Notwithstanding these perils, the internet is also facilitating unprecedented support and solidarity with and among women.
At the beginning of the year, Dr Kirstin Ferguson, decided to counter the denigration and harassment of women online, with a hashtag #CelebratingWomen. The aim was to post two mini profiles a day on social media of the extraordinary things that ordinary women everywhere are doing.
“We can all help share their stories because once you look there are simply endless examples of women doing great things. It feels a little like the #AllMalePanel hashtag – once you look you cannot unsee what is right in front of you and all around us. Every woman we know is doing something extraordinary,” Dr Ferguson wrote.
This is Carolyn(@champagnecartel). She runs her #biz with her BFF and it makes her happier than she ever thought possible #CelebratingWomen pic.twitter.com/F2GWjTpL0a
— Dr Kirstin Ferguson (@kirstinferguson) February 15, 2017
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“But importantly, while trying to counter the unacceptable harassment of women online was the starting point, the benefit is that through sharing women’s stories we are also inspiring others. That is because every woman is a role model to someone else, whether they realise it or not.”
This is Viola (@VALlewellyn). Viola helps African #SME grow through #fintech & champions #girlsinSTEM & #gender issues #CelebratingWomen pic.twitter.com/NTOA6gLhBm
— Dr Kirstin Ferguson (@kirstinferguson) February 15, 2017
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Within a week the momentum around #CelebratingWomen was undeniable. A month and a half on, it’s quite extraordinary. If you are looking for a jolt of inspiration about the variety of brilliant and diverse lives women are leading, have a flick through the posts.
Thank you! @ElaineStead Amazing #women doing amazing things! @StartupShelley @FutureSciEd @kristinalford #womeninstem #CelebratingWomen pic.twitter.com/B2qB7Mrpr4
— Sue Pillans (@suepillans) February 12, 2017
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And now, thanks to an author and politician from the UK, Jess Phillips, there is another joy-filled, solidarity-inducing hashtag on the block.
So this is happening. #everywoman https://t.co/8YNCUkEmZi
— Jess Phillips MP (@jessphillips) November 29, 2016
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To coincide with the release of her book by the same name is #EveryWoman.
The premise is simply to name and fame the women who inspire, drive and empower you. For every hashtag that is used Jess Phillips is giving a book to a Women’s Aid refuge.
Name the women who inspire you, drive you, empower you. For every shout out using #EVERYWOMAN a book will be donated to a @womensaid refuge. pic.twitter.com/9yGjIxpSNH
— EverywomanBook (@EverywomanBook) February 11, 2017
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Chances are you have seen the #CelebratingWomen and #EveryWoman hashtags popping up in your social media feeds. If you haven’t follow along, and give a shout out to the sisters who need celebrating.
No hashtag can save the world, but they can certainly make the online world a more fulfilling and satisfying place to visit.