Somali women who speak out on social media often face fake nude images and degrading abuse, but some are fighting back. Social media has provided Somali women with the freedom to organize, effect change, and connect with each other.
Unfortunately, this liberation comes at a high price, as women face more online harassment than their male counterparts.
Since creating a Twitter now X account in 2009, I have observed the trolling, hate speech, harassment, and bullying that Somalis endure. Notably, the consequences for men and women are disproportionately severe. The terms and phrases used against Somali women online are often more derogatory, offensive, degrading, and destructive than those directed at men.
