Women-only online spaces and women-owned digital platforms continue to be outnumbered by men around the world. In 2017, an OECD report found that women use the internet 12% less than their male counterparts globally – for a plethora of reasons. From discrimination and hate speech to online sexual harassment, women are often seen as unequal to men, making them afraid to speak on the same subjects across the vast array of digital platforms: Twitter, blogs, podcasts, posts, comments, etc. Whether it be society, politics, religion or race, their fear of discussing these topics in the digital world makes women less likely to have an online presence. The ones that put themselves out there continue to be harassed even further – thus breaking down their self-confidence, self-image, and mental health.
Is there a way out of this vicious cycle? Can women feel free to speak without judgment and harassment? Yes and yes!
The Global Pandemic: Highlighting the Need for Women-Only Digital Spaces
Since the beginning of the global pandemic, women-only online spaces have become increasingly important and beneficial to women around the world. With the pandemic moving many schools and businesses online, there became an even bigger demand for companionship due to feelings of isolation. Harassment increased both on and offline during the pandemic, creating a spike in bullying and a significant need for women-only.
Women-only digital communities provide a safe space for women to support one another. These platforms can be used to find friendship and a non-judgmental space to share experiences and connect on a deeper level. As a result of these platforms, women are able to discuss subjects that would otherwise be considered taboo. In an even broader sense, these digital arenas are positively supporting many women’s mental health and giving them a confidence boost to speak up, share their stories, and thrive together.
Influential Women-Owned Platforms
The spike in women-owned platforms has transformed today’s society, giving women from around the world an opportunity to grow, connect and learn from each other. Here is a round-up of a few favorites:
- The Girlboss Community: This professional network allows ambitious women from all sects to post and comment in various groups. Topics can range from work, finances, life, and relationships.
- Quilt: This voice-only app creates a safe space for vulnerable and open discussions surrounding insecurities, finances, relationships, and future planning. The idea is to have your best friend at your fingertips or in your ears.
- Reddit’s The Girl Survival Guide: This open internet forum invites women to post vulnerably and openly on a range of topics from general advice, insecurities, life, relationships, and so on. The core of their focus is on connection, support and providing a welcoming environment.
- Sheroes: A dedicated social network for women, this platform offers women the chance to seek advice and counseling about employment, parenting, legal matters, and more.
- SafeUp: This platform is different from the others mentioned here, as it is not just one for women to meet and communicate with each other; SafeUp creates a safety network for women worldwide, with the intention of increasing their sense of security.
Amid the pandemic, these women-only platforms are gaining more and more traction from women all over the world. As they evolve, they are becoming more niche, tailoring different types of services to every woman’s needs. With these niche platforms, women are encouraged to connect with one another which leads to better mental health, more meaningful connections, safety, friendship, companionship and an overall society of interconnected people. While the world moves toward a digital future, women-led and owned support groups provide a haven for women, where they don’t face discrimination, harassment and judgment as they would in male-dominated online arenas.
“Women” includes trans* and cis women alike.
