A training program aimed at addressing the issue of hate speech in Ethiopia was conducted. The training program was organized by a group of Tech Camp trainees and the opening remarks were made by Mr. Stuart, the Assistant Officer for Cultural Affairs at the Embassy in Addis Ababa.
During his speech, Mr. Stuart highlighted the severity of the problem of hate speech in his home country and emphasized the importance of creating awareness programs to help reduce its impact.
The training primarily focused on the role of social media in contributing to hate speech. It highlighted factors such as algorithms, limited access to mainstream media, and historical tensions as causes of hate speech proliferation in Ethiopia. which have led to violence, ethnic division, decreased social cohesion, and damage reputations.
To address these issues, the training emphasized the importance of promoting dialogue and creating awareness about hate speech and encourage influencers to play an active role in the fight against hate speech. The invited participants were social media influencers with over 1,000 followers on their social media pages.