In November 2024, HER Internet took part in the African School on Internet Governance (#AfriSIG2024), held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, organized by Association for Progressive Communications (APC). Mulungi Sanyu, Communications and Advocacy Lead at HER Internet, joined over 16 African countries’ participants including civil society, technical experts, government representatives, academia, the media, the private sector, […]
Good day everyone,
It is with immense pride and gratitude that I speak on behalf of HER Internet as we celebrate six remarkable years of impact. Six years of resilience, learning, and unwavering commitment to supporting womxn in navigating the digital world with confidence, security, and freedom.
When we started this journey, we knew that the online space, like every other sphere, could both empower and threaten. Our mission was clear: to ensure that womxn are not just participants but leaders, equipped with the knowledge and tools to safeguard our voices and identities. And today, I’m proud to say we have made strides in creating safer spaces for womxn online and building a future where our voices are heard without fear or compromise.
Through digital security awareness workshops and campaigns, media literacy programs, and advocacy for online freedom of speech, we have empowered thousands of womxn to protect themselves and demand their rights. We’ve also stood firm against online violence, working tirelessly to confront harassment, misinformation, and abuse that disproportionately affect womxn including LBQ womxn and other queer identities, sex workers, womxn living with disability, womxn living with HIV/AIDS.
This work would not have been possible without the support of our incredible community – our partner organisations, staff, supporters and of course, the communities of structurally silenced womxn whose courage inspires us every day. Each of you has been essential to building this movement. Together, we are reclaiming the digital space as a place for equality, expression, and opportunity.
But our journey is far from over. As technology evolves, so do the challenges, and we must continue adapting. We remain committed to expanding our reach, building stronger networks, and advocating for policies that center womxn’s voices in digital rights conversations.
Thank you all for being part of this mission. Let’s continue working together to ensure a digital future where every womxn, no matter where they are or what their circumstances are, can thrive safely and freely. Here’s to many more years of progress and impact!
Thank you.
To download the full statement via; https://www.herinternet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/HI-6th-Anniversary.pdf
In a recent episode of #WomenSpeaking on Civic Space Tv, a panel hosted by Danita Turiho featuring inspiring women leaders including our Executive Director at HER Internet, Sandra Kwikiriza, delved into pressing issues of the digital gender divide and it’s impacts on womxn, this conversation brought to light the realities womxn face in digital spaces.
The digital gender divide refers to the growing disparity between men and womxn in access to technology, digital literacy and opportunities within the digital economy. Womxn, particularly for structurally silenced communities, often face structural barriers like cultural norms, financial constraints and lack of infrastructure that limit their engagement with digital tools and platforms, resulting in lost opportunities for education, employment and advocacy.
Sandra Kwikiriza emphasized the systemic barriers that prevent womxn from fully embracing the digital world. “It’s not just about owning a device,” she explained, “the high prices of buying internet, the cost of buying a mobile device coupled with economic inequalities that disproportionately affect womxn from accessing internet especially in rural areas” which underscores the complex interplay of factors that contribute to digital exclusion in Uganda.
In this episode, the panel explored the roots of this divide, shedding light on the various ways it perpetuates inequality driven by cultural barriers, lack of education, and discriminatory policies. They also discussed the potential solutions such as, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, education of the available digital tools, policy reforms to bridge the gender gap. Their insights are not only eye-opening but also serve as a call to action for governments, private sectors and civil society organizations to work together to ensure that womxn can fully and freely participate in the digital environment.
This episode offers a timely reflection on the critical role digital access plays in empowering womxn and driving gender equality. For everyone interested in understanding the impacts of digital exclusion on womxn and how to close the gap, this conversation is a must-see.
Connect with the conversations via: https://youtu.be/F1Ydekcz2bQ?si=hc1A29U3ugJrQp0M
The 11th Annual Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica2024), co-hosted by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) and AfricTivistes, took place from September 25-27 in Dakar, Senegal. This marked the first time the flagship event was held in Francophone Africa, emphasizing the region’s growing role in shaping Africa’s […]
On September 11–12, 2024, HER Internet was honored to attend the East Africa Internet Governance Forum (EAIGF), convened under the theme “Building Our Multi-Stakeholder Digital Future for East Africa.” The forum hosted in Uganda, brought together a dynamic mix of policymakers, civil society organizations, tech innovators, academics, media and private sector leaders. This year’s #EAIGF […]
On August 8th, 2024, we had the privilege of attending the National Youth Symposium organized by the Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA Uganda) at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala. The event under the theme; Demystifying Technology Facilitated Gender-Based violence brought together a diverse group of young people, civil society organizations, lawmakers, experts, and leaders for an inter-generational discussion on Technologically Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), a growing challenge in Uganda’s digital landscape.
The symposium commenced with an address by Joy Kirungi, an Advocate at FIDA Uganda, who underscored the urgent need for action. She stated, “As we celebrate our achievements and look to the future, we must acknowledge the evolving landscape in which we operate. We are living in the digital age, a time of unprecedented technological advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and beyond. These innovations hold great promise, but as the saying goes, ‘every good thing has its downside.”
