Writing wrongs- an analysis of the use of digital platforms as forums offering gender justice for sexual crimes in South Asia

Abstract

This article considers the question how digital platforms are increasingly used by women and for women to seek forms of gender justice in South Asia. The research question is: are digital platforms offering new avenues to obtain substantive “gender justice” to women victim-survivors of sexual crimes in South Asia, and with what consequences? In answering this question the article draws from feminist research methodology, with a focus on post-colonial feminism. The article is based on an analysis of secondary data through desk research, complemented by key informant interviews with women activists in the region. Traversing select key rape cases from select South Asian countries where there has been a large public outcry on digital platforms, the article considers firstly, why women seek digital spaces as forums of justice. Secondly, the major demands for “justice” vocalized in the public outcry. Thirdly, the consequences of these calls for victim-survivors. Through this, it draws insights into the attempted re-negotiation of “justice” through public outcry in digital spaces, and resultant regurgitation of the same kinds of patriarchy and injustice in these alternative forums.