The following is the second part of a two-part series on the emerging security risk of ignoring women as active participants in social media and hybrid warfare. Part I is available to read here.
Among all the things that you are
and all the things that you want to be,
do not forget my dear,
to be fearless.
Amazing artwork by Sandhya Vaidyanathan
While the issue of online violence may sound quite abstract, the malicious use of social media can, and has, posed a tangible threat.
Words ARE powerful.
Your voice IS powerful.
Don’t let anything, or anyone convince you otherwise.
Women are more likely to experience increased violence in the wake of disasters such as floods and earthquakes. They also take on the overwhelming, when droughts force their husbands and sons to leave home to find work.
Women in conflict situations and fragile states are using social media tools in many ways.
On this new day…
Rise,
Above the roaring oceans,
The blazing fires,
The thounderous [sic] rains,
The confusion, the doubt, and the fear,
You sometimes find within your soul.
Rise,
Above your own self,
Above anything that wants to keep you down.
My child,
Always
Rise.
Over the past several years, the meteoric rise of social media has been an integral part of uprisings and revolutions across the globe. On an individual level, outlets such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram allow people to connect instantly with friends and family, even when thousands of miles apart.
I am MORE.
YOU are MORE
WE are MORE
Indeed, all women are.
She IS
You ARE
and
I AM.
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A question I am often asked is “What does gender equality have to do with security?”
There are many scholarly books and articles that go into depth about the different impact that armed conflict has on men, women, boys, and girls because of their different gender roles.
However, what does this mean in the day-to-day lives of real people around the world?
Every Wednesday, the OSF blog highlights quotes from various peacemakers making significant contributions to peace and the advancement of women's rights.
Check out the OSF blog weekly for these and other posts.
I’m often asked, “What is a good tool to use to do a quick gender analysis?”
Here’s a simple gender analysis tool to keep in your back pocket.
If you don’t have time to prepare a detailed gender analysis or can’t work with a gender expert at the beginning of a new project or program, ask yourself the following questions:
