Moreover, Twitter said that it recognizes that access to a free and open internet is important. This is especially true now that people all over the world turn to social media platforms to discuss women’s rights, as well as other important social issues. In fact, Twitter noted that women’s rights were able to dominate conversations on the platform this year. The topic already has 40 million Tweets and is still increasing. 

In addition, ever since governments announced COVID-19 lockdown orders, there have been a million tweets per month about domestic violence and other related issues. Social media platforms like Twitter that depend on the open internet are not only a medium for the discussion of the issues. Rather, a lot of people see it as a lifeline and a way to seek help.

The Amplification of the Conversation on Twitter via Followers

In partnership with the UN Human Rights Office and UN Women, Twitter launched custom emojis that could raise awareness on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This event took place on November 25. Besides, the platform has also made custom emojis for Human Rights day last December 10.

The emojis appear whenever users tweet using the hashtags #OrangeTheWorld, #GenerationEquality, #HumanRightsDay, #16Days, as well as other localized hashtags. Volunteers are even promoting the campaign with purchased Twitter followers for extra marketing!

Increasing Followers Means Increased Awareness: Helping From Home!

Twitter is supporting local nonprofits worldwide by providing grants called Ads for Goods to several partners. This is to ensure that they can use Twitter’s power as an advertising platform to reach out to more people. Throughout the 16 days that passed after the custom emojis launch, Twitter has also amplified various regional campaigns and messages about the significance of gender equality and fighting violence against women to increase awareness and engagement. 

According to the UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, we have seen the entire world respond to the COVID-19 pandemic with all hands on deck. There were also responsive protocols and investments backed by determination. She added that violence against women is also a kind of pandemic. It is one that happens even when COVID-19 is not existing yet. It will even outlive the virus. 

As the world faces the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastation, there has never been a more significant moment to put everyone’s combined commitment and resources behind the most prominent issues. For this reason, the UN Women work with partners, such as Twitter, to end violence against women and girls for good. 

Twitter’s Followers Come To The Rescue By Raising More Awareness!

Moreover, the latest report released by UN Women revealed that 243 million girls and women aged 15-49 globally have experienced “adult” or physical violence. The violence was done by their intimate partners in the past 12 months. In addition, emerging data showed that violence against girls and women, particularly gender-based violence, significantly surged across the globe since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Needless to say, a lot of girls and women need help and protection now more than ever. This is the reason why Twitter and its partners are doing their best to combat gender-based violence. 

True enough, Twitter and its partners were able to elevate the public conversation. But apart from that, it has also collaborated with health authorities and nonprofit organizations in different markets to expand the #ThereIsHelp notification service. When Twitter users search for terms associated with gender-based violence on the platform, they will get a notification along with contact information for local hotlines. The notification also has other resources that encourage them to reach out for help. 

Providing Resources for Support and Safety

Ever since Twitter’s rollout when the COVID-19 pandemic began, it has already expanded the prompts so that it could reach a total of 24 markets. This includes India, Australia, Mexico, Thailand, Spain, the US, the UK, and more. In November, the company rolled out dedicated gender-based violence #ThereIsHelp Prompts in Canada, Belgium, Germany, France, and Italy. The aim is to broaden the platform’s support and efforts to provide helpful resources to those in need. 

Moreover, the open internet has played a significant role when it comes to the efforts of social media platforms, such as Twitter, to connect people to helpful resources, community, and healthy conversation. Recently, Twitter is now looking forward to constantly work to make sure that the platform stays a safe place for people to shine a light on crucial and timely issues.

The new #ThereIsHelp notification service on vaccination, mental health and suicide prevention, COVID-19, and child exploitation. The company has launched this dedicated gender-based violence search prompt to support local languages in the Asia Pacific. The company collaborated with the UN Women Asia Pacific, who played an advisory role. Besides, Twitter also partnered with leading non-government organizations and government agencies that can provide emergency care, support, and counseling. 

Twitter Extended Help not Only for Victims of Violence Against Women

This service is now available in eight APAC countries, including Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea. The company is now planning to expand the service in the near future to more countries across the region. 

When people who live in the countries mentioned above search on Twitter for keywords associated with gender-based violence, they will also receive a notification in their local language. This notification will direct them to hotlines of the local organizations that can help them. There will also be a list of non-government organizations that can give them the support that they need.