EMPOWERING VOICES: A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF TWITTER ACTIVISM FOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Twitter is a potent instrument for establishing connections with individuals and assessing impact in the contemporary digital era. Twitter discourse around women's rights in Pakistan was the focus of this study. The overarching goal was to comprehend the influence of Twitter on public opinion and policy discussions, as well as the affordances and constraints of Twitter for activism. This study analyzed tweets about women's rights in Pakistan using a paradigm that combines digital activism theory with critical discourse analysis (CDA). For the purpose of comprehending discursive techniques, tweets were examined for their use of hashtags, subject framing, narrative, and humor. The findings showed that there is a strong online movement that uses tactics like humor and personal stories to challenge established gender standards, seek justice for particular rights breaches, and frame themes like gender inequity. Protests and petitions are promoted using Twitter's features that allow for quick mobilization and the promotion of solidarity, such as hashtags and retweets. It provides a diverse array of advantages, such as expanded outreach, enhanced interaction, and prospects for networking. Unfortunately, there are obstacles to diversity and free speech, such as the digital gap and online abuse. This study fills a gap in our understanding of online activism for women's rights by concentrating on Pakistan. Public opinion and, by implication, policymaking, may be influenced by internet mobilization and speech. Future developments of this activism and ways to circumvent its limitations are potentially potential subjects for more research.