Policy Press

Hashtag Activism and Women’s Rights

Are Social Media Campaigns Really Making Laws Better for Women and Girls?

By Reilly Willis

Published

Feb 11, 2025

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529241280

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 11, 2025

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529241303

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Hashtag Activism and Women’s Rights

With over five billion internet users globally, it is crucial to understand social media activism and legal change for women and girls.

This insightful book examines the impact of international Twitter (now X) campaigns on domestic laws affecting women and girls. Exploring the complexities of legal change for women and girls across seven countries from Latin America to Middle East and Africa, the book offers empirical insights into the effectiveness of hashtag advocacy and sheds light on the role of social media in shaping different outcomes.

This is a key resource for understanding the dynamics driving social media activism and its potential impact on the rights of women and girls worldwide.

Reilly Anne Dempsey Willis is Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Suffolk.

1. Introduction

2. Research Framework

3. Negative Outcomes: #stopstoning, #letwomengotostadium

4. Status Quo: #farkhunda, #sendeanlat, #mydressmychoice

5. Tactical Concessions: #delhigangrape and #niunamenos

6. Possible Success: #women2drive

7. Aggregate Analysis and Conclusions