The perceptions of South Africans on the impact of digital feminist activism in the context of violence against woman

Abstract

This study explored South Africans' views on the impact of digital feminist activism (DFA) in addressing violence against women (VAW), focusing on the #MenAreTrash DFA due to its significant influence on social media platforms between 2017 and 2020. Theoretically grounded in the feminist perspective, public sphere and communicative action theory, and counter-discourse theory, the study used these frameworks to analyse VAW, assess social media's efficacy in DFA, and examine resistance to #MenAreTrash. The study adopted a qualitative approach, wherein the data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 individuals. These interviews were supplemented by secondary multimedia sources. Key findings indicate that social media platforms serve as modern public spheres for addressing VAW. #MenAreTrash DFA successfully raised awareness and challenged patriarchal norms contributing to VAW, rape, and femicide, giving women a voice to share experiences. However, limitations of using social media for DFA emerged. While #MenAreTrash DFA raised awareness and sparked engagements, it was deemed unsuccessful in influencing behavioural change in men to reduce VAW incidents. The major limitation was attributed to the controversial slogan 'men are trash,' perceived as dehumanising and unfairly generalising men, creating feelings of alienation and worthlessness among them.