The event drew the participation of over 30 stakeholders from various sectors, including the media, private sector, development organizations, and NGOs, representing countries across Africa.

The primary objective of the consultation was to gather stakeholders’ opinions on Webfala’s research efforts aimed at enhancing digital governance in Africa.

Also, the workshop served as a platform to garner insights and recommendations from stakeholders, aimed at reinforcing the role of standard organizations in shaping an internet governance landscape that empowers the continent for sustainable development, regional integration, and global competitiveness.

Key issues that were raised and discussed during the consultation included legal identity, digital identity, the localization of policies in Africa, digital infrastructure, digital security, inclusion of people with disabilities in policy formulation, implementation of enacted policies, and empowering National Human Rights Commissions in African countries.

In his closing remarks, Wale Bakare, director of Partnership and Sustainability at Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative, underscored the significance of the virtual consultation in supporting in-depth research.

He highlighted,

“The inputs underscore the current realities of Digital Governance in Africa and emphasize the imperative to leverage critical research to mobilize opportunities that strengthen the Role of Standard Organizations in Shaping the Internet Landscape.”

The workshop themed “Empowering Voices: Safeguarding Free Expression and Privacy through Encryption” was held in Ilorin, the State capital.

Global Encryption Day in marked annually in the month of October with series of activities to raise awareness about digital rights, digital security and free expression.

Mr Gbenga Sesan, a Digital Rights advocate and Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, who was the Guest Speaker at the programme, described encryption as a tool that allows internet users keep their online data and communications private and secure, adding that with encryption, people can communicate freely online without the fear of someone listening in or tampering with their messages.

Sesan who noted that privacy is a human need, explained that encryption plays a critical role in protecting day-to-day digital activities, making sure that private messages stay private and do not get to the wrong hands.

“End-to-end encryption provides the strongest level of security and trust, because by design only the intended recipient holds the key to decrypt the message as no third party should have a key. Encryption is essential for protecting freedom of expression and privacy. It is an essential tool for CSOs, Digital Right Defenders and journalists.

Essentially, encryption protects privacy and also guarantees free expression as guaranteed by the constitution,” he said.

The digital rights advocate also underscored the need for journalists, actors in the civic space and members of the public to have digital security tools that prevent certain powerful entities, from accessing and altering their conversations, investigations, and sources.

Sesan who urged internet users to always conduct an audit of various platforms they use for their online activities, advised them to only use digital devices and platforms that provide them encryption.

He also encouraged the media and other enlightened members of the public to help in creating awareness about encryption.

Earlier in his opening address, Wale Bakare, the Co-founder and Director of Partnerships and Sustainability of Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative, said the workshop was organized to discuss the vital role encryption plays in protecting journalists, civil society organizations (CSOs), and digital rights defenders.

“By fostering awareness, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, the workshop seeks to empower participants to better understand and effectively use encryption technologies to safeguard free expression and uphold privacy in the digital age,” he added.

Bakare stated that the security of journalists online needed to protected to enable them perform their constitutional responsibilities of holding governments and its institutions accountable to the public, allow them tell impactful stories, protect their sources of information, and promote healthy democracies.

“End-to-end encryption helps journalists protect their communications from surveillance and interception by third parties. If journalists cannot communicate in confidence with their colleagues and sources or cannot protect the anonymity of their sources, they will lose public confidence.

“An important component of journalism is its ability to hold people and institutions in power accountable for their decisions and actions.

To do this, it is critical for journalists to have digital security tools that prevents powerful entities from accessing and/or altering their research, conversations, and sources.

“Strong encryption policy protects journalists everywhere: When countries support end- to-end encryption, they help journalists in their own nations and around the world by setting a standard for global encryption protections,” he said.

He however urged governments to encourage the practice of encryption as the lack of it can only deter journalists from publishing risky content.

“If journalists do not have a secure way of performing their work, they may opt to not pursue sensitive stories due to potential backlash, scrutiny, and harassment they may receive.

“A healthy democratic nation needs a strong and independent free press to inform the public about the actions of governments, institutions, and companies it chooses to trust,” he added.

Webfala Digital Skills has joined the global community in the celebration of this year’s International Youth Day. This theme highlights the need to enhance access, relevance, equity, and inclusivity of digital and green opportunities for all youth, including their active participation in driving positive change.

Rooted in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the theme urges young people to collaborate in shaping a more sustainable future.

On this occasion, Bakare Opeyemi Nafisat, Founder and Executive Director, Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative, highlighted the profound interconnection between digital literacy and green skills, emphasizing their combined role in building a sustainable world.

In her words:

“Our unwavering commitment to equip youth with essential tools and knowledge drives us to seamlessly integrate digital proficiency with environmental consciousness.

“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, digital literacy stands as a fundamental prerequisite for personal and professional success.

“However, we acknowledge that its impact transcends mere convenience – it plays a significant role in shaping environmentally conscious individuals and nurturing sustainable practices.

“At the heart of Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative lies the commitment to bridge the digital divide through accessible and comprehensive digital education for young individuals, regardless of their backgrounds. This approach empowers them not only with skills for the modern world but also instills a deep sense of responsibility toward the environment.

“We firmly believe that digital literacy and green skills are interconnected forces. Equipping youth with digital technology knowledge empowers them to innovate sustainable solutions, advocate for eco-friendly practices, and lead initiatives that contribute to a greener future. The synergy between digital expertise and green awareness provides a distinct avenue for young individuals to positively impact global sustainability objectives.

“As we commemorate International Youth Day, we fervently call upon governments, educational institutions, and organizations across the globe to prioritize the fusion of digital literacy and green skills in their youth empowerment endeavors. Through this comprehensive approach, we can inspire the next generation to initiate positive transformations, make informed decisions, and collaboratively strive for a more sustainable and resilient world.

“Join us at Webfala on this transformative journey toward a future where digital empowerment and environmental stewardship walk hand in hand.

“Together, we can cultivate a generation of youth who excel not only in the digital domain but also as ardent advocates for a greener, brighter, and more sustainable tomorrow”.

The tweet had one purpose: to give people “a sense of the magnitude of the problem,” as inscribed on the image Milano tweeted alongside the famous tweet.

What was “the problem”? Sexual abuse against women. Specifically, #MeToo started because several women accused former Hollywood top guy Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment. The campaign also revealed that gender-based violence is the plight of almost every woman.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also agrees—globally, one in three women (30%) experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. In addition, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)—the partial or complete removal of the external genitalia—affects over 200 million women and girls. No matter how you spin it, the stats are grim.

The digital era of violence

“Online and technology-facilitated violence against women exists in a continuum with the different forms of violence against women happening offline.” Adriane van Der Wilk, gender and human rights expert.

When used correctly, technological devices make lives easier and are excellent social awareness tools (Cue the Milano tweet drew responses from millions of women worldwide.). However, sadly, the presence of digital devices also means violence against women (VAW) is taking on new shapes. Women, more than men, disproportionately face cyberbullying, cyber violence, and online harassment.

As an avid Twitter user, I’ve seen several women harassed online with revenge porn, cyberstalking, sextortion, and sexist jokes. For instance, in January 2022, a woman accused Manchester United player Mason Greenwood of sexual assault, physical abuse, and threats to kill. She shared disturbing images and videos to back her claims against the 21-year-old.

Shortly after the accusations, Greenwood’s club swiftly excluded him from playing, which is ethical and legal because the police received a complaint. However many Twitter users (read football fans) made light of the situation through thoughtless and insensitive jokes. For many fans, the woman was simply trying to “destroy” the career of a young football player.

They didn’t spare any thought about the psychological effects of the incident on the woman. Rather, the fans were more concerned about their football club and the player who was the abuser in this case.

Greenwood’s case isn’t an outlier; sadly, it’s the norm. In 2020, a Twitter user, Oroboghene, accused another user she used to date, Tife Fabunmi, of rape and leaking her nudes. In his attempt to deny it, he posted screenshots of their chat where he admitted to raping her and apologised to her.

One would expect his admission of guilt would make people rally to her side with words of comfort. Instead, it led to an onslaught of attacks on her. They bullied her, slut-shamed her, and called her unprintable names. She had to change her handle and everything about her profile. But until today, they still use the incident to bully her whenever she tweets.

Oroboghene’s case perfectly summarises the culture on social media platforms. A woman was raped, yet the abuser had numerous allies. Like the tweet below, the rape incident isn’t a severe incident worthy of attention for some.

For many others, rape is another social media banter material. Irrespective of where you look, it’s almost a given that social media users will downplay sexual harassment/abuse cases against women. Therefore, making it hard for victims to share their stories.

Comfort’s case also reflects the cultural and institutional discrimination against women. It’s why random jokes and feuds quickly become “rapey” materials, like the despicable exchange between popular musicians Shatta Wale and Burna Boy early this year.

The institutionalised discrimination against women eats deep. And technology is giving it wings to fly.

Protect women at all cost

Women rights activists say, “women’s rights are human rights,” and they’re correct! More than any group, women are targeted online and offline—the rut is that deep. And that’s why it’s the responsibility of everyone to make the world safe for women. But how can we do that? Below are four ways;

1. Social awareness

Many untrue ideas about women float around the internet. As a result, it’s important to empower the right people to raise social awareness about women. For example, social awareness was one of the broader effects of the #MeToo movement.

After the movement went viral, it forced many men to listen and learn how to treat women better with the #HowIWillChange hashtags and more.

2. Listen

Listening is fast becoming a dying skill. Too many times, people are too eager to prove they’re right. Or worse, they’re better, and this frustrates meaningful conversations.

Social awareness is excellent, but it means nothing if you don’t listen. To do this, learn to have civil conversations, especially with women. And when women share their (sexual survival) stories, learn to listen—not shoot—first.

3. Stand against rape culture

First, let’s state some facts;

• There’s no justification for rape.
• Rape isn’t a “punishment” for anyone who refuses your sexual advances.
• Children (girls less than 18 years old) can’t consent to sex or any sex-related activity.
• You’re not entitled to any woman’s body.
• No is a complete sentence, and it means no.
• Always get consent before any sexual activity.

That said, rape culture is a menace in Nigeria. And this is because Nigerian culture is full of patriarchal myths about women and their bodies. This is why unlearning cultural and institutional bias about women’s bodies is the first step to standing against rape culture.

4. Prosecute offenders

Actions have consequences, including your interactions on the internet. Laws will bring order and responsibility. Therefore, the government and other relevant stakeholders must implement stringent laws addressing digital interaction to protect women and girls from digital gender-based violence.

Without these measures and more, we’ll continue to prevent women from reaching their potential. Therefore, as we celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11th, we must remember our collective responsibility to protect women and girls from gender-based violence in this digital era.

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*Bakare Opeyemi Nafisat, Founder and Executive Director of Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative is an advocate for digital inclusion and education for women and girls in Africa.