OFFSTONE JAN EDITION 2025

57 EMPOWERING MALAYSIAN MUSLIM WOMEN IN DIGITAL MEDIA: NAVIGATING CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN GENDERED COMMUNICATION THROUGH AN ISLAMIC LENS By: Dr. Sofia Hayati Yusoff sofia@usim.edu.my The author is a Senior Lecturer in the Communication Programme at the Faculty of Leadership & Management, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). She received her PhD from Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her research interests include journalism, particularly media representation and stereotyping, journalism ethics and practices, social media dynamics and audience engagement, digital media and emerging technologies, communication theories and media effects, gender and media studies, and cross-cultural communication in media. ABSTRACT This article explores how Malaysian women leverage digital media for empowerment, social advocacy, and entrepreneurship. By examining case studies of women shaping online narratives, it highlights their role in challenging stereotypes and fostering inclusivity. The paper also addresses challenges such as online harassment and cultural constraints, advocating for equitable opportunities in Malaysia’s evolving digital landscape. Introduction Digital media has transformed how individuals communicate, connect, and contribute to societal development. In Malaysia, women increasingly utilize digital platforms to create, share, and amplify narratives that challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity. This article examines the multifaceted roles of Malaysian women in leveraging digital media for empowerment, social advocacy, and entrepreneurship. By doing so, it sheds light on the opportunities presented by digital media and the challenges Malaysian women face in navigating cultural and systemic barriers.