VOICES IN THE VOID:
DIGITAL FEMINISM AND INDIAN SOCIAL FRAGMENTATION
Dr. M. Durga Devi
Assistant Professor
Sona College of Arts and Science, Salem
&
S. Darshan
III B.A English
Sona College of Arts and Science, Salem
Abstract:
The rise of
cyberfeminism has amplified the voices of marginalized gender groups, with
social media playing a crucial role in analyzing India's existing power
structures. Michel Foucault's assertion that "where there is power, there
is resistance" is evident in the experiences of marginalized women in
India, who continue to be victims of sexual violence. This study examines how
social media serves as an alternative public sphere, offering a platform for
these women to navigate their pain, resistance, and resilience while also
confronting perpetrators, enduring suffering, and inspiring activism.The
historical and sociocultural exclusion of marginalized voices across India's
diverse regions has prompted an exploration of the impact of sexual violence,
online harassment, power dynamics, and the transformative potential of
cyberfeminism. Using a qualitative methodology centered on case studies, this
research reveals how women challenge patriarchal authority and mobilize
resistance through digital platforms. It highlights the role of personal
empowerment in driving social change and gender justice through digital activism.
The motivation to document the experiences of subaltern women enduring sexual
violence stemmed from observing critical discourse disseminated on social
media. The rapid expansion of digital platforms and the rise of feminist
activism online have amplified the voices of oppressed women, drawing public
attention to the fight against sexual violence and entrenched patriarchy in
India. Women from various regions have fostered a sense of solidarity, creating
a digital space of friendship and empathy for victims from marginalized
communities. Despite India's rich cultural heritage and religious diversity,
society remains starkly divided into two broad categories: the dominant
patriarchal group and the oppressed female group. Women remain one of the most
marginalized groups globally, often regarded as the vulnerable sex. The
normalization of power dynamics that silence them is seen as a natural
phenomenon rather than a societal disorder. However, survivors of sexual
violence seek alternative public spaces to share their experiences, challenge
perpetrators, expose social apathy, and demand justice through digital
platforms. Yet, in doing so, they face online harassment, threats to their
safety, and victim-blaming. The rapid expansion of internet access has created
a dynamic space for marginalized genders, where social media platforms like
Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and movement like #MeToohave empowered digital
feminists to collectively protest against the oppressive structures of
patriarchal society.
Keywords: Cyber Feminism,
Gender-Based Violence, Advocacy, Marginalized Voices, Online Platforms
The study explores cyberfeminist discourse by
analyzing four case studies of brutal sexual violence, highlighting the impact
of systemic power domination and its influence on digital activism. It
underscores the crucial role of social media in exposing crimes and its
transformative potential in mobilizing global support and advocating for social
justice for marginalized groups. Additionally, the research examines women's
digital literacy and the tangible changes driven by subaltern gender activism.
The study also delves into the entrenched role of powerful elites in India's
culturally discriminatory social structure. By addressing the sexual harassment
narratives of subaltern women in India, this research aims to shed light on the
country's unequal social framework and the cultural barriers that hinder
justice.
The study focuses on the following research
questions:
- In
what ways does social media amplify the voices and narratives of subaltern
women?
- How
do social and cultural barriers influence these narratives and shape
public attention?
- To
what extent are counter-narratives supporting victims effective in driving
digital activism and achieving social justice?
Diverse research studies have explored the
challenges and complexities surrounding sexual violence against subaltern
women, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the issue.
The Targeted Elevation of voices:
Guha
(2021) explores how social media can amplify underrepresented perspectives but
highlights that this amplification is often selective. According to the survey,
while some cases of sexual harassment are reported on social media, many go
unreported. This selective amplification can marginalize the voices of
subaltern women, limiting their visibility and Impact.
Barriers to digital engagement:
Narayanamoorthy
(2022) examines digital activism in movements like #MeTooIndia, showing that
while social media provides a platform for sharing experiences, barriers such
as digital literacy, access, and social norms may prevent subaltern women from
participating. The study emphasizes the need to remove these obstacles to
promote more inclusive digital activism.
