Digital Activism and Data Visualization: Mapping Gender-Based Violence through GraphCommons
CEDISH Co-Lab 3.02.38, 3rd Floor, John Peace Library
This workshop explores the intersection of digital activism, data collection, and visualization techniques in the context of gender-based violence and feminist movements. Participants will learn how to harness the power of GraphCommons to create impactful visualizations that can amplify marginalized voices and reveal hidden patterns in complex social issues.
Drawing from real-world examples such as the "Women Life Freedom" movement in Iran, we will discuss the importance of digital activism in transnational advocacy networks. Participants will gain hands-on experience in collecting and organizing data, with a focus on ethical considerations and feminist data practices.
Key topics include:
- Introduction to digital activism and its cultural impact
- Data collection strategies for sensitive topics
- Principles of feminist data visualization
- Hands-on tutorial using GraphCommons
- Creating effective narratives through data
- Challenges and future directions in digital activism
This workshop is ideal for activists, researchers, students, and anyone interested in using technology to drive social change. No prior experience with data visualization is required, but basic computer skills are necessary.
Presenter(s)
Niloufar Esmaeilli, UTSA doctoral student in the Department of English. Her research focuses on digital media activism, transnational feminism, and gender violence in Iran, with a global perspective that seeks to establish connections with other feminist movements.