Introduction
KICTANet is hosting a webinar to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD). 2025 marks a pivotal moment as the world celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This year’s theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” calls for action to address persisting inequalities and ensure that all women, including those from marginalized communities, can fully enjoy their digital rights and opportunities.
Technology has emerged as a powerful tool for empowerment in the digital age. However, women and girls continue to face significant barriers, such as online gender-based violence, unequal access to digital tools, and underrepresentation in ICT decision-making processes.
Over the years, KICTANet’s research and stakeholder engagement have shown that women’s access to digital technology is not a one-size-fits-all issue. It is influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, geography, and disability.
The webinar will bring together a rich panel of gender experts, legal experts, and digital rights advocates who have been involved, over the years, in various efforts to accelerate equality and empowerment for women and girls in Kenya. They will share the good, the bad, and actionable strategies to bridge the gender digital divide in their respective fields.
Background and Context
Despite the growing recognition of digital technologies as a catalyst for empowerment, many women, especially those with disabilities, from rural areas, and other marginalised groups, continue to face barriers to access, safety, and participation in online spaces.
The rise in online violence against women, particularly women in politics, further exacerbates the gender digital divide. During Kenya’s general elections on 9th August 2022, women ran for political office in record numbers, but they also reported disproportionately often being attacked online. A study conducted by KICTANet showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a marked increase in online harassment targeting women in public spaces, discouraging political participation and infringing on their rights.
The advances in generative AI further flamed instances of online gender-based violence. KICTANet’s initiative on mapping instances of online gender-based violence across Africa found that AI-facilitated gender-based violence targeted both high-profile individuals in politics and also trickled down to ordinary internet users.
The victims of Online Gender Based Violence have a right to access justice, but this has in the past been hindered by low awareness of the forms and harms of Online Gender Based Violence among stakeholders in the law enforcement sector. Kenya’s existing legal framework on Online Gender Based Violence has grown to encompass cyber crimes, as provided for in the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act. In partnership with the FCDO, KICTANet is conducting research on the existing legal frameworks in Kenya relating to technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).
Therefore, during this year’s celebration, KICTANet wants to highlight the intersectional perspectives on progress across the digital rights advocacy spheres.
Objectives
- Explore the progress and gaps in digital inclusion for women and girls 30 years after the Beijing Platform for Action.
- Discuss policy and programmatic solutions to enhance digital access, safety, and participation for all women.
Expected Outcomes
- A clear understanding of advancements and persistent challenges in digital inclusion for women and girls since the Beijing Platform for Action.
- Facilitated multistakeholder discussions on actionable policy and programmatic recommendations, and developed concrete strategies to enhance digital inclusion.
Format of the Event
The event shall be a webinar held virtually on Zoom.
Target Audience
- Women’s rights and digital inclusion advocates
- Policymakers and government representatives
- Civil society organisations
- Tech industry leaders and innovators
- Academia
- Women and girls affected by digital exclusion
- Media and communication professionals
International Women’s Day 2025 Webinar
Date: 10th March 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Agenda
| Time | Activity | Moderator |
| 11:00 am – 11:05 am | Welcome Remarks | Florence Awino |
| 11:05–11:10 am | Keynote Address | Cherie Oyier |
| 11:10 am -11: 45 am | Panel Discussion: Progress in legal frameworks, funding & Gender digital divide | Dr Owiso/ Ivy Kinuthia (TBD)
Dr. Jacqueline Owigo (TBD) Gladys Gatiba (TBD) |
| 11:45 am – 11:55 am | Q&A Session | Attendees |
| 11:55 am -12:00 pm | Closing Remarks and Call to Action | Florence Awino |
