FEMINIST ACTIVISM AND SOCIAL MEDIA: A STUDY OF GENDER EQUALITY CAMPAIGN IN NIGERIA

This study examined the role of social media in feminist activism and gender equality campaigns in Nigeria, focusing on the perception of Akure South Local Government, Ondo State, Nigeria residents. Anchored on feminist theory, social movement theory, and media ecology theory, the study adopted Survey method. Out of the 360,268 population of the study, 400 serves as the sample size. Findings show that residents primarily use Twitter and WhatsApp, encountering gender equality campaigns monthly and engaging with them mostly by liking posts. The study reveals that social media effectively raises awareness about gender equality issues and addresses key challenges such as gender-based violence, women's political participation, economic empowerment, and cultural stereotypes. Respondents believe that online campaigns translate into real-life change, highlighting their potential for tangible impact. However, barriers such as online harassment, digital illiteracy, and cultural resistance were identified, while issues like internet inaccessibility and lack of engagement were not considered major challenges. To enhance effectiveness, respondents agree to collaborating with influencers, using local languages, educating the public, and integrating online and offline activism. This study recommends that the Nigeria government should incorporate digital literacy training into national education initiatives, prioritizing women's empowerment and enabling them to effectively engage with feminist campaigns. Organisations and organisers of feminist campaign and movement should provide resources and support for feminist campaigns to incorporate local languages, ensuring that messages are accessible and culturally relevant to diverse populations.