Digital advocacy
and underrepresented communities:
Pain and Chen (2019) explore feminist digital activism
within the Indian #MeToo movement, emphasizing the role of social media in
fostering solidarity and action. Their study underscores the importance of
online spaces in empowering women to share their experiences and advocate for
change. However, it also highlights that disadvantaged communities may face
significant barriers in accessing and effectively utilizing these digital
platforms.
The current research distinguishes itself from the
existing literature by focusing on the intersection of subaltern women’s
digital narratives and their multifaceted identities within the Indian context.
While prior studies have examined digital feminism as a global movement, this
research specifically investigates how marginalized women in India utilize
social media as an alternative public sphere to resist systemic oppression. It
addresses the intersecting influences of gender, caste, class, and regional
identity, offering a nuanced perspective beyond the structural analysis of
digital protest or isolated cases of gender-based violence. By integrating
thematic analysis with counter-narratives drawn from real-life case studies,
this study uncovers subtle patterns of resistance and resilience. Additionally,
it highlights the unique cultural and socioeconomic challenges within India,
providing a localized and balanced perspective on how digital platforms can
both drive social movements and dismantle entrenched power structures. This
approach enables a deeper understanding of social media’s transformative
potential in amplifying the voices of the most marginalized—an aspect often
overlooked in previous research.
A qualitative research design is employed to examine how
subaltern women in India articulate their experiences of sexual harassment on
social networking platforms. The study adopts a narrative inquiry approach,
analyzing personal accounts and case studies to explore the social, cultural,
and structural constraints that shape these narratives. Thematic analysis is
used to identify patterns in online discourse related to subaltern women’s
experiences, assessing whether digital platforms amplify or suppress their
voices. Primary data will be collected through interviews with survivors,
activists, and experts, while secondary data will be sourced from case studies,
social media content, and relevant news reports. Grounded theory will guide the
analysis, offering insights into how these narratives influence public
discourse and activism. By employing a multimethod approach, the study ensures
a comprehensive understanding of digital spaces, cultural limitations, and
feminist resistance in India.
Conscientious
considerations:
This study relies on publicly available narratives and
social media posts, ensuring ethical compliance. To safeguard individuals’
privacy and dignity, names and identifying details will be anonymized.
Sensitive content will be handled with care to avoid causing further distress
or re-traumatization. The focus of the study will be on analyzing the
structural and socio-cultural challenges reflected in these narratives rather
than the personal lives of those involved.
Analytical Case
Narratives in Research
Pollachi sexual
assault and systemic failure:
The Pollachi sexual assault case serves as a pivotal
moment in understanding the intersection of gender, caste, and power in India,
particularly within the realm of digital activism. This case underscores the
systemic vulnerabilities faced by subaltern women, the exploitation facilitated
by digital platforms, and the dominance of men reinforced by powerful political
and social elites. The perpetrators created fake social media profiles to
deceive women, demonstrating how the misuse of digital platforms can exacerbate
the risks faced by marginalized groups. Subaltern women, who often lack access
to legal protection or societal support, were disproportionately targeted. The
victims included college students, teachers, and professionals from diverse
socioeconomic backgrounds, yet they all belonged to gendered subaltern
communities.
