Digital Spaces and Masculinities: Youth Challenging Online Backlash through Technology and Partnerships

Digital spaces and communities are essential for learning, activism, advocacy and community building. At the same time, because they are a continuation of our off-line lives, they also amplify online misogyny, hate speech, misinformation, and harmful gender norms as perpetuated by patriarchal power structures. 

Young people, particularly those working on gender justice, often face harassment and backlash online leading to self-censorship, and real-life harm as well. This International Youth Day, young leaders across South Asia are coming together to share how these challenges affect them, their communities, and explore how technology can support safer, more inclusive online spaces.

Join us to: 

• Understand how digital spaces are shaping masculinities and gender norms.
• Learn about the experiences of young people and gender justice movements facing online backlash.
• Discover how technology, AI and social media can be used to promote care, accountability and equality.
• Explore practical, youth-led approaches to creating safer and more inclusive digital spaces.
• Connect with young people and others working on gender justice, digital rights and youth leadership.

Background

As part of International Youth Day 2026, under this year’s theme ​“Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” and its focus on ​“Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation through Technology and Partnerships,” the webinar will bring young leaders together to exchange ideas, strengthen regional connections and contribute to the wider youth engagement process leading to the MenEngage Alliance South Asia Regional Convening in December 2026.

The ideas and recommendations generated through this conversation will help inform the convening and contribute to continued youth-led regional engagement.