Abstract Book of the 8th World Conference on Social Sciences
Year: 2025
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The Intersection of Digital Humanities and Gender Studies: Exploring Feminist Activism and Cultural Preservation in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa
Ohia, Ugochukwu Godwin
ABSTRACT:
The convergence of digital humanities and gender studies presents unique opportunities for feminist activism, academic research, and cultural preservation in Africa, particularly in Sub-Saharan countries like Nigeria. This study investigates how digital tools such as social media, other online archives, and other digital platforms shape gender perspectives and influence feminist activism in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on Nigeria. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates qualitative content analysis of digital archives, social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter (X), and interviews with established Nigerian gender activists. It also includes comparative analyses of similar interviews conducted in other Sub-Saharan African countries. Digital archives such as Kenya’s Herstory project and Ghana’s Women in Tech initiative serve as key reference points for contextualizing findings within the broader regional landscape. The results highlight the critical role of digital tools in amplifying feminist voices, documenting significant historical moments in women’s lives, and promoting gender equality. For example, the “BringBackOurGirls” social media campaign effectively mobilized global support for the release of abducted schoolgirls in Nigeria. Similarly, platforms like Nigeria’s feminist coalition have spearheaded impactful online protests advocating for women’s rights. However, this study also highlights significant challenges, including issues related to digital access, infrastructural limitations, and cultural nuances in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African nations. These barriers can hinder the full potential of digital tools in feminist activism and gender advocacy. Based on these findings, the study proposes strategies to enhance digital literacy, improve technological infrastructure, and foster greater collaboration among gender researchers and activists in the region. These recommendations aim to promote inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation in feminist research and activism in the digital age.
Keywords: Cultural Preservation; Digital Humanities; Feminist Activism; Gender Studies; Social Media