We live in an age of the internet and online abuse is something that affects many social media users, especially women.
In May, Labour MP Yvette Cooper launched her #ReclaimTheInternet campaign. The cross-party initiative has been encouraging conversation about tackling the growing scale of online abuse. The online forum asks individuals, organisations, victims, police and IT companies can contribute with their experience and expertise.
The campaign culminated in a conference on July 18, in which British politicians, campaigners, experts and influencers came together to discuss strategies for tackling online abuse. They have gathered stories of women who have been the victims of terrible abuse online. Women who have faced rape threats, death threats, stalking, as well as more low-level verbal abuse on an alarmingly regular basis are sharing their experiences.
#ReclaimTheInternet: The campaign aims to stop online abuse and other forms of bullying, racism and intimidation which have become commonplace on the internet.
Yvonne Spence: “Good to see politicians and trade unionists tackling online abuse.” Angie Greaves: “The statistics for online abuse are shocking. #ReclaimtheInternet”
Marina Gask Media shared Hearst Empowering Women’s post.
July 12 at 7:29pm ·
If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of misogynistic online abuse, here’s your chance to have your say.
Women’s Aid: “We are proud to support the launch of Reclaim The Internet today. We know that online abuse is a serious problem for survivors of domestic abuse, and often forms part of a pattern of abuse that they also experience offline.” St Bons: “Yvette Cooper launches a ‘Reclaim The Internet’ campaign at The Stonewall Education For All Conference. Do not be a bystander to online bullying.”
@UKWomensHealth: “Join the fight to end internet bullying, #Reclaimtheinternet.” Joan Ross-Frankson: “Yvette Cooper’s ‘Reclaim the Internet’ is not ‘a brave campaign’, it is empty rhetoric. From where and for whom is she going to ‘reclaim’ it?” Monotonous Material: “Reclaim the Internet from other people with different views, despite the Internet being the best place for just that!” Byng Louise: “#ReclaimTheInternet: ‘We’re taking inspiration from the Reclaim the Night marches of the 70s and 80s. When women in Leeds were warned not to go out after dark because the streets weren’t safe they did the opposite. Refusing to be silenced, refusing to hide away, they marched instead calling for safer streets for everyone. They demanded more action from the police, better lighting, support from local councils, and a change in attitudes towards violence against women across society.
The internet is our new street. It has given voice to the marginalised, it’s taken on powerful institutions and individuals - and won. But if it’s to continue to be a force for change and democracy, the internet must be for everyone.’” Feminism in India: “‘As feminists, what kind of internet do we want, and what will it take for us to achieve it?’#reclaimtheinternet#takebackthetech.” @Girlguiding: “#guidingadvocates are at the #reclaimtheinternet conference, discussing online abuse & creating a safe internet.” @HearstWomen: “We’re here at the #ReclaimTheInternet conference, to find out how we can pull the plug on online abuse @InternetReclaim”
