New Delhi: UN Women India has launched the Generation Equality Allyship, a significant initiative aimed at fostering collaborations and partnerships on social media, creating a culture of allyship and collective action to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in through the online space across India.
The initiative marks a significant step towards building a more just and equal world for future generations and was officially unveiled today, at the first Annual Allies Meet held at the UN House.
It brings together gender advocates, brands, influencers, and media platforms across sectors to amplify digital voices, building on the success of the Generation Equality movement – which advocates for equal pay, shared domestic responsibilities, and an end to all forms of violence against women and girls.
The launch of the Generation Equality Allyship comes in response to increasing concerns about the safety of women in digital spaces. According to data by the Economist Intelligence Unit, 38% of women have personally experienced online violence, with 85% of women having reported witnessing online facilitated violence against other women. Additionally, UN Women’s own research shows that the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, with India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia witnessing a shocking 168% increase in cases of digital violence against women during the pandemic, with such abuse particularly directed towards young girls.
UNESCO has found that within global media, online violence against women journalists remains a pressing issue, with 73% reporting incidents of online violence at work.
UN Women India’s Country Representative, Susan Ferguson, emphasised the urgent need for digital action in her address at the launch, saying “social media is here to stay and we need to leverage it and use it as a tool for positive change…. It can be used to change us for the better.”
“The Generation Equality Allyship is really launched to leverage the power of the online world and reach many many more women than we at UN Women can reach” she added.
In a special message for young girls across India, Susan shared a determined and optimistic vision emphasising “there is hope and there is change. Young girls lives are improving all across the world and in India. Young girls should take hold of the opportunities that arise.”
The Generation Equality Allyship initiative is supported by prominent personalities, including Bollywood icon Zeenat Aman, global fashion influencer Masoom Minawala, spoken word artist Priya Malik, UP Warriorz – a formidable women’s cricket team, Pink Legal – a legal resource platform dedicated to women, Be Badass – an empowering community, Yuvaa – a youth media company and the Society for Space Education, Research and Development.
These individuals and associations have committed to using their platforms to raise awareness about gender-based issues and to promote a culture of equality in digital spaces.
Zeenat Aman, who has long been associated with issues of women’s empowerment, expressed her commitment to the initiative stating “It’s a privilege to join the Generation Equality Allyship. I am delighted to use my reach to share the message of gender equality and empowerment.” She also underscored the importance of addressing key issues such as pay parity, reproductive rights, and the eradication of violence against women, which she said are crucial to achieving gender equality.
The launch event featured a panel discussion titled “A Seat at Every Table,” where advocates discussed the role of social media in driving societal change. Priya Malik, known for her impactful spoken word performances, reiterated her dedication to using her art to challenge societal norms and promote equality. Malik stated, “My dedication to women and girls has been central to the stories I tell and the roles I create. I strive to push boundaries and share the voices of those who are often marginalized and unheard.”
Nikhil Taneja, co-founder of Yuvaa, also spoke at the event, highlighting the challenges faced by men in India, particularly the issue of loneliness. “The number 1 issue for men is loneliness. There are no safe spaces available where men can be vulnerable without judgment,” Taneja remarked. He emphasised the need to include men in the conversations on gender, noting that addressing these issues is essential to achieving a more equitable society.
The Generation Equality Allyship represents a concerted effort by UN Women India to address the challenges faced by women in digital spaces and to promote a more inclusive and equal society, advancing gender equality in India and beyond.
By bringing together a diverse group of advocates and influencers, the Generation Equality Allyship aims to create sustained momentum for change and to ensure that the voices of women are heard and respected in all areas of life, both online and offline.
