Trying to Get More Out of Web 2.0

A few years ago just after I had graduated from Secondary school my parents were concerned. No, I had not graduated poorly nor I had failed to get into a reputable University. They were concerned that their daughter was spending too much time and her very little allowance going to internet cafes. It did not help that our national television made a negative report on the night news about the dangers of the internet, the increase of youths using it and providing concerned parents in detail ways to discourage their children from using it. I never thought they were credible after that.

The most exciting thing about web 2.0 is the network. A great amount of people from different walks of life from all over the world; a truly global audience where views are challenged, new and exciting ideas are formulated, created and implemented and as a result, changes the course of history and popular culture overnight. The network has the never before seen ability to turn the tide of popularity of a product, site or issue by interacting, sharing, and even creating information, giving feedback which would gauge the issue’s success or failure. The user has the power to challenge and change the status quo. The use of blogs has catapulted the bloggers and issues they stand for to global recognition.

The solutions possible through web 2.0’s usage has and will continue to give global women empowerment programs the much needed exposure to boost the development and growth of women to affect their environment and themselves positively. Access to web 2.0 provides women empowerment programs all over the world with a voice to speak for themselves and promotes the exchange of working models for women’s empowerment and global challenges. The access of resources both human and otherwise would be infinite and would strengthen the collaboration between women and other global women empowerment organizations.

The access of resources and information has enabled me to learn more about where I stand in the global community as a woman. I feel that with the continued use of web 2.0 I would be able to use these resources to create awareness for the injustices women face in my country especially relating to the socio-political and economic aspects of the society. Also with the right guidance and direction, I know I can use web 2.0 to create and sustain collaborations with likeminded people and through collective work show the injustices faced by women in Nigeria and various solutions, gaining unlimited strength in every person involved.

Had I known what I do now of web 2.0, I would have made more productive use of all that time I spent and connect to people on a deeper scale, find sustainable solutions to my countries pressing issues, especially those related to women and youth which are seriously lacking in Nigeria. I believe I have the potential to create something revolutionary to turn the tide that disfavors women in Nigeria and empower others to impact their environment.