Year: 2019
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This study examines how African women’s use of the social network World Pulse (WP) expands the definition of the public sphere in today’s digital world, functions as a digital feminist counterpublic for African women, and nurtures their personal and professional development. This qualitative inquiry aims to discover how African women portray themselves and their continent compared to current literature concerning portrayals of the continent, and whether African women’s geographical location influences differences in such portrayals. Forty-six stories selected from the WP Story Awards program were analyzed using a thematic analysis. Twenty-eight WP community members and two WP staff members completed semi-structured email interviews, and one WP staff member provided a phone interview. The collected interviews were examined using a phenomenological approach. \n \nThe study finds that World Pulse (WP) is an empowering platform where African women share their stories, debate social issues, and create their own networks. Hence, African women feel that their voices are heard, and some become motivated to enact changes they want for themselves and others, particularly for girls and women in their communities. Some use the social network as a place to promote and to advance their causes. The results demonstrate that WP provides the needed space for African women to address taboo topics and to educate themselves and others on various harmful practices still performed against girls and women. Further analysis suggests that African women are eager to use online media for personal and professional reasons when given the opportunity. Accordingly, policymakers, governments, and nonprofits interested in bridging the gender digital divide across the African continent should consider establishing safe online spaces specifically designed for women.
Authors: Foumena Agnoung, L Jessica
Language: English
Topic: Gender, Feminism, and Media
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2968504503