BOOK OF ABSTRACTS. The international conference COMMUNICATION IN TIMES OF (POLY)CRISIS AND DIGITAL DISRUPTIVE TRANSFORMATIONS Bucharest, June 22-23, 2023

Purpose: This paper has the general objective to improve the knowledge on online gender-based hate speech and to offer tools for its analysis and critical interpretation. In particular, it aims to explore the way it may influence the participation of women in social life and their political representation in the society . The ultimate goal is to spread a culture of equality through a better awareness of the use of online platforms, alongside with the promotion of a digital education. Design/methodology/approach: This contribution will analyze the causes of this widespread phenomenon, the repercussions that women suffer, the digital tools and the media languages that are used. An analysis will also be carried out on the balance between two fundamental rights, namely the freedom of speech and the right to self-determination . The paper is based on a theoretical, descriptive and quantitative approach. The methodology will include the analysis of: - case studies - studies and theories that have been developed to verify if they are effective (Potential) findings: The paper aims to achieve multiple results: a major involvement in the issue of gender hate speech; the identification of practical strategies to improve a gender digital education .