KICTANet’s Stakeholder Dialogue: Women’s Inclusion for a Multi-stakeholder Digital Future

Introduction 

The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) in partnership with the Association of Progressive Communications (APC) are pleased to host an in-person, half-day thought leadership roundtable on 25th June 2024 on “Women’s Inclusion for a Multi-stakeholder Digital Future”. 

Background and Context

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has brought about immense opportunities for connection, expression and economic empowerment. On the other hand, challenges such as online gender-based violence, gender inequality and privacy violations still impede the equal and meaningful participation of women in online discourses and policy procedures. 

The multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance relies on diverse voices and perspectives to develop sound policies. However, women are currently underrepresented in Internet governance forums and decision-making processes. This hinders the creation of policies that adequately address issues that disproportionately affect women in online spaces such as online gender-based violence, privacy violations and gender inequality in ICT-related fields among other challenges. In recognition of these realities, the feminist principles of the internet (FIPs) were developed as a framework for shaping a more just, equitable environment for women and girls. These principles, which were developed through a multi-stakeholder process, encompass a holistic vision of an internet that respects, empowers and protects the rights of all women in all their diversities. 

Objectives of the Stakeholder Dialogue

In line with the 2024 global IGF and KeIGF theme of “Building Our Multi-Stakeholder Digital Future,” the objective of this stakeholder roundtable is to popularise the feminist principles of the internet to promote women’s meaningful participation in internet governance. 

Expected Outcome

1. Increased awareness about the FIPs: Participants will gain a better understanding of the principles and how they can be applied to promote women’s rights online.
2. Increased awareness of the policies, technologies and practices that are threatening feminist internet principles and putting women at risk online. Participants will additionally explore intersectionality and digital rights as frameworks to fight against these threats.
3. Strengthened community of practice on data protection, privacy, freedom of expression, content governance and digital safety: Participants will have the opportunity to connect with other stakeholders working on these issues , and share knowledge and best practices.
4. Enhanced collaboration: Participants will brainstorm strategies for collaboration and partnership between CSOs to promote the enjoyment of rights in the FIPs, especially for communities at risk.
5. Encourage intersectional approaches that foster collaborations/partnerships between CSOs working on women’s digital rights to actualize the Feminist Internet Principles. 

Expected Output

It is expected that the conference shall result in a comprehensive blog outlining the key policy issues and proposed recommendations to various stakeholders moving forward. 

Format of the Event

The event shall be in the form of an in-person, half-day conference with a keynote speech followed by two training sessions, a focus group discussion and a plenary panel session.  

Attendees

A maximum of 40 participants representing different stakeholder groups including policymakers, civil society organisations, the technical community, women’s rights advocates, academia, relevant agencies and regulators, law enforcement, and judicial authorities.

About KICTANet

KICTANet is a multi stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested in ICT policy. The network acts as a think tank that catalyses policy reforms in the ICT sector, and it is guided by four pillars: policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, capacity building and research. KICTANet’s guiding philosophy is that of encouraging synergies for ICT policy-related activities and initiatives. As such, the network provides mechanisms and a framework for continuing cooperation and collaboration in ICT matters among industry, technical community, academia, media, development partners, and Government.

           KICTANet’s  Stakeholder Dialogue

Women’s Inclusion for Multi-stakeholder Digital Future

Date: 25th June 2024 I  0800 – 1300 hours| Nairobi

Agenda