Digital activism and violence against women : changing landscapes of feminist activism in Southern Africa

Date

2012

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

IT for Change, Bengaluru, IN

Abstract

Gender Based Violence (GBV) is systemically connected to patriarchal, postcolonial and nationalist struggles in Africa. Focusing on the role of local and national forms of activism in which 'new media' play a pivotal role, this think-piece confronts Violence Against Women (VAW) as a growing site of feminist activism and human rights struggles in the region. The paper discusses regional increases in violence and the challenges this poses. The consideration of effective communication focuses critically on mainstream media as a site of influential, ostensibly public conversations about violence, women’s experiences, and how to challenge injustice.

Description

Keywords

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE, CITIZENSHIP, INFORMATION SOCIETY, MASS MEDIA, FREEDOM OF SPEECH, WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION, WOMEN’S RIGHTS, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT), SEXUAL VIOLENCE, RAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, SOUTH OF SAHARA

Citation

DOI