WVL: 3 Digital Tools empowering feminist action

Feminist movements are increasingly turning to digital tools to amplify advocacy, strengthen networks and deepen impact. In the recent Powering Feminist Action Through Digital Tools Learning Hub hosted by the Renewed Women’s Voices in Leadership (RWVL) programme, grantees came together to exchange experiences and explore practical ways to harness technology more effectively. The session highlighted concrete examples of how feminist organisations are using digital tools to tackle social injustices, foster stronger connections, and drive meaningful change.

    1. AI tackling gender-based violence
      The Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change (CABC) uses technology to combat harmful narratives, particularly gender-based violence (GBV) and online misogyny. Presenters Kyle Findlay and Xolani Majozi showcased tools like Brandwatch and Meta Content Library for tracking online conversations, and AI-powered sentiment analysis using  VADER and RoBERTa to assess tone. They also introduced a specialised GBV application to help grassroots groups monitor risks and trends. Emphasising responsible AI use, CABC highlighted the importance of digital security and privacy, especially for organisations working with vulnerable groups and sensitive issues.
    2. Monday.com for project management
      The Organisation for Young Women’s Dignity (TOFYWD) has taken up Monday.com as a key tool to streamline its operations. Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga demonstrated how the platform serves as a “digital office,” helping track volunteer applications, monitor hours, and manage their intern programme. Monday.com also supports budgeting, social media planning, and reporting. Through its free nonprofit plan, TOFYWD accesses premium features such as workflow automations, dashboards, and M&E tools. Kanengoni-Malinga highlighted how integrations with Canva and Zoom simplify daily tasks, making it ideal for small organisations with limited resources.
    3. Online petitions for advocacy 
      Sisonke is harnessing the power of online petitions to mobilise grassroots activism and influence public policy. Programme Manager Loyiso Saliso shared how Sisonke campaigns on issues like decriminalising sex work and challenging harmful media portrayals using platforms like Change.org. She explained that impactful petitions need clear structure: define the issue, provide background, offer country context, give examples, and make a call to action. Saliso also highlighted platforms like Amandla.mobi, Open Petition, and Parliament’s petition system. Petitions can spark public debate, attract media attention, recruit supporters, and raise funds—making them a powerful tool for feminist advocacy.

Critical enabler of feminist action

    Together, these experiences make it clear that digital tools are essential in building stronger, smarter and more impactful feminist movements. From amplifying voices through petitions and storytelling, to staying safe online, harnessing data for advocacy, and streamlining operations, technology offers transformative opportunities for feminist action. But with this power comes responsibility. As participants agreed, digital tools must always be used ethically, responsibly, and in ways that centre community needs—especially when tackling sensitive issues like gender-based violence and social justice.

 

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