Reclaiming the Night: A Case Study on Reception of #JusticeForRGKar on Selected Social Media Platforms

Abstract

“Reclaim the Night” or “Night is Ours” is a mass movement sparked by the demand for justice in the rape and murder case of a junior doctor at Radha Gobinda Kar Medical College in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The movement has underscored the transformative power of social media in mobilizing people from various walks of life, as thousands congregated in the streets to advocate for justice and demand safety for women in the workplace. Employing Goffman’s framing theory, this study examines how social media enabled extensive awareness, solidarity, and collective action among various communities through the analysis of digital activism strategies. Using a qualitative approach, this study investigates the intersection of gender, justice, and digital activism, focusing on how social media posts, news reports, and protest coverage fuelled solidarity and global awareness. This research underscores the significant impact of social media in sustaining grassroots movements, particularly in challenging traditional power structures and ensuring that marginalized voices are heard. Hashtags, such as #JusticeForRGKar; online group; and worldwide solidarity activities highlight the importance of digital activism in the long-term success of social movements. All of the visuals work together to amplify the core messages of defiance, unity, and systematic reform.