CIPESA

The 2025 edition of the State of Internet Freedom in Africa report is a landmark document unpacking, in unprecedented depth, how #ArtificialIntelligence is reshaping #DigitalDemocracy across Africa. Launched at the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (#FIFAfrica25), the report highlights the need for a #humancentredAI governance model in Africa, through deliberate and inclusive approaches. It also calls for the enactment of comprehensive AI legislation, requiring mandatory Human Rights Impact Assessments, establishing empowered AI governance institutions for an accountable sector, proactive advocacy of rights-based AI governance, building technical capacities of stakeholders and undertaking efforts to develop AI-centred policies. There is a while lot more between the pages of this landmark report. Find the full details here: cipesa.org/wp-content/fil… #DigitalRights #TechPolicy #AIinAfrica

#BeSafeByDesign: A Call For Technology To Be Built with Women's Safety in Mind! A MUST JOIN Webinar and Activities to Look Out For! - mailchi.mp/cipesa.org/bes…

We were proud to have been part of the “Her Data, Her Power: Protecting Women in the Digital World” workshop organised by the Personal Data Protection Office. The workshop focused on advancing women’s online safety, where we highlighted key developments in the European Union AI Act, including moves to address non-consensual intimate images. This will advance stronger protections, hold platforms accountable, and help ensure women can participate online more safely, free from abuse and exploitation. #BeSafeByDesign #IWD2026

In about an hour⏳,Join us today for a critical conversation. The webinar on Advancing Platform Accountability for Women’s Online Safety in Africa will explore: 1⃣How platforms can prioritize women’s safety by design. 2⃣Practical ways to identify and address online harms. 3⃣Strengthening reporting systems that actually work. 4⃣Why accountability is key to protecting women’s digital rights. 🗓 March 19, 14:00–16:00 Be part of shaping a safer, more inclusive digital future. Read more here: cipesa.org/2026/03/webina… 📹Webinar link: tinyurl.com/3pm9p545 #BeSafeByDesign #IWD2026

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Join a crucial dialogue on securing digital spaces for women across Africa. This webinar focuses on Platform Accountability, exploring how tech companies can move beyond reactive fixes toward "Safety by Design." Participants will dive into the mechanics of online harms,from deepfakes to harassment,and analyze why current reporting systems often fail survivors in African contexts. T he session aims to bridge the gap between tech developers, policymakers, and civil society to ensure women can navigate the internet without fear. Secure your spot for the webinar here:tinyurl.com/3pm9p545 #IWD2026 #ForAllWomenAndGirls #BeSafebyDesign

Earlier today, we conducted a Women’s Data Protection Workshop at the @innovationhubug, Nakawa, as part of the ongoing Women’s Month data privacy campaign. The workshop brought together women from diverse backgrounds who learned, shared experiences, and actively participated in discussions on protecting personal data, understanding privacy rights, and navigating digital spaces safely. We are grateful for the collaboration and support of the @innovationhubug and our partners @cipesaug, @wougnet, @ZimbaWomen, @PollicyOrg and participants whose contributions enriched the engagement and made the conversations meaningful and impactful. #PersonalDataisPrivate #HerDataHerPower

Meet our esteemed panelists who will be sharing insights on platform accountability, reporting mechanisms, and digital safety tomorrow. Secure your spot for the webinar here:tinyurl.com/3pm9p545 #IWD2026 #ForAllWomenAndGirls #BeSafebyDesign

Join us this Thursday for a webinar on Advancing Platform Accountability for women’s Online Safety in Africa. 📆Thursday, March 19, 2026 🕑4:00 EAT Register here:tinyurl.com/3pm9p545 What you’ll learn: 🟠How “safety by design” can be built into tech platforms from the start. 🟠How to identify and respond to online harms like harassment, deepfakes, and non-consensual content. 🟠What effective, accessible reporting systems should look like for survivors. 🟠Why current platform accountability gaps persist, especially in African contexts. 🟠The role of policymakers, tech companies, and civil society in protecting women online. 🟠Practical approaches to ensuring women’s full and safe participation in digital spaces. 🟠Be part of the conversation shaping safer digital spaces for all. #IWD2026 #ForAllWomenAndGirls #BeSafebyDesign

