Feminism on Social Media

Sofia Caldeira, lecturer and researcher at the CICANT — Centre for Research in Applied Communication, Culture, and New Technologies at Lusófona University, presented her research on the impact of social media on contemporary feminist practices at the recent webinar "Feminism and Social Media".

Since the rise of social media, feminist activism has found new forms of expression and mobilisation. Movements such as #MeToo or "Red in Belém" are examples of how digital platforms have amplified voices and created global communities in favour of gender equality and social justice. But how is this new form of digital activism transforming the feminist struggle?

Sofia Caldeira shared with webinar participants the findings of her postdoctoral research, funded by the European Commission through a Marie Curie Fellowship, where she explored how Instagram has become a relevant stage for everyday feminism. "Social media has become an essential space for daily feminist practices, allowing ordinary people to take part in political debate and promote social change," the researcher stated.

Caldeira also analysed how influential figures such as Tânia Graça use Instagram to promote issues of social justice and feminism, relying on visibility strategies that enhance engagement and message dissemination. During the session, she also highlighted the "Red in Belém" movement, a milestone in digital activism in Portugal that mobilised thousands against sexism in politics.

Despite the enormous potential of social media to boost feminist movements, Sofia Caldeira warned of the challenges and limitations of this digital activism, particularly issues related to algorithmic visibility and the commercial logic of platforms.

Coverage
Sara Serrano and Renato Costa

Editing
Beatriz Silva

News
Sara Serrano