Feminist talk

What is self-care in a time of hyper-connected people and devices and of image-saturated capitalism and what does it mean to speak about self-care in relation to feminist politics and the women's movement. Sharanya examines the politics of self-care arising from many discussions with activists, writers and campaigners.

Non consensual circulation or sharing of intimate intimages or non consensual pornography is becoming increasingly prevalent. Here Bonface Witaba shares few studies on this viral social phenomenon, what steps have been taken and are likely to be taken in the context of Kenya, on a global scale and by social media companies to address the problem.

How to start a sex-positive conversation around queerness, sensuality and sexuality, gender expression, and even violence? HOLAAfrica is one platform that shows us how to do it. From pleasure manuals to podcasts to articles, the platform raises and discusses several sensitive issues and concerns relevant to African women, gender non-conforming persons and sexual minorities.

In the wake of recent accusations of rampant sexual harassment at the workplace in various industries in India - including journalism, advertising, academia, development and many others - Sanitary Panels explores what patriarchy has huge tolerance for. [comic]

Dalit-Bahujan women in India have increasingly started using the internet and social media to articulate their positions and politics. This article explores how women have combated sexual harassment and exploitation, especially when it takes place in spaces that are considered progressive.

In this column series we unpack keywords relevant to the internet and the digital age. Here we look at algorithms, their origin in the work of Ada Lovelace. At how they are a sequence of steps, how they enfold consequences. And lastly we ask - can we talk about feminist algorithms?

Equity in digital access in Africa is far from being a reality. There is also paucity of women in technology related careers and more broadly in STEM. In this column, Nodumo Dhlamini will explore the necessity for mentoring of women to make them confident users and implementers of ICT tools and solutions.

How do we use social media in activism? Do we reflect on our practices, on the instrumental ways of referring to people and communities that is used in reports and publications? Here is a story that looks at the use of Whatsapp by activists and what it means about unacknowledged hierarchies and barriers even within progressive spaces.

Is technology neutral or is coding political? In this article Smarika Kumar explores how algorithms work in the real world, and how they are a reflection of existing biases and forms of exclusion and discrimination in society.

The rise of dating apps allows women to take control of their social life and their choices. In this article Hija Kamran speaks to many women in Pakistan about their experience of online dating, both good and bad, whether it allows for challenging of conservative social norms or it leaves women vulnerable to abuse and other risks.