Kanwal Ahmed, the founder of Soul Sisters Pakistan, recently announced the launch of a new women-only community called “Hey Soulies” on Beehiiv.
This move comes in response to the temporary deletion of Soul Sisters Pakistan by Facebook, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by online communities in Pakistan.
Supportive for Pakistani Women:
Soul Sisters Pakistan, established in 2013, serves as a vital support network for Pakistani women, offering a platform to discuss taboo topics and navigate societal challenges unique to Pakistan.
Facebook’s Actions Spark Outrage:
After Soul Sisters Pakistan was temporarily removed from Facebook, Kanwal Ahmed expressed frustration, stating, “Facebook tried to shut Soul Sisters Pakistan down for TWO whole days. And the last two days have been a NIGHTMARE for ALL of us.”
Launch of “Hey Soulies”:
In response to the deletion, Kanwal introduced “Hey Soulies” on Beehiiv, aiming to protect the community from potential future censorship by social media platforms. Kanwal emphasized the urgency, stating, “The time to build a zone free from the shady policies of social media companies is NOW.”
Taboo Discussions and Women’s Issues:
Soul Sisters Pakistan facilitated open discussions on sensitive topics such as sex, divorce, and domestic violence—subjects often considered inappropriate for public discourse in Pakistan.
Concerns Raised by Digital Rights Researchers:
The suspension of Soul Sisters Pakistan underscored concerns about the arbitrary and non-transparent nature of social media platform guidelines, as noted by digital rights researcher Shmyla Khan.
Critical Support for Women:
With over 80% of women in Pakistan reporting harassment in public places in 2020 and a significant portion experiencing violence from partners, spaces like Soul Sisters Pakistan provide critical support and advocacy.
Impact on Members:
The loss of Soul Sisters Pakistan was deeply felt by members like Shiza, who lamented, “I feel lost without the group. This is where I used to go when life seemed too difficult to bear.”
Escalating Online Censorship in Pakistan:
Online censorship in Pakistan has been on the rise, with disruptions to platforms like X following the national election in February and repeated bans on TikTok due to “inappropriate content.”
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