Dive into our latest newsletter with a strong focus on #BeSafeByDesign, where we spotlight efforts to combat online gender-based violence, strengthen platform accountability, and equip women across Africa with essential digital security skills. As momentum builds, the newsletter also shares upcoming events and conversations shaping safer, more inclusive digital spaces. Because digital democracy can only thrive when women participate freely, safely, and without fear. 📰:mailchi.mp/cipesa.org/bes… #IWD2026 #ForAllWomenAndGirls

WEBINAR ALERT! Join us for a webinar on Advancing Platform Accountability for Women’s Online Safety in Africa. 📆Thursday, March 19, 2026 🕑14:00 EAT Register here:tinyurl.com/3pm9p545 Let’s prioritise safety, confront online harms, and build accessible reporting systems so women can participate fully in digital spaces. #BeSafeByDesign #IWD2026 #ForAllWomenAndGirls

A democracy that excludes women online is not a true democracy. From policy debates to everyday expression, women’s voices shape stronger, more inclusive societies, but only if they are safe enough to be heard. It’s time to design platforms that centre safety, dignity, and participation from the start, not as an afterthought. #BeSafeByDesign

Countering foreign disinformation from the US, China, Israel, Saudi Arabia and UAE is no easy task. But there is actually great work being done on that front by African organizations, as detailed by @cipesaug. cipesa.org/2026/03/forum-…

#BeSafeByDesign: A Call For Technology To Be Built with Women's Safety in Mind! A MUST JOIN Webinar and Activities to Look Out For! - mailchi.mp/cipesa.org/bes…

Digital democracy can only be realised once #AllWomenAndGirls have safer online environments. A country’s growth is fueled by the diverse perspectives of women; ensuring their digital safety and participation is an investment in our collective future. That is why we must actively build safer digital spaces and hold platforms accountable. Silencing women online is not just exclusion, it weakens democracy itself. #BeSafeByDesign

Women should not be pushed out of online civic participation, yet many are being silenced through harassment and abuse on tech platforms. When this happens, our country and the world miss out on valuable voices, ideas, and leadership. Safer digital spaces are essential. #BeSafeByDesign

Democratic "backsliding" and shrinking civic space are creating fertile ground for online harms across Africa. Strong frameworks exist, but their impact depends on independent courts, empowered regulators, and capable institutions. At a recent capacity building convening in Mauritius 🇲🇺state actors highlighted the need for stronger institutional coordination to safeguard digital rights. 🌍🔐 Read full article here:tinyurl.com/3rk2sjr6 #DigitalRights #BeSafeByDesign #InternetFreedomAfrica

|Protecting Peace and Rights in Kenya’s Digital Elections| The afternoon session of the forum resumed with an engaging panel discussion featuring representatives from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (@IEBCKenya), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (@ODPP_KE), and @EACCKenya The panel explored strategies to strengthen Kenya’s preparedness for digital elections, focusing on safeguarding democratic processes, protecting civic space, and addressing emerging digital risks that could undermine peaceful electoral participation. @cipesaug #DigitalElections #PeacefulElections #ProtectCivicSpace

Kudzai Chikiwa,writes that when women feel safe online, they are able to speak freely, share knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to public discourse. She strresses that protecting women’s digital safety is fundamental to building inclusive and democratic societies. In her call to #BeSafeByDesign, Kudzai points out that it is important to recognise that a safer internet for women is not just a technical goal, it is a foundation for equality, participation, and empowerment in the digital age! Read full article here: tinyurl.com/462k53xt #CSW2026 #IWD26