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Webinar sign up "Beyond Realization: Understanding How Social Media Shapes Awareness and Help-Seeking Among GBV Survivors"
The webinar will be hosted on Teams on Thursday 22nd May and start at 12pm (UK time) for 1 hour. Please complete the following details and an invitation will sent prior to the webinar. Abstract Social media platforms have become central in raising awareness about gender-based violence (GBV). But what happens after someone encounters awareness content? This talk draws on qualitative research with individuals affected by GBV to examine how social media content helps them recognize their experiences as abuse, and how that realization evolves into help-seeking. Rather than a direct path from awareness to action, the findings highlight a more complex, reflective journey. I explore how content acts as a companion over time—supporting self-recognition, emotional processing, and eventually decisions around disclosure or leaving. The talk shares insights for designing awareness efforts that are sensitive, trauma-informed, and aligned with the realities of survivor journeys. Bio: Nimra Ahmed Nimra is a PhD researcher at the University of Zurich whose work lies at the intersection of Feminist HCI, social justice, and community-led technology design for vulnerable populations. Her research explores how digital technologies can support awareness, help-seeking, and healing for individuals affected by gender-based violence, with a special focus on forced marriages. Rooted in community-led, trauma-informed, and feminist methodologies, Nimra works closely with NGOs and communities to ensure that those most affected shape the technologies intended to support them. Beyond academia, Nimra is actively engaged in feminist organizing through the Zurich feminist strike collective and supports various community and NGO-led initiatives focused on empowerment, activism, and care.
