Online Misogyny and Violent Extremism: Understanding the Landscape
Online resource
What effects does online misogyny have in New Zealand and abroad, and what's being done about it?
Te Mana Whakaatu—Classification Office is tasked with examining some of the toughest material imaginable so that New Zealanders aren’t exposed to harm. What we’ve seen is that misogyny frequently appears in content that is restricted or even banned.
Alongside Hate and Extremism Insights Aotearoa (HEIA), we’ve broken down existing data and research that confirms how critical it is to understand the challenges this type of content poses to New Zealanders.
For our summary report, click here.
Misogyny and violent extremism
This section discusses the key insights and findings identified about the connections between online misogyny and violent extremism.
For further information, click here.
About this project
This section outlines the methodology used and the rationale for this project. It also provides relevant evidence from our own mahi.
To learn more, click here.
Additional insights
Technology and online platforms
This section explores how technology and online platforms help amplify extreme misogynistic content online.
Online harassment and abuse
This section explains the different forms of misogynistic abuse and harassment that women and girls experience in their everyday lives, workplaces and in online environments.
Intersectionality
This section looks at intersectional misogyny and how women and girls face further discrimination and mistreatment because of their intersecting identities.
Government responses
This section highlights how governments around the world have responded to different forms of online misogyny. These responses include things like proposed laws, policies and projects We've organised
Helplines
We understand that this research could be confronting or upsetting for some readers, especially if they can personally relate to the information we have shared. If you or someone you know needs to talk:
- Free call Women’s Refuge 0800 733 843 for support for women and children experiencing family violence.
- Visit Netsafe to complete an online form to report any online safety issues or free call 0508 638 723 for support.
- Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
- Free call Youthline 0800 376 633 or text 234 to talk with someone from a safe and youth-centred organisation.
- Free call Safe to Talk 0800 044 334 or text 4334 anytime for support about sexual harm.
- Free call OutLine Aotearoa 0800 688 5463 any evening to talk to trained volunteers from Aotearoa's rainbow communities.
“Through our daily classification work we saw a common thread of misogyny in the propaganda of extremists who had committed mass violence and murder. This research exercise deepened our concern: misogyny online is pervasive; it is threatening, and it is harmful.”
This online resource was developed by the research team at Te Mana Whakaatu—Classification Office.
Cite as: Te Mana Whakaatu—Classification Office. (2024). Online misogyny and violent extremism: Understanding the landscape (online resource). Wellington, NZ: Te Mana Whakaatu—Classification Office.
Summary Report: Online Misogyny and Violent Extremism
Download our summary report, which highlights key insights supported by a few examples of studies and reports from the literature review.