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A woman dubbed the 'Elle Woods' of tech revealed how she's giving business bros a run for their money.
Olivia DeRamus, from the US, is the founder of Communia – the world’s first social media platform for only women and 'marginalised genders'.
After the businesswoman survived a sexual assault at university, and as the case gruellingly dragged on, she wanted a way to get her 'voice' back.
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The 27-year-old found her university years were consumed by the trauma of the attack, along with the complicated and "faceless" legal system in the US.
Not wanting to feel silenced again – nor other women who have experienced similar – Olivia birthed social networking brand Communia to create a safe space online for women to freely express themselves..
But, she's not your typical tech nerd.
Olivia is embracing her femininity in a male dominated industry and hopes to rival larger social media platforms fronted by rich blokes.
"A tech bro called me Elle Woods at the first industry conference I attended, and he said it in a dismissive way," Olivia exclusively explained to Daily Star.
"I decided to lean into it instead of being insulted by it.
"I’ll never be a typical tech operator, and I’m proud of that.
"I love to wear pink and I’m an earnest, bubbly, girl’s girl.
"And I use my experience as a woman to try to help other women as best I can.
"That’s what has enabled me to create a product that hundreds of thousands of women identify with – a product that makes their lives a little less lonely, and a lot more supported.
"By the way, I also have a rescue dog I bring everywhere.
"I was dumped by my own version of Warner.
"And yes, I did love watching Legally Blonde growing up."
Communia recently released a report uncovering how women and marginalised genders "fear" online spaces due to the lack of “safeguarding” and “responsibility” by big tech firms.
Along with her pink suit, pet pooch, and perseverance, OIivia is hoping that she can create a shift in the social networking landscape with Communia.
The platform is available to women and 'marginalised genders' who have to provide identification in order to be accepted onto the app.
Olivia hopes that Communia – that is free-of-charge or £3.99 a month for premium – will create a safe space for the above to access social media without the negative experiences they often live out online.
"I embrace my femininity and so does my company," Olivia explained.
"The Communia team’s perspectives and experiences as women are central to building a new kind of social media platform that caters to our actual needs first.
"For example, if you open the app you’ll see a Barbie-esque kind of visual experience designed to feel uplifting, so the tougher topics feel safer and you feel like it’s your own world.
"Whether it’s design or our safety measures, leaning into that unique point of view ensures that we are not just making another Twitter copycat.
"Communia just released a study of over 2,000 British women that shows the pervasiveness of online harassment and abuse that women experience on a daily basis.
"In fact, 40% of Gen Z and Millennial women report that they are considering leaving mainstream social media because of these issues, and 80% of British women of all ages say that access to a safe space online for us is important to them.
"Until big tech starts to take women’s needs seriously, and the sexism we experience in real life and online significantly decreases, it will continue to be difficult to share our experiences in conventional spaces."
Olivia has put her own feminine touch to Communia and has considered what women would like to see and use on a social media platform.
Aspects of the platform include journaling, goal tracking and mood boards and a news feed that can be tailored by the user.
The app can be toggled so discussion topics such as mental health, money and 'me too' can be hidden or shown.
And, of course, users can discuss all things sex too.
"Communia is also a place where you can talk about your wildest life experiences in a safe, uncensored space," Olivia voiced.
"Our sex and relationships feed is really popular for a reason!"
"I just want to make women’s lives better.
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"I want women to know that they always have somewhere to turn for community, to be themselves, or to find support.
"In a world where it feels like not a lot of people are looking out for us, I don’t think there’s anything more powerful than looking out for each other.
"Women, and particularly young women, experience real life harm from the toxic nature of the digital world that men have created.
"Someone needs to do better, and I’m willing to try."
Move over Zuck and Musk!
You can download Communia from the app store and find more about the social networking platform, here.
If you or somebody you know has been affected by this story, contact Victim Support for free, confidential advice on 08 08 16 89 111 or visit their website, www.victimsupport.org.uk.
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