The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) is a leading global advocate for the human rights of women and girls, working to end sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital platforms and online storytelling have become increasingly powerful tools for shaping public consciousness, cultural norms, and policy discourse—especially concerning gender equality and women’s rights. This project invites students to investigate how online storytelling - including the use of social media campaigns, influencer content, and digital advocacy - has influenced public attitudes and legislative agendas related to women's rights and gender-based violence since 2020. By better understanding this intersection, CATW aims to inform its own strategic communications, policy advocacy, and coalition-building work. 

• Conduct a media landscape analysis of digital storytelling trends around women’s rights and empowerment from 2020–present.• Identify key moments where online movements (e.g., #MeToo, #NotYourPorn, #EndDemand,  #WomenNotObjects, #NoSuchThing) have influenced cultural norms or political action globally.• Analyze case studies of influencer-driven campaigns and viral stories that led to shifts in awareness, funding, or legislative change.• Evaluate the positive and negative effects of these narratives (e.g., amplification vs. performative activism, backlash, misinformation).• Recommend storytelling and digital advocacy strategies that CATW can leverage to influence public policy and shift cultural attitudes.

• Completion of a comprehensive trend report and case study analysis covering 2020–present.• Identification of at least 3–5 examples where online storytelling measurably impacted women’s rights advocacy or legislation.• Strategic communication framework tailored for CATW that outlines how to leverage digital storytelling effectively in future campaigns.• A presentation and/or toolkit summarizing research findings and action-oriented recommendations.