Qualitative Exploration of Attitude towards Online Feminist Discourse in Pakistan

Abstract

Aim of the Study. The present study aimed to explore the attitudes of young individuals towards online feminist activism in Pakistan. Furthermore, the goal of the study was to qualitatively explore how digital spaces serve as an ongoing archive of community voices, and demonstrate the relevance of feminist demands in Pakistani society.

Methodology. An exploratory study was done through eight focus group discussions with social media users (N = 48) and five in-depth interviews with feminist activists to identify the attitudes towards online feminist discourse in Pakistan. Thematic content analysis was used to identify the major themes from the qualitative data.

Findings. Through thematic content analysis five major themes were evolved i.e., knowledge about online feminist activism, online feminist practices, positive attitudes and negative attitudes about online feminist activism and myths related to online feminist discourse in Pakistan that were prevailing. The domain of knowledge constitutes experiences and awareness about online feminist movements. Online feminist practices involve the liking and sharing of late feminism on social media. Platforms of awareness about women's rights, a safe place to share opinions, and providing justice to the victim of harassment and oppression were positive attitudes towards online feminist movements. Negative attitudes towards online feminist movements include deviation from culture and religion, promoting vulgarity and westernization, anti-men, limited to the elite class, and misuse for personal benefits. Online movements are funded by western agencies and promoting homosexuality in our society was the most common myth.

Conclusion. The phenomenon has been indigenously explored through discussion with the general population and interviews with feminist activists, the subject matter expert who was not previously addressed in the Pakistani context. Both negative and positive attitudes exist towards the ongoing feminist movements yet Awareness and ongoing women's marches across the country are evidence of the fruitful use of digital feminist activism to change the narratives about feminism in Pakistan.