SLU-Madrid Communication Researcher Awarded SLU Grant
05/05/2025
Communication and English professor at Saint Louis University-Madrid, Beatriz Jordá, Ph.D. (cand.), won one of three Sister Shirley Kolmer Memorial Grants to further her research on social media’s role in feminism in Spain.
Jordá's project "Navigating Feminism on Social Media: Young Spanish Women's Perspectives" aims to understand how women interpret and engage with digital feminism.
"In recent decades, social media have played a crucial role in the development of feminist activism, campaigns and global movements such as #MeToo or #NiUnaMenos. These digital spaces have facilitated the dissemination of feminist ideas by connecting individuals and communities, and encouraging interaction and learning," said Jordá.
"Previous research has highlighted their importance by analyzing discursive practices, the perceptions of feminist groups and women, and the development of activism. However, less is known about the experiences of everyday female users, their involvement in these movements, and their perceptions of the role of social media in shaping their understandings of feminism."
She will interview 30 Spanish female social media users between the ages of 18 and 30. Jordá explained that Spain "constitutes an interesting case study due to the increasing international relevance of its feminist movement, characterized by massive protests and organized collective actions."
Her research will clarify how social media has shaped women's views on feminism and how they interact with it — whether active participation or passive engagement.
Among the three winning proposals, Jordá's is one of two that focus on Spain.
In 2016, the Saint Louis University Women's Commission established the Sister Shirley Kolmer Memorial Grant to support the mission of the Women's Commission, which is to educate, enrich and empower the women of SLU by providing funding to connect SLU women with opportunities that foster their personal and professional development.