Making History With UP - A NEW Social Platform For Women!

Happy Women’s History Month and International Women's Day 2025.

March is a time to honor the achievements and contributions of women throughout history—women who have shaped industries, mobilized for positive change, and redefined what’s possible. Each year, I mark this occasion by dedicating my March newsletter to the latest research supporting gender-lens investing, philanthropy, and action. Over the years, I’ve collected, analyzed, and amplified hundreds of reports that build a powerful case: greater gender equality isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. (Click here to explore past reports.)

But this year, I’m taking a different approach. Instead of sharing multiple studies, I want to highlight one survey report, recently conducted, that focuses on a single, timely issue: women’s experiences on social media. This new research comes from Uplevyl, a company that I invested in last year and have taken on a much more active role. Learn more about the UP Launch in the press release HERE.

I’ve long believed that when technology is designed with intention, it has the power to uplift and accelerate the prosperity of women. Yet, too often, digital platforms are built without fully considering our needs. It’s time to change that. That’s why I’m excited to step into the role of Chief Engagement Officer at UP ( part of Uplevyl), a platform created to prioritize women’s voices and experiences—while continuing my work as Founder of SheMoney. The time is now to harness technology not just for participation, but for true transformation—creating a lasting impact that advances women everywhere.

For far too long, women have navigated social media spaces that don’t prioritize our safety, voices, or growth. We deserve better. In my new role, my mission is simple: to help build an online space where women feel seen, valued, and inspired to engage—not as passive participants, but as active contributors to the conversations that matter most. Did I think this is what I would be doing at age 60? No, not at all, and I could not be more excited. I just wish Shubhi (Bhonsle) Rao and I met 15 years ago!

At Uplevyl, we are designing a platform by women, for women—one that fosters trust, meaningful dialogue, and tangible opportunities for personal and professional advancement. Will we be focusing on money and wealth creation? Heck yes. I invite you to join us in redefining digital engagement and creating a space where every woman has the support, resources, and confidence to thrive.

Click here for more information on the platform and how to sign-up for UP. Or simply scan the QR code below.

On to the research findings. This new research was conducted in partnership with Method Research and distributed by TestSet, the study surveyed 1,007 adult women (18+) across the United States between February 14-17, 2025. The findings tell a striking and deeply validating story: today’s social media platforms are failing women.

The findings from this survey echo much of what I’ve heard from women in conversation—and what I’ve felt in my own online interactions: social media isn’t working for many of us. While this study represents the perspectives of just over a thousand women, it raises important questions. Do these insights/findings reflect your own experience? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.?

Let’s dive into the findings: The data reveals a dramatic shift in social media usage patterns— women are online, but abandoning platforms, reducing usage, not publicly posting and becoming less engaged. Of the 1,007 women surveyed, nearly half of women (48%) have abandoned at least one social media platform in the past year, 66% have taken breaks, and 24% have specifically left Twitter/X entirely. Across all platforms, fewer than 30% felt comfortable enough to publicly post or comment. Instead, most women prefer to follow along rather than contribute their own voices. Why? In my opinion, that is because social media, as it stands today, is failing and quieting women’s voices.

The study identified misinformation, trust issues and/or poor content quality, as key reasons for leaving a social media platform. Nearly a quarter of surveyed women perceive conversations on Twitter as completely untruthful. Separately, over 6 in 10 reported concerns or experiencing either harassment, security risks, and privacy violations or discriminatory behaviors. And specifically, only 8% feel their personal data is completely protected.

Most women (65%) considered staying connected with friends and family as one of the top three benefits of social media with 40% ranking it as the #1 reason for using social media. However, among those 12% felt the social platforms did not meet their expectations for meaningful connections.

This mass exodus and rising concerns aren’t about women rejecting digital connection—it’s about demanding better. Mainstream platforms often fail to foster connections, networking and mentorship in a meaningful way. More than half of Millennial women believe that women-only groups provide valuable mentorship opportunities, and nearly 40% see them as a pathway to career advancement. The survey showed that women want spaces that foster real conversations about specific topics (46%), where women feel safe sharing personal content (44%), and where mentorship and networking are built into the experience. Women are craving spaces where they can connect, grow, and thrive—free from the noise and negativity of traditional platforms, and I know that is true for me.?

You can view a summary of the report here, and click here for the press release. If you are press please reach out. Both Shubhi and I welcome the opportunity to discuss the study, and UP. Message me or Shubhi (Bhonsle) Rao directly.

To request a copy of the full research, please email [email protected].

The results of this survey have confirmed what we were feeling as well, which is why we are thrilled to announce the launch of UP! ?UP is more than just a platform—it’s a movement. Built to foster meaningful connections, amplify our stories, and create a space where women can thrive, UP is pioneering a new era of responsible technology. With a focus on meaningful content, collaboration, and real impact, this groundbreaking platform is here to elevate women and reshape the digital landscape. Designed by women for women, UP was created to provide a space where our voices are prioritized, protected, valued, and amplified.

Also in line with this mission, I am excited to share that we, SheMoney, are in the process of designing a Financial Accelerator that will be hosted on the Uplevyl Platform. This dedicated space will provide women with access to financial education, mentorship and community in a unique and multi-modality learning environment. I have long believed that when it comes to getting better with money and growing our wealth we need much more than information, we need each other. Sign Up Here to be the first to know when this offering goes live. Because it is on Uplevyl, it will be supported by Genie, Uplevyl's LLM that has been trained with curated data sets that prioritize women's experiences and wisdom. With this new offering we will be making history, together, when it comes to women and money.

Thank you for reading this very special newsletter. Please consider sending it on to others and invite them to subscribe.

Join Shubhi and me for a conversation discussing the future of women and social media on a LinkedIn Live,?Tuesday, March 18th at 11:00 AM MDT! Register to be notified by clicking the image below. We will be presenting a more detailed overview of the survey results and answering any questions you may have about UP.