The exposure of connections between the perpetrators and
influential political figures reveals how patriarchal institutions manipulate
caste and class hierarchies to shield offenders. The accused belonged to the
dominant Kongu Vellalar caste, illustrating how caste and patriarchy intersect
to enable sexual violence. Efforts to protect politically affiliated suspects
further highlight how patriarchal systems prioritize male power and privilege
over victims’ rights. The politicization of the case and attempts to safeguard
party officials obstructed judicial proceedings, reflecting broader
socioeconomic patterns where caste- and gender-based power structures
infiltrate political and legal institutions.As Amartya Sen (2005) states,
“Voices of resistance from the margins not only disrupt dominant narratives but
also provide alternative frameworks for understanding justice and agency.” In
Tamil Nadu, social media played a crucial role in mobilizing protests,
demonstrating the power of digital platforms as tools of resistance. Women,
students, and activists leveraged these spaces to demand justice and expose
institutional failures, revealing the transformative potential of online
activism in challenging entrenched structures of oppression
Sexual violence
against Kuki-Zo women in Manipur:
The sexual violence against Kuki-Zo women during the
Manipur civil conflict underscores the deep-rooted intersections of patriarchy,
caste, ethnicity, and gender-based oppression. The delayed response by law
enforcement, despite survivors filing reports weeks earlier, highlights
institutional failure and state complicity. The presence of police officers
during the attacks, coupled with their refusal to intervene, reflects a
systemic bias rooted in ethnic and patriarchal hierarchies.
Sexual violence was weaponized as a tool of oppression
and ethnic cleansing, mirroring historical patterns in patriarchal societies
where women’s bodies become battlegrounds for asserting control over entire
communities. The viral circulation of assault footage, despite state-imposed
internet restrictions, became a powerful tool for exposing these atrocities to
national and global audiences. Social media emerged as an alternative public sphere,
challenging official narratives and amplifying marginalized voices. However,
while the video sparked widespread outrage and prompted action, it also
subjected survivors to further trauma and scrutiny, illustrating both the
empowering and harmful potential of digital platforms in feminist activism.
The BJP government’s delayed response and Chief Minister
N. Biren Singh’s ethnic affiliation with the dominant Meitei group suggest a
systemic prioritization of dominant caste and ethnic interests over justice for
all. The reluctance of law enforcement to address complaints from hill
districts further exposes how caste and ethnic disparities sustain systemic
exclusion. However, social media has served as a mobilizing force for feminist
and human rights activists, facilitating accountability efforts and bridging
geographical and cultural divides. Protests led by women’s groups, featuring
national and international symbols, demonstrated the resilience of subaltern
communities in reclaiming dignity and demanding structural change.
Gender-based
violence and digital feminist activism:
High-profile cases of violence against women in India,
including the Manipur ethnic conflict and the rape-murder of a doctor in
Kolkata, serve as grim reminders of the entrenched patriarchal institutions
that perpetuate systemic gender-based violence. These cases highlight not only
women’s vulnerability in public and professional spaces but also the crucial
role of digital platforms in amplifying resistance, seeking justice, and
fostering solidarity.In Manipur, the parading and assault of Kuki-Zo tribal women
exemplified how women’s bodies are weaponized in ethnic and political
conflicts. Similarly, the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata
at her workplace exposed institutional indifference toward women’s safety,
particularly in male-dominated environments. The slow response in both cases
reflects the systemic failure of legal and institutional frameworks meant to
protect women.
The internet ban in Manipur and the delayed investigation
revealed a lack of urgency in addressing gender-based violence within a
politically sensitive ethnic conflict. In Kolkata, despite the presence of
security personnel, the crime occurred due to inadequate safety measures in a
professional setting. Viral Video and Collective Outrage: Despite the internet
restrictions, the assault video from Manipur went viral, igniting national and
international outrage. This digital exposure not only pressured authorities to
act but also demonstrated the potential of social media in bringing gendered
violence into the public consciousness. However, while online activism can
drive social change, it also exposes survivors to retraumatization and public
scrutiny, highlighting the dual-edged nature of digital feminist resistance.
Gender-based
violence and feminist advocacy:
The
Anna University sexual harassment case underscores the vulnerabilities women
face in both public and professional spaces, including esteemed educational
institutions. This incident reflects broader societal issues of gendered
violence and institutional apathy within patriarchal structures. Digital
platforms play a crucial role in such cases, enabling survivors and activists
to resist suppression, demand justice, and build solidarity through feminist
activism.
