The Role of Social Media in the Fight Against Gender Violence

Introduction

Social media is a tool for communicating, sharing information and connecting people with each other. Today, the widespread use of the Internet, especially social media, has emerged as an alternative medium that women can use to seek their rights and express themselves. Social media can play an important role in empowering women and protecting their rights. From the “MeToo” movement to the Women's March, social media has been sed in many areas for women to express themselves and seek their rights. Thus, social media has provided women, women's rights violations and women's movements with the opportunity to capitalize on the unique awareness-raising potential of social media.

One of the most important ways in which social media has influenced women's rights is by giving women a platform to talk about issues once considered taboo. With the rise of social media, women can share their stories of harassment, abuse and discrimination. For example, the #MeToo movement has brought to light the extent of sexual harassment and assault that women face in their daily lives. Women from all communities of society can share their stories through social media and create a collective voice for change.

Social media plays a vital role in promoting gender equality and challenging traditional gender roles. Women can raise awareness and use social media by creating hashtags to exhibit their skills and talents, challenge gender stereotypes, end violence and discrimination, and demand equal opportunities. For example, by launching social media campaigns such as #LikeAGirl, #WomenInSTEM and #WomenInLeadership, they can highlight their achievements, raise awareness and claim their rights (Gianniri, 2021). Another important way in which social media empowers women is through its use as a platform for activism and rights advocacy. Women can use social media to raise awareness on issues that affect them, such as reproductive rights, equal pay and access to health care. Through social media, women may be able to connect with activists in their own countries, around the world, organize events, and create a space for collective action. Social media can be used to make women’ voices heard and seek their rights such as equality, freedom, rights, bias, and stereotype.

However, in addition to the advantages of social media channels in terms of women's rights, there are also negative aspects in terms of digital violence against women. The anonymity of social media channels can sometimes lead to cyberbullying and online harassment (Cybersafe, 2021). Especially women who are outspoken about their views or have a large following are often the target of online harassment.