Cyber-feminism activities in the digital era: Confronting the violence against women in Bangladesh

Abstract:

The rapid growth of digital communication has transformed how feminist movements engage with social issues and mobilize collective action. In Bangladesh, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have become important spaces for raising awareness about gender-based violence and promoting women’s empowerment. However, the nature and impact of these online feminist activities remain insufficiently examined. This study aims to explore the emergence and trends of cyber-feminism in Bangladesh and to assess its role in resisting violence against women (VAW) through digital engagement. A qualitative approach was adopted, drawing on key informant interviews with feminist activists and content analysis of relevant social media discussions. This combination provided insights into both the experiences of digital activists and the patterns of online feminist discourse. Findings reveal that cyber-feminist activities in Bangladesh are largely centered on social media and contribute positively to awareness building, public accountability, rapid response to incidents, and increased women’s participation in social and economic initiatives. Nevertheless, challenges such as misinformation, misuse of online spaces, limited digital literacy, and unequal access to technology continue to hinder broader progress. The study highlights that cyber-feminism in Bangladesh represents a dynamic yet contested form of digital activism. It underscores the need for greater digital literacy, stronger policy implementation, and conceptual clarity around online feminist movements. The research contributes to understanding how digital spaces can both empower and constrain feminist activism in developing contexts, offering directions for future studies and policy initiatives.