In a world increasingly shaped by digital conversations and shifting societal norms, AMAD has taken a bold step to advocate for inclusion, human rights, and empowerment through the power of storytelling. As part of the Colors of Humanity project, the organization has produced five compelling podcasts, each addressing vital social issues and giving a platform to voices that demand to be heard.

With a diverse lineup of guests ranging from psychologists and activists to youth leaders and changemakers, these podcasts blend expert insights with raw personal stories. They invite listeners to reflect, engage, and take action.

1. Exploring Hate Speech and Freedom of Expression

The first episode sets the stage for thought-provoking discussions, featuring clinical psychologist and human rights expert Marinela Gjeloshi. Together, they dissect the risks of fleeting social trends and explore whether the boundaries of freedom of speech are being misused to shape harmful behaviors.

Gjeloshi’s advice resonates deeply: youth should critically evaluate societal trends, parents must foster open communication, and professionals need to step up as proactive guardians against the negative impacts of these phenomena. This conversation doesn’t just highlight problems—it calls for collective action, urging every stakeholder to embrace their responsibility in shaping a more mindful society.

2. A Mother’s Journey: Breaking Stigma on Disabilities and Embracing Creativity

The second podcast introduces Egla Bajrami, a trailblazing advocate for children with disabilities and the founder of Autizmi Flet (Autism Speaks). As a mother of a child with autism, Bajrami’s story is one of resilience and determination.

She passionately discusses the importance of breaking stigma, turning challenges into opportunities, and embracing creative empowerment. Her work is exemplified by the anthem “Më prano!” (Accept Me as I Am), a moving piece created by children with disabilities as a call for inclusivity.

Through her words, Bajrami inspires not only families navigating similar journeys but also society at large to embrace diversity and dismantle discrimination.

 

3. Overcoming Barriers: Youth Employment and Dreams

Employment challenges faced by young people take center stage in the fourth episode, featuring activists Darvi Ndreu and Nekie Qejvani. They candidly discuss systemic barriers, equity issues, and the importance of support systems in career development.

Through their stories, listeners are reminded of the resilience and aspirations of youth striving to overcome obstacles. It’s a rallying cry for fair opportunities and a reminder that persistence, coupled with advocacy, can lead to meaningful change.

4. Empowering Young Leaders and Building Traditions

The fifth podcast is a testament to the power of youth-driven initiatives. Produced in collaboration with the Student Council of the Economic Faculty at the University of Tirana, it highlights the Become a Santa project.

What began as a small effort to support vulnerable community members has evolved into a cherished tradition. Guests Elena Rista, Darvi Ndreu, and Kristina Peçaj discuss the initiative’s impact and the broader themes of youth leadership, solidarity, and community engagement.

This episode captures the essence of youth as current leaders, not just future ones. Their actions inspire others to follow suit, proving that even small initiatives can have a lasting ripple effect.

 

5. Youth Perspectives: Tackling Discrimination and Stereotypes

In the third episode, AMAD shifts the spotlight to youth voices, with journalist Freard Rista and a panel of young activists diving deep into discrimination and hate speech. Drawing from AMAD’s study on discriminatory online discourse, they discuss the pervasive nature of these issues and share actionable strategies to foster inclusivity.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is its authenticity. It’s youth talking to youth, offering real solutions and encouraging their peers to take the lead in driving societal change.

 

A Call to Action

Through these five podcasts, AMAD is more than just raising awareness—it’s igniting a movement. Each episode challenges listeners to reflect on their roles in shaping a more inclusive and just society.

The Colors of Humanity project stands as a beacon of hope, showing that change is possible when voices unite for a common cause. These stories are now available for streaming, inviting everyone to join the conversation and be part of the solution.

Let the colors of humanity shine brighter, together.

