Women Are Angry About the Election. Here’s How They’re Taking Action Online

On March 3, 1914—the day before President Woodrow Wilson’s inauguration—8,000 suffragists marched past the White House to protest for the right to vote. Since then, second- and third-wave feminists have continued this spirit of opposition. Following Trump’s victory, women have taken to social media in droves, enticing each other to participate in the political process, support pro-women organizations, and stay angry. The feminist group advertised the events through its Facebook page, with continual updates on location and time. Several days before the meet-up, online organizers had to change the location to accommodate more people. Just nine days after the election results, the national page showed about 100,000 anticipated attendees—with another 192,000 marked as “Interested.” Taking a stand Physical protests represent only a portion of the opposition against Donald Trump. A week later, women headed to social media with the hashtag #ThxBirthControl to share the ways birth control aided their lives. This past weekend, The Wing used its Instagram account to promote a volunteer meet-up that was open to the public and supported Planned Parenthood, Working Families Party, and the ACLU. Jezebel’s November 9 article, “A List of Pro-Women, Pro-Immigrant, Pro-Earth, Anti-Bigotry Organizations That Need Your Support,” was shared over 1.8 million times its first week of publication. To bolster funds for women’s health services and send a message to anti-choice politicians, Bethany Cosentino from the band Best Coast shared an image on Instagram with information on how to donate to Planned Parenthood in Vice President-elect Mike Pence’s name.

Author: Erin Nelson / Source: The Content Strategist

On March 3, 1914—the day before President Woodrow Wilson’s inauguration—8,000 suffragists marched past the White House to protest for the right to vote. Even though the organizers had secured a permit, people spit on, assaulted, and heaved objects at the protesters. Women wouldn’t be able to vote for another six years, but the march was a symbolic demonstration that they were unwilling to surrender their rights.

Since then, second- and third-wave feminists have continued this spirit of opposition. From bra burnings at the Miss America pageant to Equal Rights Amendment marches to Riot Grrrl manifestos, women have banded together (sometimes with the help of men) to demand society, the media, and the government respond to gender discrimination.

Set within that historical context, the 2016 Presidential election felt for many women like an assault on decades of progress. In the midst of shock, responses varied. Some Hillary supporters mourned. Public figures like Gloria Steinem and Lena Dunham encouraged men and women to organize. Others took to the streets, touting signs that read “Love Trumps Hate” and “Not My President.” Unlike past elections, a large number of women have also found solace online.

Following Trump’s victory, women have taken to social media in droves, enticing each other to participate in the political process, support pro-women organizations, and stay angry. In an era when fake news can run rampant through major networks like Facebook and Google, and hateful headlines can influence an election, it feels particularly important to call attention to the ways social participation can promote equality and morality.

Below are five ways women are using social media as a weapon to follow in the footsteps of the suffragettes before them.

Organizing

Immediately following the election, the National Women’s Liberation organized meetings in New York and Florida. The feminist group advertised the events through its Facebook page, with continual updates on location and time. In New York, the social media strategy was almost too successful. Several days before the meet-up, online organizers had to change the location to accommodate more people.

On the day of the event, hundreds of women were respectfully turned away because the venue, which can hold up to 200 people, was at max capacity. Thousands more who weren’t able come inside headed to a nearby park for a speak out, where they continued to organize city-wide strikes.