What were the Girls Get Equal Listening Sessions?
Following the launch of our #FreeToBeOnline campaign, Instagram agreed to team up with girl activists from around the world to address online harassment.
A series of Girls Get Equal Listening Sessions followed, bringing together 15 inspiring girl and young women activists in direct conversation with Instagram, along with Facebook and WhatsApp to discuss solutions for girls' online safety.
What do the girl activists have to say about these results?
“The whole experience of the Girls Get Equal listening sessions left me feeling very hopeful. Despite the hurdles we’re facing, we really can create change.”
- Ayumi, 17, Japan
“What I really valued most about the listening sessions is that we go to work together with Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook as equal partners, challenging gender norms online and creating a new vision of freedom online together.
- Kim, 21, Germany
‘‘It ceases to be a far-fetched dream and now it's really happening. More can be done, but as long as we've already set pace then we'll get there."
- Stephany, 20, Kenya
Grassroots activist, writer and debater on gender and socioeconomic justice.
Mobilises girls in her community and engages in high level discussions, as a powerful youth voice on harassment both online and offline.
A young transwoman and human rights defender focused on gender equality and LGBTIQA+ rights.
An active leader and advocate on many gender equality issues across the Sustainable Development Goals agenda, including gender-based violence
Vocal intersectional feminist, striving for inclusion in her activism and providing a platform for marginalised voices within the movement.
Passionate activist, mobilising girls and local and national power-holders to defend girls’ rights online, so everyone can be online without fear.
A passionate change-maker, committed to supporting girls and young women, especially Black and Indigenous girls.
An inspiring advocate for girls’ rights and a mentor to young future advocates. Stephany was one of the youth activists who helped to shape the Youth Toolkit for Girls Get Equal.
Advocate for gender equality and social justice. She leads a youth-led international organisation with a mission to inspire, educate and empower girls around the world.
A powerful global change-maker on girls’ rights, gender-based violence, gender stereotyping and equal opportunities.
Challenges race and gender stereotypes in STEM, and teaches girls to code. She is also a researcher on the impact of the internet on democracy, digital literacy, inequalities in access and online hate speech.
Feminist political activist, digital security trainer and group facilitator in sexuality and gender. 7Amleh works to protect the human rights of Palestinians in online spaces.
Founder and Executive Director of Glitch. Dedicated to ending online abuse and championing digital citizenship. Seyi uses her lived experience and expertise to develop practical solutions with power-holders, and advocate for change.
Conducts research to make the internet safer for women and girls. She has researched many issues including how online gender-based violence affects women’s participation on Twitter.
Focused on the intersection between violence and technology and passionate about community and youth empowerment. Over a decade of experience working with survivors.