A Tweet That Transformed a Life

Social media activism has emerged as a powerful tool for driving social change and raising awareness about important issues. Through platforms like X (Twitter), Facebook, and WhatsApp Groups, activists can reach a global audience and amplify their messages in ways that were not possible before. One such example is the story of Hassan Maalim, an activist whose use of social media had a profound impact on the life of a young Somali girl.

In a tweet posted by Hassan Maalim, he shared a photo of an 8-year-old Somali girl carrying a jerry can near the parliament house. This simple act of capturing and sharing a moment from everyday life highlighted the struggles faced by many children in Somalia, particularly young girls who are often deprived of education and basic literacy rights. The tweet quickly gained traction, drawing attention to the girl’s situation and sparking a wave of support and solidarity from around the world.

As a result of Hassan Maalim’s activism and the attention it garnered on social media, the young girl’s life was transformed. She was able to enroll in school, giving her access to education and opportunities that were previously out of reach. This story is a powerful example of how social media activism can bring about tangible and positive change in people’s lives.

At Baraarug Library, we recognized the impact of Hassan Maalim’s activism and invited him to one of our virtual programs. During the presentation, he shared the story mentioned above and discussed the power of social media activism in raising awareness and driving change. The participants were inspired by the story and motivated to use their own platforms for advocacy and social good.

This story highlights the potential of social media activism to shine a light on important issues, mobilize support, and bring about meaningful change. It serves as a reminder of the power we all have to make a difference, one tweet, post, or share at a time.