INVESTIGATING THE INFLUENCE OF ONLINE FEMINIST MOBILISATIONS ON PUBLIC DISCOURSE AND POLICY OUTCOMES IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH USING MIXED DIGITAL METHODS

Abstract

In recent years, social media has become a pivotal arena for feminist mobilisation across the Global South, enabling grassroots movements to amplify marginalised voices and press for policy reforms. This study investigates the relationship between feminist digital activism and policy outcomes by analysing how online mobilisation affects issue salience, public engagement, and the likelihood of tangible policy change. Using a cross-sectional dataset of 90 digitally active feminist campaigns across Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia, we employ ordinary least squares (OLS) and logistic regression models, alongside moderation analysis and post-estimation robustness checks. Our results reveal that social media activism significantly enhances issue salience and public engagement, especially when amplified by mainstream media and supported by responsive institutions. Additionally, coalition breadth and strategic framing are critical predictors of successful policy influence, while institutional receptivity and media amplification act as strong moderators of impact. Sensitivity analyses confirm the robustness of these findings across alternate specifications. The study underscores the importance of supportive political and media environments for translating digital mobilisation into policy outcomes. We recommend that governments in the Global South integrate digital engagement mechanisms into policymaking frameworks and that feminist movements continue to cultivate coalitions and deploy resonant, policy-relevant frames. Future research should explore platform governance and algorithmic visibility as further mediating variables.