Women are Using Social Media to Create a Better Future

On March 8th, International Women’s Day, we celebrate and reflect on the role that women play in shaping the world, including in the digital social media space with the theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. While women still do face gender inequality, strides are being made and women are using social media as their platform of choice to connect with like-minded women, share their stories and advocate for change, no matter the causes they are passionate about advocating for.

The Power and Magic of Social Media

This year specifically we dive into the subject of influencer marketing and how women can and are using social media while continuing to “ choose to challenge”, the status quo by taking action to drive gender parity. Social media is a powerful tool that allows communities to form, and diversity to be celebrated. According to a study by the pew research center, women are 78% more likely than men to use social media, and a survey by Hootsuite indicated that Facebook, is the most popular social media platform of choice among women. Instagram is the second choice with 43% of users worldwide being women. Women are also more likely to use social media for activism and to support causes they care about. Linkedin confirmed in a recent survey that more women are using social media for professional networking and professional development. So clearly, more and more women are using social media every day to create a better future for themselves and the generations that follow. Dale palante!

Finding Your Tribe:

The magic of social media lies in its ability to connect us with others who share our interests and passions on a global scale. Many women use social media as a way to make an income and stay up to date with trends, news, and events from around the world. In so many different ways connecting online broads not only your network but perspective and understanding of global issues. Whether you are a woman interested in fashion, travel, cooking, cars, being a stay-at-home mom, or a working mom, you name it. There are groups of communities on social media dedicated to specific topics that have an army of women looking to share their journey and support others. By joining any one of these groups, women can find their tribe. As women, we need to take advantage of these opportunities at the tip of our fingertips and use social media to our advantage. Women have proved that the way they connect online can make a difference in the lives of others and the communities we live.

How to Build A Network

One of the most significant benefits of building a network of women who support you on social media is the opportunity to make new friends both online and in real life. In using social media, engaging in these online conversations, and participating in virtual events, webinars, etc, social media brings together women to learn, network, and grow together in the real world. One recent example of this is The Women’s Travel Fest, but there are so many. Social media is driving change by women finding each other online and creating meaningful relationships to bring meaningful change to real life.

In addition to making new friends, building a network of women who support women on social media also provides the opportunity to learn and grow, and perhaps more importantly, advocate together for change. One example of this can be a movement that started on Twitter in 2014 #bringbackourgirls. This was started by a Nigerian lawyer in response to the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls by a terrorist group. Something that had not initially received attention in the media then quickly gained traction on social media. So much so that this global social media attention put pressure on the Nigerian government to do something about the missing schoolgirls. Another media noteworthy example is the movement started by teenage climate activist Greta Thunburg #climatestrike. Her speech in 2019 gained social media virality that people from all generations from around the world organized to demand action on climate change. This helped raise awareness of the urgency of the issue and the need to address climate change. Women are advocating for issues and cause they are passionate about every day on both FB and IG and many other platforms. Social media really allows bringing attention to issues that might not have received visibility otherwise.

Like-Minded Women on Social Media

Social media has enabled women to get feedback and advice on subjects, ideas, or projects from other women that, well perhaps, we would not otherwise be educated on or given advice on. A great example that stands out from women online doing just this online is Money Expert herfirst100K where she educates women on the road to financial security and Peelies & Petals teaches everything she knows about food security through food preservation. Building a tribe of Latin women and self-acceptance as first Gen Americans is Mrs. Heidi Rojas, These women have ignited a tribe of other women who share the same passions. It’s amazing the magic and power of social media. Building a network of women who support you online is not only beneficial for your personal growth and development but can also be helpful for career advancement. By connecting with others in our field or fields of interest, as women, we can learn about job opportunities, get advice from other professionals, or expand our professional network. Social media can also be a powerful tool for promoting our work and building upon our personal brand, helping you stand out in this crowded marketplace.

Being Intentional and Authentic

Of course, building a network of women who supports other women on social media does require effort, and as women, we should be intentional about it. Share your true self, experiences, and thoughts with your online audience. Engage in meaningful conversations and be part of conversations that are important to you. And this last one, be consistent. As women, busy women, we know and “get it”, sometimes you may find yourself joining something with all good intentions, but then things fizzle. You can’t participate don’t have the time etc. Bow out politely is the right online etiquette. Do know that with social media the key to building trust and credibility is consistency. If you don’t have the time to be present, don’t be online. You see, the key to social media is the need to be active and engage in the communities we join, participate in conversations, share our own experiences and insight, and really support others. Authenticity is key and being mindful of the content we share and how we present ourselves online is essential. Just as social media can be a fantastic tool, it can be a double-edged sword so it’s important to be mindful of how we share and present ourselves and our intentions when joining a tribe.

Women are Using Social Media to Create a Better Future and social media has revolutionized the way women connect and advocate for change. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and even Tik Tok are proving to be the perfect challenge for women to collaborate, create movements and advocate for the causes they care about. So, let’s find our tribe online and use social media to our advantage driving gender parity, and making a difference in the world.