The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Muslim Feminist Voices

By Sabat Khan, New Age Islam 28 September 2024 Muslim Feminists That Utilize Social Media To Dispel Prejudices And Promote Gender Equality Like Khadija Gbla (Activist Against Female Genital Mutilation) And Amani Al-Khatahtbeh (Muslim girl) Main Points: 1. Social media gives underrepresented voices—Muslim women in particular—a big platform to express their uniqueness, confronts sexism, and engages in public conversation. 2. Social media provides Muslim feminists with a platform for activism and support, but it also puts them at risk for abuse, harassment, and trolling. 3. The central thesis challenges Western perceptions of Muslim women as well as patriarchal readings of Islamic literature to emphasize gender equality inside Islam. ------ “Space” is the most prominent element in developing someone’s personality, narrowing down the space is closely associated with shrinking the personality of a person at any level. Any space meant to promote the individuality of the human being. In the context of women, there is way less space for them to access their liberty and participate in various ways. However, it is an ongoing battle for women to find a place amid the robust patriarchy heap. Meanwhile, women have searched for other ways to raise their concerns which was not heard earlier. However, social media has created a platform for people to propel their thoughts and ideas among people. Social media has become a powerful space where people can share their ideas and thoughts. It is considered a personal space to identify one's own identity, especially for women who considered marginalized within society. From the hijab controversy to the #MeToo movement, social media platforms have played a profound role in providing an important forum for many women to disseminate, raise their voices and communicate over various issues. Moreover, Noam Chomsky, the American professor and public intellectual known for his incredible work in linguistics, political activism and social criticism, described social media as “double edges of the sword”, noting, sometimes, they are used for constructive purposes and sometimes the power of social media comes with its challenges. Women’s voices on social media are often subjected to harassment, trolling and online abuse. However, we can consider social media as a tool that is highly used for productive motives too. The impact of social media on women’s participation in public discourse, political representation and activism cannot be neglected. Social media has made a level playing field for women, allowing them to connect with others to share their views, and creating a public sphere for them to be heard. In recent times, many marginalized groups use social media to raise their concerns and advocate for change. Among these groups, Muslim feminists have effectively harnessed social media to oppose stereotypes, combat Islamophobia and concern for gender justice within their communities and the wider world. The digital revolution has given Muslim women the opportunity to articulate their experiences, amplify their narratives and built networks of solidarity across borders. Idea of Muslim Feminism The fundamental tenet of Muslim feminism is the pursuit of gender justice and equality within the context of Islam, while also opposing Western preconceptions of Muslim women and patriarchal readings of Islamic scriptures. Muslim feminists fight for women's rights in a way that is grounded in their faith, thereby addressing the fundamental obstacles that Muslim women encounter in both their communities and larger societal contexts. But Muslim feminism is not a single, cohesive movement. It establishes several voices that reflect different theological, cultural, and social-political viewpoints. Social media has accelerated these voices to flourish in the digital space, where restriction of geography, censorship, and mainstream media gatekeeping are dismantled. In addition, through various spaces such as Twitter, Instagram, and Tik Tok, Muslim feminists are restructuring the image of Muslim women and associating in critical debates about faith, feminism, and identity. Moreover, numerous instances demonstrate how social media may strengthen the voices of oppressed groups. For example, activist Khadija Gbla, an Australian-Sierra Leonean, utilizes social media to promote sexual and reproductive rights for Muslim women and fight against female genital mutilation (FGM). Gbla has encouraged survivors, shared her own experiences, and increased awareness of FGM on a global scale. Her advocacy and online presence support global feminist solidarity in addition to striking a chord with Muslim women. Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, the creator of the blog and social media movement "MuslimGirl," is the other most powerful woman. She has been a key figure in Muslim digital feminism. Her platform, now a global brand, was created to give Muslim women control over their narratives, with a focus on beauty standards, representations, and Islamophobia. Amani’s work has received international acclaim and served as a counter- narrative to the mainstream media’s often biased portrayals of Muslim women. Furthermore, various organizations collaborated to define the evolving definition of Muslim women's identity. An organization called "the Muslim Women's Network UK" (MMNUK) has launched multiple social media campaigns, including the hashtag #MuslimWomenMatter, to concentrate attention on issues connected to workplace exploitation of Muslim women and domestic violence. This serves as evidence to support the thesis. Furthermore, it gives Muslim women in the UK a forum to tell their stories, push for legislative changes, and combat sexism and Islamophobia. Social Media as a Tool for Global Solidarity Muslim feminists are able to connect with like-minded people, organizations, and people all around the world thanks to social media. With the use of hashtags like #MuslimWomenDay, #MosqueMeToo, and #DecolonizeYourHijab, global feeds about feminism, identity, and the particular challenges faced by Muslim women have been generated. Being underrepresented in both traditional Muslim communities and mainstream feminist organizations, Muslim women frequently experience isolation. However, these digital initiatives promote solidarity and aid in tearing down that alienation. In Conclusion, The rise of Muslim feminists on social media is a testament to the power of digital activism in fostering social change and empowering marginalized communities. As these voices grow stronger, they will continue to challenge prevailing stereotypes and pave the way for a more inclusive and just global society. ------- Sabat Khan is a media professional with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Media Hindi and a Master's degree in Media Governance from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/social-media-amplifying-muslim-feminist-/d/133312 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism