PIN calls for Improved Genderresponsive Access to ICTs for girls with Learning Difficulties.
• ‘Gbenga meets the Kenyan press. Human Rights Due Diligence Toolkit for Small and Medium Tech Enterprises. Abuja hosts the inaugural Digital Policy Engagement Series workshop. Life Legacy launched in Ghana. PIN and Pan-Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communication join forces to empower the media.
The 11th Edition of the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum was held in Accra.
Our Updates for the Month of April
We are already four months into the year 2024. Coming fresh off our Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF24), our resolve to continue fostering digital rights and inclusion in Africa remains. In addition to the amazing events and activities, DRIF put a lid on the month of April marked by remarkable stretches of progress made by the Paradigm Initiative team, sponsors, supporters and partners.
We are excited to share these important updates with you.
The Paradigm Initiative Team��
Thought Leadership
Adeboye at the International Seminar on Artificial Intelligence
Senior Manager, Programmes and Grant Strategy at Paradigm Initiative, Adeboye Adegoke was a panellist at the International Seminar on Artificial Intelligence in Brazil on April 17th. Hosted by the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) in collaboration with UNESCO, the seminar themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Social Equity and Sustainability,” brought together experts from scientific and technological institutions worldwide, along with representatives from the private sector and civil society. Conversations were held within the framework of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group, and aimed to explore the immense potential of AI for building a more equitable and sustainable future. Boye is a member of T20, a Global Think Tank of G20 on Inclusive Digital Transformation, and participates in Task Force 5-Inclusive Digital Transformation which focuses on challenges, opportunities and governance of Artificial Intelligence.
Human Rights Due Diligence Toolkit for Small and Medium Tech Enterprises
Paradigm Initiative has published the Human Rights Due Diligence Toolkit for Small and Medium
Tech Enterprises. The Technology industry is an
ever-growing and fast-paced industry, especially in recent years. The document seeks to guide users through a step-by-step process, equipping them to identify potential threats posed by novel innovations, assess the impact on stakeholders, and consider the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP-BHR). Download and read the toolkit.
Building Bridges through Inclusive Digital Communication
Communication, a fundamental aspect of human interaction, has evolved with the advent of technology. Human existence spans millions of years, a period that has seen communication undergo profound transformation. From drawings in the early days to the usage of smoke signals, our communication journey has traversed an extraordinary path to arrive at the present era. Today, we enjoy a rich tapestry encompassing diverse modes of interaction, with the option of
making it better still. Our Communications Officer, Kenneth Oyeniyi in this article outlines how the use of Inclusive Digital Communication can ensure everyone participates fully in the digital world regardless of their communication needs. Read the article
Events
Abuja hosts inaugural Digital Policy Engagement Series workshop
The Digital Policy Engagement Series (DiPES) ran from April 02nd to 03th in Abuja, Nigeria, with diverse stakeholders in attendance. DiPES in Abuja was an opportunity to examine, review and hold discussions focused on Nigeria’s Digital Rights and Freedoms Bill (DRFB) and the Cybercrimes Act 2015). It further served as a coordinated and influential push towards digital rights and freedoms and freedom of expression while advocating for the incorporation of international human rights standards in Nigeria’s cybercrimes, telecoms laws and policies. Relive the event in pictures
Life Legacy launched in Ghana
Lagos to host 2nd Edition of the AfroCities Cafe Lagos, Nigeria, is set to host the second edition of the Digital Policy Engagement Series (DiPES)AfroCities Cafe. The first was held in Nairobi, Kenya, on January 30th, 2024. The digital policy cafe is held in multiple cities across Africa, each with an Afro-centric digital policy theme or influence. This edition will be held in partnership with Tech Hive Advisory. As a key player in the digital rights and inclusion sector, Paradigm Initiative initiated the interactive hangout with the aim of fostering meaningful discussions, insights, and undertaking collaborative efforts in the ever-evolving landscape of digital policy on
Our flagship Life Legacy programme is now operational in Ghana. Launched on April 11, in Manhean, Greater Accra Region, the programme is running with support from the Internet Society (ISOC) Ghana Chapter. The expansion of the 10-week programme to Ghana marks the beginning of a transformative journey for the youth, offering them a chance to embrace the digital age and unlock their potential. On the sidelines of the launch was the Digital Readiness workshop which had dozens of Ghanaian youth in attendance. The two-day workshop covered topics such as introduction to Computers/ Computer Appreciation, Introduction to Google and Microsoft productivity tools, Introduction to Social Media and Digital Security. The workshop was geared towards encouraging and guiding participants to expand their understanding and use of technology to connect to resources that will enable them to receive a better education.
the continent. If you are based in Lagos, Nigeria, register to participate.
PIN and Pan-Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communication join forces to empower the media
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) and the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University (SMC, PAU) in Lagos, Nigeria have sealed a partnership aimed at increasing knowledge and skills in reporting and responding to digital rights and inclusion issues in Africa. The agreement was reached in a bid to equip journalists with the expertise needed to effectively document and report on digital rights violations and advocate for inclusive digital spaces across Africa. Through the programme, PIN partners with academic institutions and key digital rights experts to deliver capacity-building training sessions to early-career media practitioners and media students. The Digital Rights and Inclusion Media Programme (DRIMP) exposes relevant programme fellows to digital rights and inclusion, enhancing their ability to report and respond to any violations that may arise. Read more on the partnership.
