The #EndSARS protest and Black cyberfeminism: a study of the Feminist Coalition and the rise of cyber-feminist ideologies in Nigeria

Abstract

This study aims to demonstrate how the Feminist Coalition (FemCo) employed digital media to promote feminist causes in Nigeria. Using the #EndSARS protest as a study, we show how Black women championed virtual feminism and Black feminist ideas, resulting in Black cyberfeminism. By translating and reflecting their physical reality into digital experiences, FemCo’s design of the #EndSARS logo raised awareness of intersectionality and demonstrated levels of ongoing struggle and empowerment. Through the use of hashtags on social media, both private and public instances of misogynist remarks were brought to light in response to the adoption of the logo and in opposition to FemCo’s points of view. Employing a qualitative descriptive method of data collection and analysis, we demonstrate how, in a time and space of gendered discourse and patriarchal culture, Black cyberfeminism has become more common in contemporary Nigeria and arrive at the conclusion that FemCo’s tremendous influence is rarely discussed in the current literature on the #EndSARS protest. We further argue that without the FemCo’s active participation and, more significantly, financial support, the #EndSARS protest would not have had much of an impact on a global scale. This is as a result of the thirteen founding members of the coalition’s diverse initiatives.