Title: Cross-examining the effectiveness of e-advocacy as a tool for advancing women's rights in Nigeria

Authors: Rosemary O. Popoola; Egharevba Matthew; Oluyemi Fayomi

Addresses: College of Leadership Development Studies, College of Business and Social Sciences (CBSS), Department of Political Science and International Relations, Department of Sociology, Covenant University, Ogun State, 2348064010967, Nigeria ' College of Leadership Development Studies, College of Business and Social Sciences (CBSS), Department of Political Science and International Relations, Department of Sociology, Covenant University, Ogun State, 2348064010967, Nigeria ' College of Leadership Development Studies, College of Business and Social Sciences (CBSS), Department of Political Science and International Relations, Department of Sociology, Covenant University, Ogun State, 2348064010967, Nigeria

Abstract: Following the alleged success of social media in the Arab Spring and other social change activities around the world, there has been increasing interest in the capacity of electronic advocacy also known as digital activism to translate to social change. Yet, scholars remain divided about the effectiveness of electronic advocacy in driving social change. Does electronic advocacy promote social change, or does it result in slacktivism? Using the survey method for data obtained from a convenient sample of residents of Lagos and Ogun states in Southwestern Nigeria, this study examined effectiveness electronic advocacy on women-centred issues and the extent to which it leads to social change or mere slacktivism. This study revealed that digital activism is capable of leading to the promotion of women-centred issues but is not helpful in the protection of women's issues and in driving social change.

Keywords: electronic; digital activism; feminism; advocacy; women; gender and governance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2020.112584

International Journal of Electronic Governance, 2020 Vol.12 No.4, pp.367 - 386

Received: 20 Aug 2018
Accepted: 22 Nov 2019
Published online: 22 Jan 2021 *

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