Careers

About KICTANet. The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multistakeholder think tank for ICT policy and regulation. The network acts as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector and is guided by four pillars: policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and research. The network provides mechanisms and a framework for continuing cooperation and collaboration in ICT matters.

Call For Consultancy

Terms of Reference: Development of a Lexicon for Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

Background

KICTANet, is developing a comprehensive lexicon that captures terms and phrases associated with technology facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) in Swahili, Luo, Kikuyu, Kamba, Somali and Luhya languages.

The aim of the project is to inform policy development, enhance awareness, and improve platform moderation mechanisms. This lexicon will also help in identifying, reporting, and responding to various nuanced forms of TFGBV affecting women, girls, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), in local languages, especially in marginalized regions. 

KICTANet is looking for a lead and assistant linguistic experts fluent in one of the following languages: Swahili, Luo, Kikuyu, Kamba, Somali and Luhya.  The consultants will provide technical expertise to develop this lexicon by analyzing social, cultural, and technological contexts that impact language used to perpetuate TFGBV.

Objectives of the Consultancy

The objective of this consultancy is to:

  1. Develop a comprehensive lexicon of terms related to TFGBV, which will be tailored to the specific socio-cultural context of Swahili, Luo, Kikuyu, Kamba, Somali and Luhya speakers taking into account local nuances, emerging technologies, and gender dynamics.
  2. Identify platform-specific and behavioral patterns  in online spaces that contribute to the perpetration of TFGBV in these specific languages.
  3. Propose mitigation strategies by identifying and analyzing key terms that may not be explicit but are part of coordinated harassment or trolling.
  4. Provide guidance on how to incorporate this lexicon into policy, education, and awareness programs  aimed at addressing TFGBV through policy 

 

Scope of Work

The consultant(s) will undertake the following activities:

  • Research & Data Collection
  • Develop a methodology for developing the lexicon
  • Review existing literature, reports, and case studies on TFGBV with a particular focus on Swahili, Luo, Kikuyu, Kamba, Somali and Luhya languages.
  • Conduct interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders including women’s rights organizations, gender advocacy groups, legal experts, social media influencers, and victims of TFGBV.
  • Examine data from online platforms to identify terms, language, context,  used to perpetuate TFGBV in the specified languages including slang, coded language, language promoting gender stereotypes and subtle harassment techniques.

  • Contextual Analysis
  •  Assess the socio-cultural context of TFGBV in Kenya, with a particular focus on gender norms, power dynamics, and intersectional discrimination (e.g., race, disability, LGBTQIA+ status).
  • Analyze platform-specific language and behaviors across social media platforms, messaging apps, and online forums where TFGBV is prevalent.
  • Identify emerging technological factors, such as deep fakes, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and sextortion, that enable TFGBV and explore relevant terminology.

  • Lexicon Development
  • Create a detailed list of terms used in various forms of TFGBV, categorized by types of abuse (e.g., doxxing, trolling, sexual harassment, image-based abuse).
  • Include culturally specific terms and intersectional language related to TFGBV that impact marginalized groups, such as PWDs, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
  • Identify covert or coded language often used by perpetrators to evade moderation or detection.
  • Consultation & Validation
  • Organize a validation workshop with stakeholders including gender experts and local communities to ensure that the lexicon reflects the lived experiences of those affected by TFGBV.

 

  • Recommendations & Reporting
  • Provide recommendations on how the lexicon can be used by tech platforms to enhance TFGBV detection and prevention.
  • Produce a comprehensive report that includes the finalized lexicon, methodology, analysis of trends, and strategic recommendations for policy advocacy.

Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

  1. Inception Report: Outlining a detailed work plan, methodology, and timeline for the assignment.
  2. Draft Lexicon: A preliminary lexicon of TFGBV terms with categorization and analysis of usage across platforms and communities.
  3. Final Lexicon: A comprehensive lexicon including cultural, intersectional, and platform-specific language related to TFGBV.
  4. Final Report: A detailed report summarizing the methodology, findings, contextual analysis, and recommendations for utilizing the lexicon in policy development, digital literacy programs, and online platform moderation.

Timeline

The consultancy will take place over a period of 3 months.

 Consultant Qualifications

The ideal consultant(s) should have the following qualifications:

  • Must be fluent in at least one of the following languages: Swahili, Luo, Kikuyu, Kamba, Somali and Luhya
  • Must possess in-depth knowledge of the socio-cultural and gender dynamics within the Kenyan context, particularly as these relate and shape the perpetuation of TFGBV
  • Should have demonstrated experience in linguistic research, lexicon development, or terminological analysis.
  • Must have digital literacy skills and be familiar with social media platforms, online communities, and emerging technologies that impact TFGBV.
  • Must have strong research and analytical skills, particularly in qualitative analysis, including interviews, focus groups, and case study review.
  • Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective engagement with stakeholders for policy advocacy purposes. .

 Reporting

The consultant(s) will report to the Women Digital Rights Team Lead at KICTANet and work closely with the gender and digital rights teams. Regular progress updates will be provided through meetings and interim reports.

Budget for the Roles:

Lead Linguistic Expert – €500

Assistant Linguistic Expert: €400

Communications fees:  €20 for each lead and assistant linguistic expert

Payment

The consultancy fees shall be paid upon completion of the following milestones.

  •  30% after the adoption of the inception report
  •  30% after the presentation of the draft documents
  •  40% after the approval of the final documents.

 

Application Timeline

Please submit your application by 13th November, 2024 at 1700 hrs EAT to [email protected]. To apply, please submit your curriculum vitae, academic certificates and samples of your previous work focusing on TFGBV.

Confidentiality

The consultant must maintain confidentiality regarding all information and data obtained during the consultancy.

Contact Information

For inquiries or clarification, please contact: [email protected]. 

KICTANet

Tel: +254 751 000 001

 

Loading