PIN calls for Improved Gender-responsive Access to ICTs for girls with Learning Difficulties
On the occasion of the International Day of Girls in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on April 27th, 2024, Paradigm Initiative made a call for improved gender-responsive access to ICTs for girls with learning difficulties in the Global South. This was against the backdrop that girls with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder often encounter significant barriers to education
as traditional learning methods usually do not cater to their unique needs, leading to frustration, disengagement, and higher risk of dropping out of school. Our call urged governments to provide infrastructure and assistive technologies that support the deployment of digital education, make available capacity-building initiatives in both urban and rural communities to strengthen digital skills of girls with learning difficulties, and ensure that laws and policies promote access to digital technologies in order to enhance inclusive education.
‘Gbenga meets the Kenyan press
Paradigm Initiative’s Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan held a roundtable discussion with Kenyan journalists who cover technology, business and sustainability, among others. During the two hour discussion, which took place in Nairobi on April 29th, he delved into key issues highlighted in the latest Londa report which covers the state of digital rights and inclusion in 26 African countries, Kenya included. It was also an opportunity to spotlight some of the findings on Kenya’s tech landscape.
He addressed the issue of data privacy and the role of reporters in keeping the conversation going. A key recommendation to Kenya from the report is the need to make available frameworks that support the Data Protection Act.
Thobekile joins the Global Network Initiatives Board
Senior Manager, Partnerships and Engagements at Paradigm Initiative, Thobekile Matimbe, has joined the Global Network Initiatives (GNI) Board as one of six representatives from the Civil Society. Responsible for the organisation’s strategic direction and overseeing its operations, the GNI Board of Directors is multi-stakeholder in nature and comprises members from each of GNI’s constituencies. The Board is composed of twelve representatives from companies, six from civil society organisations, four from the academic community, three from the investor community, and an Independent Chair and Vice Chair. Bringing together representatives from academia, civil society, companies, and investors, GNI’s multi-stakeholder governance, working methods, and membership serve as the foundation of the GNI’s work. The Global Network Initiative sets a global standard for responsible company decision-making to promote and advance freedom of expression and privacy rights across the technology ecosystem.
Speciale: Unpacking DRIF24
The 2024 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF24) in Accra, which took place from April 23rd to 25th, was our best yet. It was attended by hundreds of participants from several countries across the globe, with the single aim of fostering conversations on digital rights and inclusion. These are some key highlights from the event:
DRIF24 in figures
For three days, Paradigm Initiative rallied over 1,000 participants from 61 countries to register for the event under the banner of the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF). Running under the theme Fostering Rights and Inclusion in the Digital Age, over 80 sessions took place under the following sub themes: Trust and Accountability, Data Protection, Privacy and Surveillance, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Digital Inclusion and Marginalised Groups and Human Rights and Freedoms. It was an amazing blend of panel sessions, launches, tech demos, pre-event workshops, lightning talks and exhibitions. The event had 238 speakers and 212 community board posts, with 5,980 messages being exchanged by participants.
Londa 2023 now available
DRIF24 was a perfect opportunity to release our report on the state of digital rights and inclusion
in Africa for 2023. The report - Londa provides in depth analyses into 26 countries, and highlights issues cutting across Internet shutdowns and disruptions, data protection, disinformation during elections, online gender-based violence, cybersecurity, surveillance, digital divide, access to Universal Service Fund (USF), freedom of expression and access to information which arose in countries across the continent. Download and read the report.
Undersight preview
Undersight is the title of our fourth short film which premiered at DRIF24. The short film is culled from our Londa 2022 report that featured in depth analysis on 24 different African countries. Following the premiere, Undersight’s lead character, Emeka Nwagabrocha (Omar), the producer, Joshua Alabi and Paradigm Initiative’s Communications Officer, Kenneth Oyeniyi took to the stage to share insights on the movie, its production process and storyline. The short film will be released on May 31st, 2024.
PIN relaunches rights toolkits
On the third day of DRIF24, we relaunched our digital toolkits, Ripoti and Ayeta. Ayeta is a toolkit meant to guide journalists, rights defenders and whistleblowers on digital security and hygiene as they go about their activities. The toolkit is available in English and can be accessed free of charge. Ripoti, on its part, is a platform that provides support and follow-up for victims of digital rights violations. With the ability to anonymously report cases of digital rights violations, Ripoti enables PIN and partners to follow up on cases and bring
justice to victims. A hackathon was also announced, allowing tech enthusiasts to redesign the Ayeta website, as well as its functionality and games.
Road to Lusaka!
After East Africa (Kenya), West Africa (Ghana) DRIF is going to the Southern African region. Lusaka, Zambia will host the 2025 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF25). While DRIF25 is a whole year away, it is never too early to start preparing. It will be an opportunity to build on DRIF24 conversations and partnerships, as well as set the pace for more action on digital rights and inclusion.
Opportunities
Support the PIN cause
Paradigm Initiative has been a driving force for positive change in African communities since 2007. With ourroots in Nigeria and operations across Zimbabwe, Zambia, Cameroon, Kenya, Senegal and beyond, we have impacted the livelihoods of more than 150,000 under-served young Africans through digital opportunities and protection of their rights online. Our vision towards a rights-respecting world is resolute, and so is our focus on influencing policies in digital rights and inclusion while advocating for a free and affordable Internet.
Visit our website to learn how you can support us.
