Skip to main content

IWD2023 A SNAPSHOT OF WOMEN USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AS A TOOL FOR PEACEBUILDING.

In recent years, women around the world have been using social media to promote peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts. From Syria to Uganda, women are using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to amplify their voices and advocate for peace. This article explores the ways in which women are using social media as an effective tool for peacebuilding, as well as the challenges they face in this process.

Women's Inclusion in Peacebuilding Efforts

Women's inclusion in peacebuilding efforts has been recognized as essential for creating more peaceful and just societies. Yet, women often face significant barriers to participation in peace processes, including patriarchal attitudes, limited access to resources, and exclusion from decision-making spaces. Social media has emerged as a promising tool for women to overcome these barriers and amplify their voices in peacebuilding efforts.

Amplifying Women's Voices and Perspectives

One of the primary ways in which women are using social media for peacebuilding is by amplifying their voices and perspectives. Women are using social media platforms to share their stories, advocate for their rights, and raise awareness about the impact of conflict on women and children. For example, the "Women of Kireka" in Uganda have been using Facebook to connect with other women peace builders across the country and share their experiences of conflict and peacebuilding.


Facilitating Dialogue and Collaboration

Women are also using social media to facilitate dialogue and collaboration between diverse groups of people. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook provide a space for women to engage in virtual conversations with other peace builders, share information and resources, and mobilize support for various peacebuilding initiatives. For example, the Syrian Women's Network has been using Instagram to document human rights violations, share stories of survival and resilience, and advocate for an end to the conflict in Syria.

Mobilizing Public Support and Advocacy

Women are also using social media to mobilize public support and advocacy for peacebuilding efforts. By using hashtags and creating online campaigns, women are able to reach a wider audience and build solidarity with other peace organizations around the world. For example, the Women's International Peace Centre in South Sudan has been using Twitter to advocate for women's rights and inclusion in the peace process.

Challenges Facing Women in Social Media Peacebuilding

Despite the potential benefits of using social media for peacebuilding efforts, women face numerous challenges in this process. These challenges include online harassment, limited access to technology, lack of recognition and support, and patriarchal attitudes that undermine women's credibility and expertise.

Conclusion

Women are using social media as an effective tool for peacebuilding, but they face numerous challenges. Strategies for using social media for effective peacebuilding include amplifying women's voices and perspectives, facilitating dialogue and collaboration, mobilizing public support and advocacy, and empowering women through digital literacy and technology access. Practitioners should work to ensure that women have the skills, resources, and support they need to use social media effectively. By doing so, we can create more inclusive and equitable peacebuilding efforts that recognize and support the critical role of women in building more peaceful and just societies.

By Rosaline Obah

Photo credit: @dreamstime

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

LES BRASSERIES DU CAMEROUN: Poised to revamp dying North West Economy.

As the crisis persists in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon, economic sabotage has been part of the modus operandi of the Separatists. One of the companies that have suffered from such sabotage is the Brewery company, Les Brasseries Du Cameroun. However in it’s new program as announced by the company Earlier this year, it seeks to revamp it’s commercial Centre in Bamenda and the 4 Depots of Kumbo, Nkambe, Wum and Fundong. This with a workforce of 400 workers, over 200 in Bamenda and about 50 in each of the 4 Depots, with a majority of the workers hailing from the North West Region. It is calculated that, over 30 Suppliers, two of whom supply the majority of the drinks sold in the Bamenda Commercial Centre, about 3000 regular retailers and over 2000 in the informal sector will get employed. They will be able to develop their families and improve on their livelihood by educating their children, building decent homes, and investing in diverse fields,...
Post a Comment
Read more

BAMENDA CITY COUNCIL FOSTERS COLLABORATION AND UNITY WITH TRADE UNIONS.

The collaboration between the Bamenda City Council and trade unions signifies a powerful alliance that will drive positive change and ensure the well-being of the city's residents. By working hand in hand, they will create an environment of unity, cooperation, and progress, where the voices and rights of the workers are protected and valued. This partnership underscores the significance of collective action in achieving shared objectives and emphasizes the commitment to the city's development. Through their joint efforts, the city council and trade unions will strive to improve the quality of life, foster economic growth, and effectively address the needs of the community.  Mr. Fai Nestor President of Mezam Divisional Union of Trade Unions . The commitment to lay the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous Bamenda, was taken this 12th day of December 2023 in what is know as the Bamenda declaration, to pave the way for a brighter future for Bamenda, where everyone can thri...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Reign of Terror in Menchum: A Horrific Encounter on the Wum-Bamenda Route

                                            The reign of terror in Menchum once again manifested itself in horrific fashion on the Wum-Bamenda road on Wednesday 5 June 2024, turning an ordinary morning journey into a nightmare. As passengers like Pa Cheghe Bang Mathias left Wum and the surrounding area s  for Bamenda, they found themselves trapped in an ambush by a band of armed men claiming to be Amba fighters. The peaceful atmosphere of dawn was transformed into a scene of panic and desperation as the assailants, armed with violence and brutality, demanded the ‘support’ of the travelers . Witnesses revealed that  the attackers targeted one bike rider  in particular . Using the opportunity ,   the attackers  rob bed  passengers of their valuables, including phones and personal belongings.   (C) Credit Photo anonymous              The desperate attempt by the bike-man  to flee from the assailants ended tragically, with the passenger, Pa Cheghe Bang Mathias, being shot, while the rider ...
Post a Comment
Read more