Swedish Ambassador Maria Håkansson officially opened the symposium, expressing her appreciation for FIDA Uganda’s efforts in highlighting the issue of Tech-Facilitated GBV. In her remarks, she stated, “You are the leaders and change-makers, and you give us hope in fighting these issues. Let us continue to empower, educate, and elevate the voices of women and girls for a brighter future for all.”
The keynote speaker, Mr. Aggrey David Kibenge, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, addressed the growing use of technology and how it has introduced new avenues for harming women and girls online. He remarked, “The use of technology has revolutionized communication; however, it has also introduced avenues for harm, particularly targeting women and girls. This includes the non-consensual sharing of intimate materials, which is a violation of human rights. The Government of Uganda is committed to addressing the threat of online violence while fostering a zero-tolerance attitude to eliminate impunity. The government has an obligation to respect and promote women’s rights.”
The panel discussions that followed delved into the legal gaps in combating TFGBV and protecting online users from such violence. Panelists highlighted the inadequacies and limitations of current laws, such as the Computer Misuse Act 2023, which includes provisions for hate speech, cyber harassment, and offensive communication. However, these provisions do not pass the constitutional test, making it challenging to hold perpetrators accountable, especially given the rapidly evolving nature of digital violence.
The symposium also explored recommendations and strategies for combating TFGBV. Among the solutions discussed were the need for digital literacy programs, stronger enforcement of existing laws, and the creation of safe reporting mechanisms for victims. A youth representative shared, “Empowering young people with the knowledge and resources to navigate the digital space safely is crucial. We must also ensure that when violence occurs, victims have accessible and supportive avenues to seek justice.”
The National Youth Symposium on Technologically Facilitated Gender-Based Violence concluded with a significant step forward in the fight against digital violence in Uganda. By fostering inter-generational dialogue and collaboration, the symposium not only raised awareness of the issue but also laid the groundwork for future advocacy and action. As Uganda continues to navigate the complexities of the digital age, the insights and strategies shared at this event will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the country’s approach to TFGBV.
Welcome to the 7th Edition of our Biannual Newsletter! We are excited to share the significant updates, milestones and developments from the first half of the year with you, from the official launch of the “RIPPLES” comic book in commemoration of the International Women’s Day to the release of our latest research report on Navigating Algorithms in relation to Structurally Silenced Communities in Uganda. To view or download, please click here; link; https://www.herinternet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/HI-Newsletter-VL.-7-3.pdf
We hope you take a few moments to catch up with us and enjoy the content. Feel free to reach out with any feedback, questions, or inquiries. We greatly appreciate your ongoing support and wish you a wonderful rest of the year.
In an era dominated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and algorithms shaping our digital experiences, the need for comprehensive online safety and security training has never been more urgent. As we embrace the benefits of interconnected technologies, we also encounter heightened risks and vulnerabilities, particularly for structurally silenced communities like LBQ womxn. Recognizing this pressing need, on April 30th, 2024, HER Internet hosted a transformative one-day physical Online Safety and Security training (Cohort 3) with support from Tor Project team, for a diverse group of 20 womxn at our office premises in Kampala.
Co-facilitated by Sandra Kwikiriza, the Executive Director, and Kettie Kahume, the detailer at HER Internet. The training aimed to equip and empower womxn with essential skills and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape securely. The focus was on mitigating cyber threats and employing circumvention techniques to foster a safer online environment amidst the pervasive influence of AI and algorithms in both our offline and online lives.
Sandra Kwikiriza opened the session with an overview of digital safety tips for devices and communication, “In this day and age, everyone is at risk of being compromised when their data is leaked,” she stated in her opening remarks. Emphasizing the critical need for individual digital security as it’s essential for everyone to adopt robust digital security practices to protect their personal information and ensure their online activities remain private.
One of the highlights of the training was the in-depth session on mitigating cyber threats, creating strong passwords, two-Factor authentication, recognizing phishing attempts, and securing personal data online. The cohort also explored topics like malware protection, encryption methods, and safe browsing practices. Participants engaged in interactive sessions, sharing their experiences and learning from real-world examples. One participant shared “Recently I have received WhatsApp messages from different numbers starting with +971… informing me about online job opportunities I had applied for, and asking me to click on the link to get the job, upon checking the shared website, I found a scam alert.”
Additionally, the Tor training component added a layer of anonymity and privacy to the participants’ online activities. Tor, short for “The Onion Router”, is a powerful tool for anonymizing internet traffic and accessing blocked content. The cohort learned how to use Tor effectively, ensuring their online communications and browsing habits remain private and secure.
By the end of the training, Sandra Kwikiriza and Kettie Kahume expertly guided the participants, combining theoretical knowledge with practical demonstrations. The hands-on approach enabled the womxn to grasp complex concepts easily and apply them in real-world scenarios. The participants emerged not just with newfound knowledge but also with a sense of empowerment and confidence in navigating the digital realm safely. One participant noted “The training was really educative, I was able to learn about certain aspects on the internet and security.” Another added, “I had a good time and the facilitators were very interactive used terms that were easy to understand.”
