Al-Azhar Observatory (Photo: Al-Ahram)
In a statement, the observatory urged the public not to allow hatred to distort their awareness, stressing that “hatred in the mind is the first gateway to extremism and the last exit from peace.”
It noted that in an era overwhelmed by misinformation, fake news and conspiracy theories, awareness has become one of the most valuable assets individuals possess.
The observatory explained that digital violence now affects millions of women and girls worldwide, ranging from cyberstalking and online harassment to deep fake manipulation and defamation.
It cited global figures indicating that around 58 percent of women and girls have experienced some form of digital violence.
In the Arab region, the observatory said women are 27 times more likely than men to be subjected to online harassment.
To handle the issue, it urged individuals not to believe everything they see or hear online, but to question sources and evidence.
It also highlighted education as essential for distinguishing between facts and misinformation, describing it as the foundation of awareness.
The statement stressed that every piece of content shared online contributes either to strengthening or tearing apart the social fabric, emphasizing that hatred is a learned behaviour that can be overcome through awareness.
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