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.

“This book offers a compelling analysis of how digital campaigns amplify efforts for legal change across diverse contexts, while critically examining their tangible impacts and risks. By tracking one million tweets from campaigns in seven countries, the book uncovers the nuanced relationship between visibility, advocacy, and real-world outcomes for women and girls. For anyone interested in what hashtag activism can do, this book is for them.” Kaitlynn Mendes, Western University

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