The
case highlights the persistent dangers women face even in environments meant to
be safe, like universities. The accused, a repeat offender, not only assaulted
the survivor but also sought to control her through threats of exposing
compromising videos and intimidation tactics. This crime further exposes systemic
failures, including inadequate institutional security—only 56 of 70 CCTV
cameras were operational—and institutional negligence, as previous offenses by
the accused were ignored, allowing him to continue his crimes. These
shortcomings reflect how patriarchal systems deprioritize women's safety,
creating conditions in which gender-based violence thrives unchecked.
Additionally,
institutional and political failures often leave survivors without justice. Law
enforcement failed to act decisively, as the accused, despite having 20 prior
charges, faced minimal deterrence. Allegations of his political ties raised
concerns about whether influence shielded him from accountability, while police
misconduct further endangered the survivor by publicly disclosing her FIR and
identity. These failures underscore the urgent need for strong institutional
safeguards and accountability mechanisms. When institutions fail, digital
platforms serve as alternative spaces where marginalized voices can be heard.
Social media played a critical role in amplifying the survivor’s story, drawing
national attention. Activists, student groups, and political leaders leveraged
these platforms to demand justice, prompting swift intervention from the
National Commission for Women (NCW). Opposition parties and activists also used
social media to counter narratives deflecting accountability, such as BJP
politician Annamalai exposing links between the accused and ruling party
members, increasing political pressure for action. Online platforms further
enabled rallies advocating for institutional reforms at Anna University while
fostering solidarity through shared experiences of harassment.
The
Pollachi case similarly highlights the vulnerability of subaltern women in
patriarchal societies and the transformative power of social media in
advocating for justice. It underscores the urgency of stronger legislative
protections, ethical media practices, and amplifying marginalized voices in
digital spaces. The Manipur case further demonstrates digital feminism’s role
in challenging systemic inequalities, showcasing both its potential and
limitations. The Manipur and Kolkata incidents reveal how online platforms can
expose patriarchal oppression and uplift marginalized voices. Digital feminism
provides a counter-public space where survivors, activists, and communities can
resist oppression, demand justice, and reshape narratives around gender-based
violence. The use of digital tools in feminist movements holds promise for
greater accountability and systemic change in combating violence against women.
Ultimately, the Anna University case epitomizes the societal and institutional
barriers women face in patriarchal societies, highlighting the failure of
institutions to protect survivors and the vital role of digital platforms in
advocating for justice and reform.
Examination of central themes:
The
study employs a multidimensional analytical framework, incorporating thematic
analysis, discourse analysis, intersectional analysis, and impact assessment,
to examine four narrative case studies. These accounts offer valuable insights
into how subaltern women leverage social media to share their experiences,
navigate systemic barriers, and garner public support. Key themes that emerge
include institutional failure, victim blaming, and public outrage. Social media
messages from medical professionals highlight their demand for safety and
justice. The study also explores the themes of fear and coercion, as survivors
express their vulnerability when confronted by a repeat offender who used
intimidation tactics. As Hooks (1989) states, "Public fury can serve as
both a challenge to dominant narratives and a call to action for transformative
change." This analysis underscores the power dynamics at play, emphasizing
how fear and coercion shape survivors' experiences and responses.
Intersectional
analysis examines the interplay of gender, class, caste, and occupation in
shaping individual experiences. The victim's role as a medical trainee
underscores the connection between professional hierarchies and gender-based
vulnerabilities. Similarly, the survivor—a young female student—navigates
challenges related to gender, age, and socioeconomic status, revealing deeper
systemic inequities. Online narratives further expose how intersections of
caste, regional identity, and digital access affect survivors' participation in
digital activism. By applying this approach to four case studies, the research
uncovers the complex dynamics within subaltern women's digital narratives.
Thematic patterns illustrate shared struggles and resistance; discourse
analysis highlights the strength of counter-narratives; intersectional analysis
reveals underlying structural inequalities; and impact evaluation measures the
tangible outcomes of digital activism. This comprehensive framework offers a
nuanced understanding of how marginalized women harness social media to drive
societal change. As Nancy Fraser (1990) aptly notes, "Subaltern counter
publics are parallel discursive arenas where members of subordinated groups
invent and circulate counterdiscourses to formulate oppositional
interpretations of their identities, interests, and needs."
