A recent study released on Feb. 26 is transforming the understanding of solidarity in transnational feminist movements, especially in the digital age. Researchers have identified a crucial distinction between actions that raise awareness of oppression and actions that work to dismantle oppressive systems.

“Transnational feminist solidarity is going to be more and more important in coming years, particularly as the realities of [the] climate crisis become unavoidable,” said the study’s co-author Anita Varma, who is a journalism professor at the University of Texas, Austin. “Climate injustice exacerbates existing subjugation in society, and in many parts of the world, women and girls have seldom, if ever, been treated fairly, equitably, and in ways that respect their basic humanity.”

Varma explains that while the term “solidarity” is widely used, it’s often misunderstood or applied in superficial ways. This misuse can lead to cynicism and dismissal of the concept altogether. However, she emphasizes that solidarity remains a powerful tool for social change when used with clarity and intention.

The study cautions against performative gestures that may do more harm than good. This raises questions about the effectiveness of online activism, where “likes” and shares don’t always equal lasting support.

Eight-in-ten Americans say social media platforms are very (31%) or somewhat (49%) effective for raising public awareness about political or social issues, according to a 2020 study by the Pew Research Center. A similar share (77%) believes these platforms are at least somewhat effective for creating sustained social movements.

At the same time, some 55% of adult social media users say they feel “worn out” by how many political posts and discussions they see on social media, the study reveals.

While many do believe in the effectiveness of online activism, researchers say engaging in online activism solely for social validation or to appear “woke” often actually does little to further the cause. Liking, sharing, or using a trending hashtag can create a false sense of action without translating into tangible long-term support for those on the frontlines.

For instance, fueled by the global outcry following the murder of George Floyd, Black Lives Matter pressured companies to publicly commit to DEI initiatives. However, some now question the sincerity of these commitments, pointing to a potential dismantling of these efforts just a few years later.

Just last week, the University of Florida eliminated all it’s DEI staff, adding fear to many workers and employers across industries that similar rollbacks could occur in other companies and institutions.

And even well-intentioned actions can have unintended negative consequences. During the 2020 #BlackLivesMatter protests, the well-meaning #BlackOutTuesday social media trend resulted in a flood of black squares that drowned out crucial information and resources for those actively demonstrating.

In a world buzzing with social media activism, it’s easy to mistake clicks and shares for concrete change. This study challenges people to go deeper.

Key concepts, defined

• Superficial feminist solidarity: Actions that primarily raise awareness, often centering Western perspectives or individual self-promotion. Think social media posts, celebrity endorsements, etc.
• Substantive feminist solidarity: Actions that amplify the voices of marginalized groups, challenge the status quo, and work towards systemic change. Think collective organizing, amplifying local demands, respecting historical and cultural contexts.

Superficial solidarity can be well-intentioned, but it can also co-opt movements or perpetuate a “white savior” complex, the study argues. Substantive solidarity means respecting the leadership of those directly affected by injustice and working alongside them, not in front of them.

“I think this issue of white saviorism has mattered for a long time, since colonialism began,” Varma said. “What makes it especially salient now is, I would argue, a new generation that is coming up by leveraging digital networks to demand better than an unjust status quo.”

Case study: “Woman, Life, Freedom”

The newly released study was directly inspired in 2022 by the global response to the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran. Varma, along with her co-author and journalism professor at Seattle Pacific University Sara Shaban, notes that while acts of solidarity varied widely, many were well-intentioned. Yet, some actions revealed the need for a clearer understanding of what constitutes authentic solidarity with marginalized communities fighting for their rights.

“One of the most generative parts of that discussion was noticing the disagreement among panelists and the range of ways solidarity was manifesting around the world in the aftermath of Mahsa Amini’s death,” Varma said. “Rather than ‘let a thousand flowers bloom,’ we noticed that participants had strong – and sometimes divergent – views on what constituted genuine solidarity.”

The authors also argue that Western feminists have an important role to play in amplifying the voices of Iranian women and supporting their demands. However, this also means avoiding actions that center Western perspectives or agendas.

What does true solidarity look like?

According to the study, true solidarity involves specific principles that guide people’s actions.

“The crux of substantive solidarity is centering directly affected people’s needs and demands,” Varma said. “All too often, we see people with large platforms claiming to speak on behalf of people directly affected. This is problematic, even if people with large platforms are well-intentioned.”

So, how can you ensure your activism goes beyond raising awareness to drive meaningful change? Here are some key principles to guide your actions, according to the study’s authors:

• First, organizations and individuals should pass the mic to people who know because they are living the issue. Amplifying their demands and needs, in their own words, is an act of substantive solidarity – and can be as simple as a ‘reshare.’
• Second, organizations and individuals should seek to learn about the histories of a place, especially if it is a place where you haven’t been or understood before the current issue arose. Too often, solidarity takes the form of an “issue-of-the-week” cycle. Substantive solidarity isn’t about attracting attention and awareness for the sake of itself – it’s about collectively catalyzing change. Doing so requires knowing what needs to change and why – which requires a grasp of history. Social injustice doesn’t emerge out of nowhere one day.
• Finally, a key step towards substantive solidarity is admitting what we don’t know, and pausing to listen to people with firsthand experience in the place in question – before drawing conclusions.

Highlighting successful models of feminist solidarity, Varma points to organizations like The Azadi Project, NADJA, and Unbias the News as examples that get it right.

Varma says these groups are amplifying marginalized women’s voices, building long-term partnerships with local movements, and focusing on dismantling systems of oppression — all crucial aspects of substantive solidarity.

Feminists, take note

The study emphasizes “substantive solidarity” as crucial for advancing gender equality. But it isn’t about policing activism.

Researchers argue that it’s a call to think critically about how our actions can best support those who are directly fighting for their rights. By prioritizing substantive solidarity, people can become better allies, strengthen global feminist movements, and advance an inclusive feminism that tackles the root causes of injustice.

“We need allies around the world to walk the walk of solidarity, not just talk the talk,” said Varma, who believes that climate injustice will exacerbate conditions for people around the world. “That begins by listening and amplifying marginalized communities who know their needs best. Transnational feminist solidarity can help ensure that these needs are heard and even fulfilled.”