Shamed into silence online: the sexualised, personal hate reserved for Somali women | Sahra Ahmed Koshin

Somali women who speak out on social media can expect fake nude images and degrading abuse. But some are fighting back

Social media has given Somali women the space to be free, to organise themselves to effect change and to connect with their sisters. Unfortunately though, this newfound liberation has a heavy price, and women are subjected to more online harassment than their male counterparts.

Since 2009, when I first created a Twitter (now X) account, I've been following the trolling, hate speech, harassment and bullying that Somalis face. However, I've also seen another trend worth mentioning: the disproportionate consequences for men and women. More often than not, the terms and phrases used to lash out against Somali women's active presence online are more derogatory, offensive, degrading and destructive than they are for men.