Meet three feminist creators shaping a more inclusive online world
Gender equality19.03.2025
Online harassment is getting worse, especially for women and marginalized groups.
Police-reported hate crimes rose 83 per cent from 2019 to 2022, a spike that has been linked to increasing expressions of hate in digital spaces, including those directed at women and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
According to the Coalition for Women in Journalism, Canada had the greatest number of women journalists exposed to organized troll campaigns in 2022. Statistics Canada also reports that 1 in 5 women in Canada report experiencing online harassment and 44 per cent of women and gender-diverse people aged 16 to 30 are personally targeted by online hate speech.
While that may make some want to turn their phones off for good, it also serves as a powerful call to action for individuals and organizations to make digital spaces safer and more inclusive.
It is also the reason why the Canadian Women’s Foundation launched the Feminist Creator Prize. This one-of-a-kind award in Canada celebrates and supports diverse creators who amplify feminist voices and challenge gendered hate and abuse online. Whether through podcasts, videos, educational content or social media content, the award recognizes the critical role of online creators in social discourse.
This year, more than 180 nominations were received for the prize. After careful deliberation, the judges – Shauna Foster, Jamie Pandit and Musemo Handahu – selected three outstanding recipients: Fallon Farinacci, Leisha Toory, and Monica Bancheri.
Fallon Farinacci
@fallonfarinacci
Fallon is Red River Métis and a child survivor, advocate and speaker for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+.
She testified in the National Inquiry for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, sharing her story of loss and trauma. She continues to bring awareness to the ongoing issues Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ folx face through her advocacy work and online presence.
“The Elder who gifted me my spirit name, White Thunder Woman, said that I am here to make a lot of noise, so there is nothing else I would consider more of an honour than to be here as a survivor using my voice and speaking up for those who can’t,” said Farinacci. “Just as I received support from the community around me, I want others to feel that they, too, have a community fighting and speaking up for them.”
Leisha Toory
@leishatoory
Leisha is a feminist advocate, writer, and founder of the Period Priority Project, Newfoundland and Labrador’s first grassroots initiative dedicated solely to advancing menstrual equity. Her advocacy helped secure free menstrual products in public spaces, a policy now adopted by the province.
She’s also making menstrual health advocacy more accessible through digital resources, including a YouTube series, podcast, and toolkit – helping individuals and organizations tackle period poverty and gender justice.
“This is not just about having a seat at the table – it’s about building a new one, where every woman’s voice is heard, where our power is undeniable, and where we rise not just for ourselves, but for those who came before us and those who will follow,” she said. “We are the revolution they dreamed of, and the legacy that will not be erased.”
Monica Bancheri
@gayitaliannonna
Monica is a queer, masculine-presenting lesbian, talk show host, and community builder creating safe spaces for women and the LGBTQ+ community. Through her show, unMASCed, she highlights trans icons, LGBTQ+ leaders, and inspiring creatives, amplifying voices that shape our culture.
Her content focuses on mental health and inclusive beauty, ensuring all women feel seen and celebrated.
“I do this work because I know how powerful it is to feel seen, safe, and supported,” she said. “Whether through my talk show, events, or online content, I’m committed to fostering connection, celebrating identity, and amplifying the voices of those who deserve to be heard.”
Eighty-eight per cent of people in Canada believe we need to make changes so online spaces are safer for everyone, and the Feminist Creator Prize reminds us that there is a myriad of dedicated individuals and organizations working tirelessly to that end. Supporting that community gives us hope.
To learn more about the Canadian Women’s Foundation’s Feminist Creator Prize, and see the shortlisted nominees, winners, and judges, please visit https://canadianwomen.org/feminist-creator-prize/.
