denied her medications ” 32 . While this tweet is a call for justice , it subtly brings global attention to the plights of Nigerian feminist activists , especially those of northern extraction . Social media does not only serve the purpose of advancing feminists ’ concerns but also enlightens general society about the risks that may come with engaging in practices that oppose the patriarchal order 33 . This tweet is an illustration of how feminist movement activists have turned social media as both sword and shield – rallying support through the creation of awareness and exposing how the society through its institutions fight back .
In addition , the online activism of campaigners such as Fakhrriyyah Hashim who was influential in the # ArewaMeToo movement gained global recognition as evident in this tweet by US Mission Nigeria , “# OrangeChamp Fakhrriyyah Hashim is pioneer of the # ArewaMeToo Movement in Nigeria . Drawing inspiration from the global # MeToo Movement , # ArewaMeToo trended the conversation on sexual violence in Northern Nigeria ” 34 . The tweet exemplifies how social media has helped create a link between global feminism and local feminism , increasing visibility and making exchange possible . The # MeToo movement saw women across the globe sharing their experiences of sexual violence , and inspired the # ArewaMeToo movement which was used by women from northern Nigeria to identify with other women and to share their own experiences in the conservative and predominantly Muslim North .
Mobilizing for Justice and Accountability
The # JusticeForBamise campaign shows how social media is used by feminist activists to mobilise public outcry and demand accountability from the government . The campaign started with Bamise ’ s sister sending out tweets about her missing sister , thereby leading to the hashtag # JusticeForBamise .
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