Today, 8th March 2023, we celebrate International Women’s Day! Here at Social+, we join women worldwide and use today to recognise women’s accomplishments, raise awareness about gender disparities & discrimination, and promote global support for women! In this blog, we look at 3 ways social media has been a powerful tool in promoting equality for women.
Social media and its role in gender equality
Social media platforms have become an integral part of invoking change within our society. As social platforms continue to consume our everyday lives, their part to play in encouraging change is ever-increasing. Social media has been a game-changer in the world of activism and promoting equality. Women have been at the forefront of using it to spread their message. In this blog, we explore three ways women have used social media to promote equality.
Hashtags and Viral Campaigns
Hashtags are a powerful tool for raising awareness and creating a sense of community around a particular issue. Women have used hashtags to draw attention to issues like gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and reproductive rights. One example of a successful viral campaign was the #MeToo movement. This movement encouraged women to share their experiences of sexual harassment and assault. The campaign went viral, with millions of women sharing their stories on social media. This created a powerful sense of solidarity and raised awareness about the pervasiveness of sexual violence. Many celebrities got involved in the movement and used the hashtag, including the likes of Jennifer Lawrence and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Amplifying Voices and Diverse Perspectives
Social media has given women a platform to amplify their voices and share their perspectives. Women from all walks of life have used platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to share their stories and experiences. Giving visibility to issues that may have previously been overlooked. For example, women of colour have used social media to highlight issues of intersectionality and draw attention to the unique challenges they face. Social media has also enabled women to connect with others who share similar experiences and create supportive communities. Without social media, many women would not have been able to connect with those facing similar issues from all walks of life from every corner of the globe. Moreover, without social media, many issues faced by women may have never received the publicity they have. Allowing them to present the challenges they face at the forefront of people’s minds.
Holding Institutions Accountable
Social media has given women the power to hold institutions accountable for their actions. Women have used social media to call out instances of sexism, misogyny, and discrimination, often leading to changes in policies or public opinion. For example, the #NotBuyingIt campaign called out sexist advertising, leading to changes in the way brands marketed their products. Social media has also been a powerful tool for holding individuals accountable, with women sharing their experiences of workplace harassment or abuse and calling for justice. Social media platforms allow others to join forces and support such movements. Making women a force to be reckoned with.
International Women’s Day
In conclusion, social media has been a powerful tool for women to promote equality, from viral campaigns to amplifying diverse voices and holding institutions accountable. As we continue to navigate the complexities of social media, it’s important to recognise the impact it can have on promoting equality and supporting marginalised communities. Here at Social+, we use today to recognise the positive impact social media has had on the equality of women. Our team here at Social+ is full of talented and powerful women who we are extremely proud of.
Happy International Women’s Day!
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