#BringBackOurGirls2013
Global campaign following Boko Haram’s kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls in Nigeria (note: started 2014, not 2013).
Quick Facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Kidnapping Date | April 14, 2014 |
| Location | Chibok, Nigeria |
| Girls Abducted | 276 |
| Global Response | Michelle Obama, Malala, celebrities |
Origin & Impact
When Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls from Chibok, Nigeria on April 14, 2014, #BringBackOurGirls became a global rallying cry. Michelle Obama, Malala Yousafzai, and celebrities worldwide shared photos holding signs with the hashtag, demanding action from Nigerian and international governments.
The campaign highlighted both social media activism’s power and its limitations. While it generated unprecedented awareness, most girls remained captive for years. Critics coined “hashtag activism” and “slacktivism” to describe feel-good social media campaigns that don’t translate to concrete action. Some girls have been rescued or escaped, but the hashtag remains a complex case study in digital activism.
Related Hashtags
- #Chibok Girls
- #BokoHaram
- #Nigeria
- #GlobalActivism