A "Woot!" for Web 2.0

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogspot: Web 2.0 offers a variety of new outlets for women’s voices in our world. I am particularly excited about the use of social networking as a medium for getting out “the word” on the women’s empowerment movement. As I think about the great movements of the past, specifically the Women’s Rights and Civil Rights Movements of the 1960s, I can imagine what a tremendous difference web technology would have made. The message can get out so quickly and so clearly with the use of social media and the web.

One particular way that Web 2.0 can aid in the women’s empowerment movement is by publicizing events taking place associated with the movement. The word can get out to so many more powerful women across the globe. Not only that, the web also offers resources for travel, ways to connect with other women involved with the movement, and a variety of other resources that might be needed for women to mobilize. With the web, our female leaders can plan an event, publicize an event, provide travel accommodations to an event, and create spaces and resources for women to discuss the event. Wouldn’t that have been awesome in the 60s? Can you imagine how large the March on Washington might have been? We have the power to mobilize!

Another way, though it may be simple in theory, that Web 2.0 assists with the women’s empowerment movement is simply by giving women a voice. Women can publish their thoughts and ideas in a public forum. For so long, women have been silenced, and no longer is that the case. Women with access to the web have the uniquely 21st century position of the ability to be heard by a wide audience. A lot can be accomplished through idea sharing and discussion.

For me, the web is empowering because I am able to share my thoughts and ideas through pages such as LinkedIn, Blogspot, Facebook, and Twitter. When working for a fundraiser, I am able to create a webpage for donations. I am able to connect with other leaders in my field. I am able to read the thoughts and perspectives of other women. I am able to delve more deeply into global issues. Web 2.0 has revolutionized the way information is shared; information is power. Woot!