The ISHR Social Media Advocacy Challenge 2025 has come to a close, and after an inspiring and competitive series of creativity, Lorraine Aguti Esq. has emerged as the winner. Her creation focused on addressing cyber abuse, particularly the ways in which it targets women, activists, and minority groups. We caught up with Lorraine to learn more about her motivations, the challenges she faced, and the strategies she used to win. 

What Motivated You to Address Cyber Abuse in Your Campaign?

As a young woman and human rights advocate, Lorraine shared that her personal experiences and observations deeply shaped her choice of issue. She explained, “I’ve both experienced and witnessed the harm caused by cyber abuse especially targeting women, activists, and minority groups. The fear of being harassed or silenced online is something many of us live with, and it deeply affects our freedom of expression and sense of safety.” 

Lorraine also highlighted the disproportionate impact of cyber abuse on children and persons with disabilities, noting that these groups often lack the tools or support needed to respond effectively. “I’ve seen firsthand how this abuse can silence people and make them feel vulnerable. It’s crucial to address these issues to protect our right to speak freely and feel safe online,” she emphasized. 

Crafting Content That Resonated with Your Audience

Creating content that resonates with an audience is crucial in advocacy, and Lorraine had a clear strategy. “I focused on making the issue of cyber abuse both personal and relatable. I used real-life examples and statistics to show the widespread nature of the problem and its impact on vulnerable groups,” Lorraine explained. 

She also made the campaign more dynamic by incorporating emotional storytelling and multimedia tools, including infographics, short videos, and interactive polls. “I wanted the content to not just inform but also engage and spark conversation,” she added. Lorraine’s use of emotional storytelling—highlighting the personal experiences of those affected by online harassment—was key in creating a compelling narrative. 

Challenges Faced in Preparing the Campaign

Despite the success of her campaign and its engagement, Lorraine faced several significant challenges. “One of the most significant challenges I faced was distilling such a complex issue into a concise yet impactful message,” she explained. “Cyber abuse is a multifaceted problem affecting many different groups, and it was difficult to convey the scope of the issue in a way that would resonate with a wide audience.” 

She also noted the difficulty of balancing emotional storytelling with factual information while keeping the content engaging. Additionally, Lorraine shared that creating a video infographic with limited resources posed another challenge. “Working alone, I had to rely on online tutorials and creative problem-solving to produce the final product,” she said. 

Overcoming Obstacles During the Creative Process

To overcome these obstacles, Lorraine turned to collaboration and feedback. “When I faced challenges in crafting a concise and impactful message, I sought input from peers and mentors. Their fresh perspectives helped refine the narrative and ensured the content would resonate with different audiences,” she shared. 

For the video infographic, Lorraine encountered some technical hurdles, but she was determined to get it right. “I sought online tutorials and creative solutions to push through those design challenges,” she explained. Her persistence paid off, and the final product was a testament to her hard work and resourcefulness. 

Engaging Your Audience: A Key to Success

Engagement was another critical aspect of Lorraine’s strategy. In addition to creating visually engaging content, she incorporated in-person advocacy. “I visited universities and spoke directly to students about the dangers of cyber abuse and the importance of standing up for digital rights,” Lorraine explained. 

By encouraging students to watch her campaign video and engage in discussions, she was able to create a deeper connection with her audience. “Engaging people face-to-face allowed me to foster more authentic dialogue and make a lasting impact,” Lorraine shared. 

Lessons Learned from the Challenge

Participating in the ISHR Social Media Advocacy Challenge not only allowed Lorraine to share her passion but also helped her sharpen her skills. “The challenge strengthened my understanding of how to create impactful, strategic content. I learned the importance of consistency, timing, and engaging directly with the audience to foster a sense of community,” Lorraine reflected. 

Advice for Future Participants

Lorraine’s advice for future challengers is rooted in her own experience. “Choose a topic you’re passionate about—it will fuel your creativity,” she said. “Create content that is relatable and impactful, and make use of multiple social media platforms to extend your reach. Consistency, authenticity, and creativity are key to driving engagement and making a lasting impact.” 

Looking Ahead: Lorraine’s Advocacy Journey

Winning the ISHR Social Media Advocacy Challenge 2025 is just the beginning for Lorraine Aguti Esq. With her dedication to human rights and her commitment to fighting against cyber abuse, she is poised to continue making a significant impact. Lorraine’s work highlights the power of digital storytelling as a tool for change, and her success in this challenge serves as an inspiration to all aspiring advocates. 

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