By Neema Mujesia,
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity and digital rights are fundamental for civic engagement, governance, and policy change. As more young people take the lead in shaping political and social narratives, the need for digital literacy and safety measures has never been greater. Recognizing this, the Young Women Growing Initiative (YWGI), in partnership with the Tatua Digital Centre, organized a transformative three-day workshop and 17 sub-counties represent from Nairobi. Focused on equipping young activists with the tools and knowledge to navigate the digital space securely and effectively.
Why This Training Matters
Kenya is witnessing a new era of civic participation, with Generation Z leading the charge in political discourse and activism. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) have empowered young voices, allowing them to mobilize and influence public opinion on critical issues. A prime example is the 2024 protests against the Finance Bill, where digital campaigns like #RejectFinanceBill and #OccupyParliament fueled nationwide demonstrations, compelling the government to revise the bill.
However, while these digital tools amplify activism, they also expose youth and women to significant risks, including harassment, surveillance, misinformation, and cyber threats. Many young activists lack adequate training on cybersecurity, leaving them vulnerable to attacks such as phishing, hacking, and data breaches. Women, in particular, face heightened gendered online harassment, aimed at silencing their voices and discouraging participation in governance and policy discussions.
This workshop was designed to address these challenges by strengthening the digital resilience of young activists, equipping them with skills to safeguard their digital identities, enhance security practices, and advocate safely in online spaces.
The workshop brought together a diverse group of 20 participants, including: Community organizers spearheading grassroots advocacy efforts. Communication officers from civil society organizations. Young female opinion leaders driving policy discussions. Women human rights defenders advocating for gender equality and justice. Young mothers & gender minorities amplifying underrepresented voices. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) & local administrators ensuring inclusivity in digital governance.
Call to Action: Strengthening Digital Activism
To ensure a safe and sustainable digital civic space, we must take collective responsibility in promoting cybersecurity awareness and ethical digital advocacy. Here’s how we can take action:
1.Continuous Volunteering: Every activist, civil society organization (CSO) member, and human rights defender must commit to fostering a culture of digital security and empowering their communities with best practices in online safety.
2. Legal Compliance: Activists must operate within the legal frameworks governing digital spaces, such as Kenya’s Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, to ensure ethical and lawful digital engagement.
3. Policy Advocacy: There is an urgent need for robust data protection policies to provide clear guidelines on digital rights and responsibilities, ensuring that activists and organizations can operate securely without undue restrictions.
4. Proactive Data Protection: Practicing data protection begins with understanding and adhering to existing laws, using secure communication channels, and leveraging encryption and privacy tools to safeguard sensitive information.
5. Leveraging Emerging Laws: Human rights defenders must stay informed on evolving digital policies and regulations, ensuring their advocacy efforts remain impactful and legally sound without unintentionally restricting fundamental freedoms.
Shaping a Secure Digital Future
By collaborating and building capacity, activists can help shape an inclusive, secure, and resilient digital environment where civic engagement is protected and empowered.
As we continue to navigate the digital landscape, it is crucial to prioritize cybersecurity, uphold digital rights, and advocate for policies that protect online freedoms. Together, we can create a safe, equitable, and empowering digital space for all.
