Autocrats around the world are currently on the ascendant, with the global level of democracy plummeting to what it was back in 1985. In every region of the world democratic control mechanisms are being restricted or abolished, restrictions on freedom of assembly and censorship of the media landscape enforced. Often cited as a popular reaction to such oppression, social media can also be a conduit for disinformation and hate — especially against minorities and women. Equally, when assessing the state of a democracy, women's rights provide a useful yardstick. Democracy relies on strengthening societal participation across the board and that includes women's rights. If democracies are to be more resilient, they need to welcome diversity. What political and social processes do we need to make our societies and democracies more resilient? How can we make diverse voices more visible across the media landscape and in social media?

Panelists:
Annalena Baerbock, Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs
Culton Scovia Nakamya, awardwinning Ugandan Journalist and media entrepreneur
Maria Ressa, CEO and cofounder of Rappler; Nobel Peace Prize Laureate 2021

You can watch all DW Global Media Forum 2024 sessions here:    • GMF24