More Than Likes: Social Media for Women's Safe Connection and Empowerment

In 2024, Malaysia was shocked by the murder of 25-year-old Nur Farah Kartini Abdullah. A year later, the horror continued as tragedy struck 20-year-old Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara in her hostel on the morning of 24 June 2025. Maniishapriet and Kartini’s cases were just one of the many femicide cases happening in the country, sparking growing concern among women. The reality that we are not completely safe from gendered motives and patterns of abuse leads women to live life in fear and limit our daily activities. Most women would agree that we have to plan two to three steps ahead to protect ourselves wherever we go; unlike their male counterparts who normally wouldn’t need to think twice before commuting alone or passing by a group of strangers at night.

Amidst these threats, women are left seeking spaces to safely connect and feel empowered. Luckily, ever since the rapid technological advancement during the pandemic, online platforms have been developed into various avenues for community. Malaysian women from all walks of life are able to bond over similar backgrounds, interests and goals via social media, enabling a whole new dimension of connection and empowerment that can bring positive impacts to their lives. The truth is that social media can be especially beneficial for marginalized groups like women, and these benefits extend far beyond simple companionship. 

According to Mesfin Awoke Bekalu, a research scientist at Harvard, intentional social media use can bring positive mental health and emotional wellbeing. By providing women with a platform that overcomes geographical barriers and with access to boundless resources, social media allows women to connect and expand their networks and interactions. The sisterhood built online can further be fostered into meaningful friendships and thus provide a much needed support system.

In Malaysia, platforms like Teman Girls and Pajelin Trip are bridging the gap between women with shared interests. Teman Girls was founded by a group of friends who realised they didn't all share the same passions, so they created a service to help women find companions for specific activities. The platform serves as a convenient tool for expanding one's social circle. For example, if a woman wants to start a book club but none of her friends are passionate readers, Teman Girls can help her connect with others who share that same hobby. 

Teman Girls Book Club

Similarly, Pajelin Trip, an all-women adventure club founded by Fazleen Nazri, aims to create a safe space for women to enjoy nature, regardless of their stamina or strength. The club has organised camping and hiking trips for single mothers, young professionals, and women of all backgrounds, allowing the community to savor the outdoors without fear. Both platforms are great initiatives for ladies who want to explore the world but don't have anyone to go with, and they can be easily found on TikTok and Instagram.

I've personally experienced the leverage of Teman Girls. Since many in my usual social circle aren't keen on outdoor sports, the platform was a perfect way for me to connect with like-minded individuals. Early this year, I joined a surf camp in Cherating after seeing a request submitted on their Instagram story. There were four of us who signed up and we were invited to join a group chat to discuss the plan. The group was administered by a Teman Girls committee member, and we paid a small RM2 fee to prevent last-minute cancellations. On the day of the trip, we agreed to meet in a public place for safety. Initially, it was a bit nerve-wracking to go on a trip with strangers, but after a few hours of chatting, it felt like we had known each other for years. We've even kept in touch, meeting up for iftar a couple of months later. Overall, it was definitely a pleasant experience with these lovely ladies and I wouldn't have had the guts to try out surfing if it wasn’t for that request. This positive experience shows how social platforms, when used with an objective in mind, help catalyse new exposure as well as connection.

Lunch at Ombok before the first surfing class started.

However, the digital world is not without its hurdles. These platforms may be vulnerable to criminal impersonation and fraud. A predator can easily pose as a woman to gain access to private female groups, seeking to harm or take advantage of vulnerable members. Without strict cybersecurity, this user may join in, intruding a safe space, and then trick victims into revealing sensitive personal or financial information. The fraud may also take it further by arranging a physical meet up under the same facade, leading to greater jeopardy.

In the past, women have been the primary targets of impersonation fraud. In many cases, criminals would use fake dating profiles or impersonate authorities to manipulate women in gaining their trust or creating panic before stealing their money. This type of crime highlights how a supposedly safe, digital space can be exploited for malicious purposes, underscoring the need for vigilance even within trusted online communities.

It is important to emphasise that women must use these platforms with a nuanced view of the future. Risks should always be top of mind, and these platforms must be used mindfully and safely by adopting practices like vetting new online friends or being cautious with personal information before any physical meetups. This is where the true power of community building comes in. Women in alliance have more power than they realise to create and maintain safety for one another online. In a perilous world, strong platonic friendships are vital, as they provide a crucial support system and emotional well-being. Those with a community of friends can navigate these challenges more easily. Ultimately, strong cybersecurity is needed to deliver on the promise of these platforms. Community is a core human need, and social media, undoubtedly, can be a powerful tool to fulfill this integral part of our lives.