WEB 2.0 - FREEDOM OF YOU

In 2003, I had my first encounter with the internet; it was just a way to pass time while waiting for the results of my final examination. It was fun, engaging, and a new experience, and I was online every day. The experience for me then is still the same till today. There is always something new to see, some new website to browse through, a new tool to download and learn to use.

Though it’s still the same web, the use for me has expanded beyond pleasure or pastime. It is a way to get my views heard, to meet people with a like mind from all over the world, learn from them, and get information that improves my work. Instead of a small group of people to share experiences with, I now have access to millions of people who have experiences they can share and I can learn from. Instead of old books and journals to read from, I have access to new information, new stories, and new research, free of charge.

The web 2.0 is a platform for the emergence of a new way of getting heard. You do not have to be a professional to use it; you do not have to go through series of procedures to get your voice heard. The different tools and platforms it offers gives you different mediums to have your say without restriction. Be it video, audio, or written, whether its live or recorded, you have the freedom to say what you want to say, share it, and have the confidence that your voice will be heard.

It is also a great experience to share with those you work with. Being able to connect them with other girls and women who are going through the same thing they are going through and speaking about it give them the courage to speak as well. I have also been able to learn from their experiences, volunteer and work on programs that can be replicated in different places to improve the lives of women and girls.

With the web 2.0, every woman who has something to say can say it. It brings a new meaning to freedom of expression, and an ease to those working to give women a voice. Working in empowering girls and sharing their stories have gotten so much easier, reached many more people, and have gotten many more feedback. Friends I have never met can share my vision and propel actions. I have been able to reach individuals, groups and other movements, learn best practices, speak with them from across oceans, and the best part being it costing me next to nothing.