International Women’s Day 2018: From #Metoo to #WomensMarch Top Trends On Social Media to Strengthen Womanhood

Social media is one of the most influential tool paving way to every individual and creators. And there is no denying that the hashtag culture has changed the way we talk about most pressing social issues. Every year on March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day and witness some unique campaigns, social media advertisements and trending hashtags that inspire many across the globe. The way it has shaped conversations about women’s issues, feminism and equality is remarkable and has had an unprecedented impact. So much, that social media has become one of the best means to spread the ideas and engage people in an encouraging manner. From talking about sexual harassment at workplace to accept the way you are and live your life in your own graceful way; each matter has come a long way. Over the years, social media’s power is increasing rapidly, and we have seen some incredible hashtags concerning to equality.

Since every individual will celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8; here we have listed the most trending hashtags from 2017 to early 2018 that redefined equality and brought significant change in the world.

#MeToo

On October 2017, American actress Alyssa Milano posted a tweet urging women to speak up about their experiences with sexual assault or harassment using #MeToo. Overnight social media erupted, as #MeToo took hold in every corner of the world. The movement has reached so much that artists at Grammys 2018 stood up with the movement wearing white roses as a symbol.

#HowIWillChange

The act of sharing devastating #MeToo stories shook social media, highlighting how many women have had the similar experiences. Eventually, men across the world were somewhere questioned what their step in such case will be, just when Australian journalist and screenwriter Benjamin Law responded with the hashtag #HowIWillChange. Milano’s effort did not go waste as Benjamin’s tweet gave voice to all who stand up. It was just everyone wanted.

#NeverthelessShePersisted

Last year, US Senator Elizabeth Warren was interrupted in the middle of her speech by the Republican Senators. She was told to sit down and be quiet, but still Warren continued to finish her piece. After facing backlash Majority leader Mitch McConnell defended his action saying, “She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.” And a new cry was born! Immediately following McConnell's statement, the #NeverthelessShePersisted and #ShePersisted hashtags took social media by storm. People began sharing Tweets, Facebook posts and Instagram pictures of strong female figures who have never given up in the face of diversity and discrimination.

#WomenBoycottTwitter

October 2017 witnessed ##WomenBoycottTwitter when actress McGowan’s Twitter account was suspended. This happened when she voiced against American Film producer Harvey Weinstein claiming that he had raped her. #WomenBoycottTwitter started at midnight in New York and lasted for 24 hours.

#TimesUp

#TimesUp a movement against sexual harassment came into force on January 1, 2018 by Hollywood celebrities in response to Weinstein’s effect and #MeToo. In November 2017, the Alianza Nacional de Campesinas (US organization) wrote a letter of solidarity to the Hollywood women involved in exposing the sexual abuse allegations against American Film producer Harvey Weinstein. The letter was published in Time revealed that it was written on behalf of nearly 700,000 female farmworkers from the United States. In fact, Oscars 2018 honoured TimesUp with a special segment and few popular faces wore a small pin to support the movement.

#WomensMarch

The day after Donald Trump was avowed as the 45th President of the United States, millions of women from all over the world have marched in. According to media reports, there have been more than 600 rallies in 60 countries around the world, expressing concern that women’s rights will be eroded under Trump’s ruling.

These were few amazing hashtags that ruled the internet and gave every individual a platform to speak out, stand up and embrace each other. And that is why we celebrate International Women’s Day! Also, Google India on March 6, 2018 launched #HerStoryOurStory campaign to honour women from urban and rural India who redefined their role in the society and workplace. Let us celebrate the achievements and promise to stand for equal rights as we celebrate the International Women’s Day.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 07, 2018 08:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).