debate. It provides a practical tool to help ensure that public discussion remains focused on ideas, policies and accountability — not intimidation.

The handbook can be accessed in all three languages here: