THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON WOMEN’S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION: WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN 2019

Abstract

This study intended to investigate how social media has impacted on women’s political participation, selecting the 2019 presidential election as a case study. The study used a mixed-method approach. The qualitative and quantitative data were gathered by using primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews.The sample size consisted of 80 respondents. Secondary data was collected from books, research reports, official reports, journal articles, newspapers, websites, etc. The SPSS was used to analyze quantitative data. The content analysis and thematic analysis were used to analyze the qualitative data, and they were presented using texts, narratives, tables, charts, and figures. The study found that as a result of social media, women are now able to speak for themselves and express their political opinions. A key role played by social media in enhancing political changes and women’s literacy in using technological equipment was the reason behind these factors. The study also highlighted that, it is also important to ensure gender equality and establish networks, websites, and a pool of candidates on special platforms through appropriate policies. The study finally found that Sri Lanka can increase women’s political participation by strengthening its cyber security law and advocating them.