As a result of online misogyny, many women renounce political careers, self-censor or refrain from speaking out, while illiberal actors and authoritarians become ever bolder in their use of social media as a tool to silence opposition, roll back women’s rights and erode democratic institutions. We cannot let these practices continue, and we cannot let platforms who are able to make substantive change continue to skirt their responsibilities.
Author: Lucina Di Meco
Lucina Di Meco is a senior expert, advocate and writer on women’s leadership and gender equality globally. She currently serves as Senior Director for Girls’ Education & Gender Equality at Room to Read, an international nonprofit working to end gender inequality through education. Lucina’s groundbreaking report on women in politics and social media, #ShePersisted. Women, Politics & Power in the New Media World , has been featured on the Washington Post, Time Magazine, Politico, El Pais, and Voice of America, among others. In her 15+ years international development career, Lucina has worked in various capacities for a wide range of international nonprofits, including Vital Voices, International IDEA, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, The Wilson Center, as well and UN agencies.
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