On November 21st, the world will witness a momentous event: a movement that will shift the axis of courage and redefine what strength means to women globally. This is a turning point, not just symbolic. Women will become fiercely strong as a result of the fight against gender-based violence, which is spreading from social media feeds to streets and hearts.
However, things are starting to change as online campaigns are becoming more powerful than just bringing attention to suffering. For instance, the UN Population Fund’s “Body Right” campaign involves young Kenyans in the battle against cyber bullying and non-consensual image sharing, two forms of digital abuse of women. According to Kenya’s UNFPA, social media is changing from being a platform for violence to a battlefield and a means of empowerment.
Consider this: In West and Central Africa, 45% of women who use major social networks reported experiencing online gender-based violence. Internet Frontiers, a global campaign on November 21, could be a game-changer if this is the extent of the issue. Then, when millions of previously silenced voices unite to demand change, the barriers of gender-based freedom begin to crumble.
Women will become firm as a result of this movement, not fragile or helpless, but strong, determined, and fearless. The campaign will change culture by calling for accountability, creating support systems, highlighting survival stories, and preventing the acceptance of violence. “You cannot break her; you will not silence her,” it says rhetorically. Let that echo throughout the entire world.
This movement needs to be taken seriously. We must not turn our backs. Silence is no longer an option. The campaign’s tagline is “If you are witnessing abuse, speak.” Pretend to be aware of someone’s suffering. If you say nothing, you are complicit. Women’s businesses will thrive once society recognizes that gender-based violence is not “her problem,” but rather our problem. Men, women, and institutions must all take part.
On November 21st, join the movement by speaking up, spreading the word, standing up for the weak, and holding those in charge accountable. Use social media with awareness. No matter how small your platform is, use it to speak up. Become one of the survivors. Support one another. Demand justice. Observe the world as the trend shifts and women gain resolve. This campaign has the potential to change the world, so we all need to be involved.
