Issues of equality are increasingly being debated online. Algorithms amplify extreme viewpoints, influencers shape perceptions of identity, while echo chambers cause conflicts to escalate. In this environment, the principles of equality and non-discrimination are coming under increasing pressure. This is particularly evident in shifting notions of gender roles: uncertainty and a lack of guidance create tensions that manifest online and offline in the form of hostility, radicalization, and violence. Phenomena such as the Manosphere or Tradwives are gaining traction. At the same time, women* and queer people are disproportionately affected by digital violence such as cyberbullying, sexualized deepfakes, or revenge porn. Existing protective measures often prove themselves as inadequate.

What impact will these developments have on the future of gender equality? What responsibility do the government, media platforms, and the education system bear in addressing digital polarization and violence? Can a ban on social media for children under 14 effectively counteract this? What legal and societal responses are needed to ensure participation and non-discrimination in the long term? A high-profile panel discusses key challenges and prospects for equality in a digitally shaped and increasingly polarized society. The event will take place in German.

Welcome Notes                                                                        

• Ursula KRIEBAUM, Professor, Institute for European Law, International Law, and Comparative Law, Faculty of Law, University of Vienna
• Eva-Maria HOLZLEITNER, Federal Minister for Women, Science, and Research

Panel Discussion                                                          

• Fiorentina AZIZI-HACKER, Director, #GegenHassimNetz Counseling Center, ZARA – Civil Courage and Anti-Racism Work
• Romeo BISSUTI, Clinical psychologist and health psychologist, psychotherapist; director of the MEN Men’s Health Center
• Elisabeth HOLZLEITHNER, Director, Institute for Philosophy of Law and Legal Gender Studies, Faculty of Law, University of Vienna
• Sigrid MAURER, Member of the National Council, Austrian Greens
• Steffi STANKOVIĆ, Stand-up comedian, trans activist, influencer

Audience Discussion                                                                                       

Chair

• Kathrin POLLAK, Journalist and anchor, ORF – Austrian Broadcasting Corporation

Followed by: Reception

Participation is free of charge. Due to limited seating, please register by Monday, June 22, 2026, at https://eveeno.com/127130152. Our event venue is fully accessible.