These studies reveal that while social media can amplify
the voices of subaltern women in India, various social and cultural barriers
hinder full participation. Factors such as caste, class, digital literacy, and
access to technology significantly influence these women's narratives.
Additionally, the selective nature of social media amplification means that not
all stories receive equal visibility, affecting the mobilization of support and
activism. Overcoming these challenges requires a nuanced understanding of these
intersecting issues and collective efforts to create more inclusive digital
spaces.
Crenshaw's
framework on intersectionality:
Social media served as a crucial platform for documenting
these incidents, ensuring that survivors' experiences were not dismissed due to
institutional apathy. In both cases, activists leveraged digital tools to
challenge victim-blaming narratives, foster solidarity among women and
marginalized communities, and advocate for structural reforms through
petitions, hashtags, and organized protests. Crenshaw (1991) asserts,
"Intersectionality is not just a framework but a lens for understanding
how multiple forms of oppression operate together to shape lived
experiences." Online narratives highlight the complex intersections of
caste, regional identity, and digital access, shaping how survivors participate
in digital activism. Through an analysis of four case studies, this study
uncovers the nuanced ways in which subaltern women navigate and utilize digital
spaces to share their stories and drive social change.
Kimberlé Crenshaw's intersectionality theory, combined
with Nancy Fraser's concept of the alternative public sphere, offers a powerful
framework for analyzing how subaltern women in India resist structural
oppression through digital platforms. Intersectionality highlights the
overlapping systems of oppression—gender, caste, class, and religion—that shape
the lived experiences of marginalized women. Fraser’s notion of the alternative
public sphere underscores the creation of counter-hegemonic spaces where
suppressed voices can challenge dominant narratives. Together, these theories
illuminate the transformative role of digital activism in amplifying the voices
of India's subaltern women and fostering social change.
In India, patriarchal and
caste-based structures often exclude marginalized women from mainstream public
discourse. Digital platforms function as alternative public spaces, enabling
women to share their experiences of abuse and injustice without the threat of
suppression. For instance, in the Anna University sexual harassment case,
social media amplified the survivor’s story, demanding institutional
accountability and drawing attention to campus safety issues. Similarly, the
rape and murder of a Kolkata doctor ignited digital protests, exposing
institutional negligence and elevating the voices of professionals advocating
for justice.
By
situating these narratives within alternative public spaces, our analysis
demonstrates how digital platforms foster solidarity across intersecting
identities. These online forums disrupt patriarchal norms, promote collective
resistance, and influence public discourse, creating new avenues for feminist
activism in India.
The
findings of this study highlight the unique ways in which subaltern women in
India leverage social media to navigate and resist structural oppression. Their
experiences are often conveyed indirectly, with support from feminist
activists, students, and civil society organizations amplifying their voices.
This collective digital advocacy helps them overcome cultural barriers while
maintaining safety and anonymity. However, these narratives are deeply shaped
by pervasive social and cultural challenges. Many survivors remain silent due
to patriarchal stigma, including fear of judgment and victim-blaming, while
institutional failures—such as weak law enforcement and privacy
breaches—further discourage them from speaking out. Additionally, technological
vulnerabilities, such as the unauthorized exposure of sensitive information,
erode survivors' trust in digital platforms.
Despite these challenges, social media remains a powerful
tool for mobilizing support and activism. It amplifies the voices of
marginalized women, ensuring their experiences reach a wider audience and
resonate across diverse communities. Digital platforms foster solidarity by
uniting individuals and groups in the fight for structural change.
Additionally, social media plays a crucial role in holding institutions
accountable and pressuring authorities to respond swiftly and transparently.
These dynamics underscore the transformative impact of social media as an
alternative public space for resistance, resilience, and feminist activism in
India.
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