 

On December 3, 2024, the AMAD organization hosted a pivotal roundtable discussion at Europe House in Tirana, Albania, as part of the LIFE – Living Safely in a Digital World project. This important event, funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ CBY program, was aimed at fostering meaningful dialogue between key stakeholders on the critical issue of online hate speech and discriminatory discourse (HDD).

The primary objectives of the roundtable included analyzing the current state of HDD on digital platforms, presenting findings from the LIFE project’s Annual Report on Online Monitoring of HDD, and facilitating discussions to develop actionable recommendations to combat these harmful trends.

Stakeholders Convene to Tackle Online Hate Speech

The event brought together a diverse group of 19 participants, including policymakers, civil society representatives, journalists, educators, youth workers, and activists. Notable attendees included the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, representatives from NGOs such as AMI, INAC, Beyond Barriers, and Center for Bridging Communities, as well as journalists from RTSH and Elbasani Jonë.

Key Discussions and Findings

The roundtable discussions covered several pressing topics:

1. Safe Internet Practices: Participants highlighted the growing prevalence of HDD online and stressed the importance of raising awareness among youth regarding online safety and responsible platform use.
2. Challenges in Digital Literacy: A key issue identified was the lack of digital literacy, with participants emphasizing the need for structured curricula and tools to help individuals, especially youth, navigate the complexities of online misinformation and harmful content.
3. Media Literacy and Professional Training: A call was made for the development of media literacy programs for various groups, including students, teachers, and parents, alongside training for professionals who can better recognize and address HDD.
4. Intersectoral Cooperation: Stakeholders agreed on the need for stronger collaboration between government institutions, civil society, and the private sector. One of the key suggestions was to create a network of NGOs dedicated to combating online hate speech.
5. Youth-Led Initiatives: Young participants expressed the importance of empowering youth through capacity-building workshops and peer-to-peer education to promote inclusivity and fight against HDD.
6. Role of Parents, Teachers, and Educational Institutions: The roundtable underscored the vital role families and schools play in mitigating HDD, with a focus on guiding parents on monitoring their children’s online activities and encouraging teachers to integrate digital literacy into their classrooms.
7. Positive Comments Attack Team: The Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination introduced the innovative “Positive Comments Attack Team,” a civil society-led initiative aimed at combating online hate by flooding harmful discussions with positive and inclusive comments.

Key Findings from the Annual Report

The Annual Report on Online Monitoring of HDD, presented during the event, revealed a concerning rise in online hate speech, particularly targeting vulnerable groups. The report also noted a disturbing trend of discriminatory narratives spreading rapidly on social media platforms, further underscoring the need for comprehensive policies to address these issues.

Actionable Recommendations

The roundtable concluded with a series of actionable recommendations aimed at combating HDD:

1. Educational Interventions: Develop comprehensive digital and media literacy programs in schools and conduct regular training sessions for educators, parents, and socio-psychological staff.
2. Policy Advocacy: Advocate for stronger legislative frameworks to combat HDD and promote accountability for online platforms.
3. Collaboration and Networking: Strengthen cooperation among NGOs, foster partnerships with international organizations, and create a dedicated network to address HDD.
4. Youth Empowerment: Launch initiatives led by youth to promote tolerance and inclusivity online, providing mentorship and resources to young leaders.
5. Awareness Campaigns: Initiate public outreach programs and leverage media to educate the public about the dangers of HDD and promote positive narratives.
6. Positive Comments Strategy: Expand the Positive Comments Attack Team initiative and collaborate with social media platforms to amplify the impact of positive messages.

A Step Toward a Safer Digital Environment

The roundtable was a significant milestone in AMAD’s ongoing mission to combat online hate speech and promote digital safety. By fostering intersectoral collaboration, enhancing digital literacy, and empowering youth, AMAD aims to create a safer and more inclusive digital environment, building on the findings and recommendations from the LIFE project.

The discussions and recommendations laid the foundation for future actions to address HDD effectively, ensuring a united effort among stakeholders to protect vulnerable groups and promote positive digital engagement.