Online hate speech is one of the most widespread and normalized forms of digital violence. It particularly affects women and LGBTQIA+ people, influencing public debate, freedom of expression, and democratic participation.
The “Stop Hate & Change” path, promoted within the European CHASE project – Combatting online Hate Speech by engaging online mEdia, aims to strengthen the skills of journalists, media professionals, and communication specialists in understanding and countering online hate speech, in line with the European Gender Equality Strategy and recent EU initiatives for digital content regulation (such as the Digital Services Act and the new Code of Conduct).
The training will be led by Debora Barletta, youth worker, international trainer and facilitator, Co-Coordinator of the Italian National Network for Countering Hate Speech and Phenomena, National Coordinator of the No Hate Speech Movement Italy, and Vice-President of APICE. Debora brings extensive experience in raising awareness against online hate and in human rights education, with a participatory and innovative approach.
The path follows a practical and participatory approach, engaging participants from the very first session through interactive activities and collective reflection moments.
Agenda
1st Session – Getting Started! Understanding Each Other
4 November 2026 | 16:30 – 18:30
An initial session to get to know each other and build the group. Together, we will define group rules, shared objectives, and expectations for the path, starting from participants’ needs.
We will explore what we mean by hate speech, the main definitions, and its online manifestations.
Key contents:
- Introduction and group building
- Shared definition of objectives and code of conduct
- Participants’ needs assessment
- Understanding hate speech: definitions and context
2nd Session – Online Gender-Based Hate: Recognize and Respond
6 November 2026 | 16:30 – 18:30
Through non-formal activities and real-life cases, we will explore the most common forms of online gender-based hate speech and strategies to prevent and counter it, including responsible use of media and communication.
Key contents:
- Introductory activity on gender-based hate speech
- Analysis of real-life examples and response strategies
- Support tools and countering strategies
- Group activity to build awareness and shared responsibility
3rd Session – Homo/Bi/Transphobic Hate: Building Inclusive Narratives
11 November 2026 | 16:30 – 18:30
A focus on online hate related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Participants will work together to identify good communication practices and contribute to the final drafting of the shared code of conduct.
Key contents:
- Experiential activity on homo/bi/transphobic language
- Tools for countering and prevention
- Collective drafting of suggestions for an inclusive code of conduct
- Final reflections
Participation details
The path is free of charge and open to journalists, media professionals, and communicators interested in the topic of hate speech and promoting more equitable and inclusive communication.
To participate, please fill in the registration form and share your expectations and needs: you will contribute to building a participatory path tailored to the group.
About CHASE
CHASE – Combatting online Hate Speech by engaging online mEdia is a European project funded by the CERV Programme of the European Commission.
Partners
- Media Diversity Institute Global (Belgium, coordinator)
- Symplexis (Greece)
Photo Thema (Greece) - European Center for Human Rights (France)
- WAN-IFRA (France)
- Center for Social Innovation – CSI (Cyprus)
- Alpha Television (Cyprus)
- CESIE ETS (Italy)
- Information Technology for Market Leadership – ITML (Greece)
For more information
Read the project factsheet. Contact Luciano Cortese: luciano.cortese@cesie.org.
