DIGITAL FEMINISM AND CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN MOBILIZING GENDER-INCLUSIVE PEACE MOVEMENTS

Within the wave of online mobilization, a vibrant form of activism known as digital feminism has emerged, spearheaded largely by women who challenge patriarchal norms, amplify marginalized voices, and demand structural change in society. While existing studies have explored women’s roles in peace processes, few have specifically interrogated how digital technologies are reshaping feminist engagement in peacebuilding across diverse sociopolitical landscapes. Drawing on comparative case studies from Nigeria, Sudan, and Colombia, this research contributes to scholarship by investigating how women strategically use digital platforms to challenge patriarchal structures, mobilize support, and advocate for inclusive peace and justice. Findings revealed that digital tools enabled women to amplify marginalized voices, mobilize support, and document abuses, thereby reshaping peace narratives and fostering inclusive participation. In Nigeria, the #BringBackOurGirls campaign highlighted the gendered nature of violence and demanded accountability. Sudanese women leveraged social media during the 2019 revolution to resist repression and advocate for gender quotas in governance. Colombian women used digital platforms for truth-telling and reconciliation, foregrounding issues of sexual violence and land rights. Despite these advancements, challenges such as online harassment, surveillance, and limited access to digital tools persisted, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. The study concluded that while digital feminism offers innovative pathways for peace advocacy, it cannot substitute for institutional reforms and intersectional policy change. Recommendations include integrating feminist perspectives into tech governance and peace frameworks, investing in digital training for women peacebuilders, and creating regional digital platforms for collaboration among women in conflict-affected areas. This research contributes to the understanding of digital feminism's unique role in peacebuilding, emphasizing the need for inclusive and participatory approaches to conflict transformation.