Kris Grant, CEO, ASPL Group says after all the progress the organisation has made to empower women and other minority groups and give them equal opportunity, the move by Facebook feels like a big step backwards.

“While the impact isn’t immediately obvious, women and people from diverse backgrounds who have fought tooth and nail for their media careers will already be feeling the impacts of the way they communicate with others in their communities shut down overnight. While this is only a small roadblock on the path to true equality, we’re confident that the progress made so far will allow these voices to be heard on whichever platform they communicate on moving forward.”