Web 2.0: Uses, solutions, tools.

The most exciting aspect of Web 2.0 is it's limitless uses forr me as journalist. I can get real time, up to date news and generate story ideas from blogs, social media and other news portals.

Web 2.0 also makes it possible to sample public opinion to certain stories within a short space of time. Most news websites have features that enable readers post comments, share their thoughts and interact with other readers.

The solution that Web 2.0 brings to the global women's empowerment movement is the power of information. Without information, women in developing countries are handicapped. In a patriachical society like Nigeria where women are expected to endure all manner of indignities from men, with Web 2.0 applications, attention can be drawn to such issues.

Sometime in 2008, the entire country and indeed the international community were horrified when a video surfaced on You tube showing a young lady being beaten by four naval ratings because she didn't make way for their convoy while in traffic. That video alone and the outrage it sparked ensured that the lady Uzoma Okere got free legal services from the Lagos state government.

She went ahead to win the case and damages worth N100m was also awarded in her favour.

With Web 2.0, I know that I have limitless options of getting a story out. I learned not to give up on any story that my organization may not want published in its paper most especially when the corporate institutions indicted are lobbying to bury it.

With Web 2.0, I can direct my sources to tell their stories on blogs and paste links on facebook and twiter to draw attention to their plight.