ABSTRACT
In this chapter I will present the project “Digital Media and Women’s Issues in Egypt and Saudi Arabia”. I will specifically introduce the reasons behind the choice to comparatively analyse Egypt and Saudi Arabia and the methodological and theoretical frameworks that have inspired it. I will argue that an analysis of women’s issues in Egypt and Saudi Arabia as they emerge and are present online require an attentive evaluation of – and must be informed by – the history of women activism and activities in these two countries. I will explain the ways in which I will use the concepts ‘issue’, ‘women’s issues’ and ‘platform’. Finally, I will delve into the need to combine different methodologies to address and understand, but also contextualise and historicise, social media discussions, overcoming easy generalisations and universal truths.
