Who 'run the world' in SA's #WomensMonth social media coverage?
Social media has been abuzz with #GirlPower – from popular South African singer Lira becoming the first African woman to have a Barbie doll created in her image, to competitions, campaigns and calls to action countrywide.
Persuasion can(’t) build a nation
Former National Assembly speaker Baleka Mbete recently shared how she thinks “South Africa has proved that it is not ready psychologically” for a female president. During a radio talk with SAfm, Mbete said she thinks that women are capable of leading but aren’t considered the type to lead.
This created an influx of themes in which ‘South Africa’, ‘former National Assembly speaker Baleka Mbete’, ‘national women’ and ‘female president’ were trending on Twitter.
While the first day of the month saw a natural surge of social media buzz around #WomensMonth, what Mbete shared in her radio talk significantly increased the online conversations around Women’s Day with a 1.15 million social reach.
While this number dropped the following day, there is still a steady online presence around what Mbete said.
Disrespect us no they won't
With Women’s Month, come some exciting award ceremonies geared at acknowledging women who empower and lead within their respective industries, the recent Fabulous Women Awards, held in Cape Town, recognised both women and girls during its seventh annual award ceremony.
Our VVIPs Sinenjongo High School girls were visibly inspired by the entire evening.Thanks to all our sponsors for making it possible. Overwhelmed by the success of the 7th Annual Fabulous Woman Awards, 2019 is indeed a year of perfection.#fabwomanawards2019 pic.twitter.com/0mRRJ2TDFm
— Pontsho Manzi (@LadyPontsho) 4 August 2019
The following day saw Inspiring50 announce its winners online, which not only garnered positive commentary on Twitter for the women who were winners, but had a social reach of almost half a million on both Twitter and Facebook. As the awards ceremony happened, there was consistency in the Inspiring50 celebratory comments, with more people joining in on Facebook.
Please meet @brittany__bull from the Cape Flats. She's off to study Space Systems Engineering in the US. Inspired by @adrianamarais who gave a talk at her school. B started inspiring other students with @MmakiJ. We salute you B!! #InspiringFiftySA @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/55gVWIRM75
— Ellen Fischat (@ellenfischat) 14 August 2019
