Social media has revolutionised the way we communicate and has become a powerful tool for advocacy and activism, particularly when it comes to issues of gender equality.
From sharing personal experiences to igniting global movements, it has given women a platform to voice their perspectives and drive meaningful change. However, while social media offers an equal stage for both men and women, the reality of using these platforms for gender equality conversations is far more complex.
Lynne Welch, the Community Engagement Manager at Homes NSW, sheds light on the paradox that women face on social media. While platforms are technically open to everyone, the experience of women engaging on these platforms often differs significantly from that of men. “It feels a bit cringey to put yourself out publicly, but somehow it seems a bit more appropriate for women,” Lynne notes. She observes that women are often expected to work harder to gain the same level of visibility as their male counterparts.
“Maybe because we have to hustle and avail every opportunity to get the same amount of platform exposure to men? I do think there is room for improvement for people to encourage the use of social media – both men and women, but technically, the platform provides equal access for men and women.,” she continues. This hustle, though, can be empowering—it fuels the desire to participate and push for change, even when the odds feel stacked against you.
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Yet, the conversation about gender equality on social media is rarely without its challenges. As academic Alexandra Wake from RMIT University points out, women are often targeted online in ways that men are not.
“Women get attacked online for being women and for their looks and marital status in a way men don’t,” she explains.
This gendered harassment disproportionately affects women engaging in online spaces, especially when discussing sensitive topics like gender equality. Women’s contributions to these discussions are not just critiqued but often dismissed or devalued. For many, it’s a discouraging and exhausting experience, yet one that many are willing to continue in the hope of creating change.
But this environment does not mean that women are not fighting back or using social media for good. Danielle Butler, Senior Digital & Social Media Officer at the Safer Schoolies Initiative, strongly believes that social media platforms need to take more responsibility in fostering safe spaces for all users.
“More responsibility needs to be taken by social media platforms around moderation, enforcing rules, removing and banning people who bully and harass others on their platforms,” she asserts.
Stronger moderation would protect users from online abuse and harassment, making it easier for women to use these platforms freely and safely to advocate for gender equality.
At the core of this advocacy, though, is the need for authenticity and vulnerability. Lynne, herself a passionate advocate for authentic communication, has taken the brave step of sharing personal stories through “selfies for storytelling” and videos.
“I trust that my content helps inspire my followers, and for me, I feel like I’m doing what I can to be the change I want to see in the world,” she shares.
By humanising her messages, Welch encourages others to embrace their own stories, to be open and brave in sharing their experiences, and to join the conversation in an authentic way. This sense of authenticity helps build a community of support, a place where people feel safe enough to voice their opinions and engage with others.
However, as one anonymous contributor points out, the fight for equality on social media cannot be won solely through personal actions. While platforms provide equal access, the playing field is still not level.
“Women, particularly those discussing gender issues, face harassment and dismissal in ways men typically don’t,” they say.
The contributor stresses that the need for stronger moderation is not just about removing harmful content but about fostering a culture of respect and accountability.
“We need stronger moderation, quicker action on abuse, and better protections for women facing targeted harassment,” they urge.
Platforms need to implement swift and effective actions to curb abuse, and, more importantly, there needs to be a cultural shift towards respectful dialogue where differing views are debated constructively rather than through harassment.
In light of these challenges, social media can still be an empowering force for women. It has allowed them to push boundaries, raise awareness, and demand change in ways that were once unimaginable.
Yet, the current climate also reveals the necessity for greater action—both from platforms and the broader society—to create a more equitable and supportive online environment. Women, like Lynne and Danielle, are leading the charge, using their platforms to inspire others to join the movement.
But for true progress to be made, stronger moderation, cultural change, and systemic support are crucial. Only then can social media fully live up to its potential as a tool for equality, empowering women to be their authentic selves and advocate for the change they wish to see.