HER Internet’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering a safer online environment for womxn was palpable throughout the event. As we move forward in an ever-evolving digital landscape, initiatives like HER Internet’s Online safety and security training cohorts play a pivotal role in creating a more inclusive and secure online space for everyone, especially marginalized communities. Empowering womxn with digital safety skills is not just about protecting individuals; it’s about building a more resilient and equitable digital society for all.
To learn more about the online safety tips that were shared during the training, please read from here; https://www.herinternet.org/online-safety-tips-brochure/
In a digitally interconnected world, social media algorithms play a pivotal role in shaping our online experiences, from the content we see to the communities we engage with. Understanding and navigating these algorithms has become essential to foster visibility, representation, ally-ship, advocacy, organizing and community building in this information era. While we celebrate these opportunities and advantages, algorithms have also posed significant detrimental impacts such as; targeted online harassment, censorship, stoking fear, mental health challenges, limited distribution of content, exclusion, and, misinformation and disinformation that has heavily manipulated public opinion, further influencing laws and policies especially targeting structurally silenced communities such as LGBTQ+ persons according HER Internet’s latest research report.
Titled “Navigating algorithms: the case of structurally silenced communities in Uganda”, HER Internet with support from Mozilla Foundation held a launch event in Kampala on Thursday on 04th April 2024, bringing together a total of 25 stakeholders from civil society organizations, activists and researchers. The purpose of this event was to unpack findings of the research report, offer insight into what is informing organizing and community building for structurally silenced communities in Uganda, and, interrogate the extent to which algorithms influence these actions.
In her welcome remarks, Mulungi Sanyu, the Communications and Advocacy Lead at HER Internet stated that while the new reality is that the internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity in this modern world, not everyone can reap from the benefits or equally gain access to the internet especially for womxn in certain regions and communities who experience significant barriers to utilization of its full potential. Sanyu encapsulated the scope of HER Internet’s work following the mission to create opportunities, equip womxn with digital literacy, cyber security information and safety skills to foster a safer online environment as well as representation. She also called for reaffirmation and commitment to HER Internet’s vision of a world where every womxn has the knowledge, opportunities and resources to thrive in the digital era.
A presentation of key findings of this research report highlighted that the study participants were drawn from four regions across the country; Central, Northern, Eastern and Western Uganda in collaboration with partner organizations. A total of 8 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and 65 participants in 4 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) voluntarily contributed to the body of the research. According to the Project Research Consultant, Juliet Nanfuka, social media platforms have demanded and collected data and information in various forms from internet users through consents given by checking or ticking the small boxes attached to the terms of references without thorough knowledge and understanding. This feeds into tools defined as “algorithms” which formed the basis of this study.
Uganda as a country has presented a very interesting space for such studies to take place because of the undefined stance on social media usage. While social media platforms and their importance are appreciated by users online, there has been blockage of various sites, internet shutdowns and restrictions of platforms like Facebook. Juliet explained in her presentation that even though Uganda currently hosts a population of over 40 million people, about 2.6 million equating to only 5.3% of the total population use social media where several decisions being made impact the broader society by shaping narratives, news and information that drive us today. “A lot of decisions being made are a direct outcome of narratives fueled on social media by a very small percentage of people but boosted by the performance of algorithms. So, we need to understand the interplay between what happens in the digital society and its impact beyond. As a country, we are caught in a very interesting space where we are letting external influences dictate how we engage with each other as citizens,” Juliet noted.
The research report which based on extensive data collection and analysis delves into the experiences, perceptions and challenges faced by structurally silenced communities in interacting with digital platforms, particularly social media. Additionally, it brings to light the dual nature of how social media algorithms impact digital rights of privacy, safety and expression stemming from biases and inequalities. It also suggests actionable recommendations and strategies that can be implemented by social media platforms, funders and community-based organizations to influence the workings of algorithms in favor of structurally silenced communities as they advance their respective advocacy efforts in diverse fields. Some of these recommendations include; Improvement in content moderation practices, increased algorithmic transparency, building evidence-based information consistent with concerns emerging from algorithms, and, conducting security assessments that recognize the influence of algorithms as a safety gap. Continuous funding will also contribute in efforts to examine how platforms are reshaping the lives and practices of internet users in restrictive countries like Uganda.
The challenge underlined in this report was language barrier as it was difficult to explain the term “algorithms” to the study participants in the local languages. This complication also affects others outside the digital and technological landscape who also use English as a language of operation which can distort communication. “The word in itself “algorithms” doesn’t exist in any local languages here in Uganda. Language is in a constant state of evolution but what this research shows is that even in the deeper layers of the internet, we need to find language that speaks more to us as individuals outside of the language of silicone valley to better understand and appreciate what is happening in these spaces. Right now, there is vast disconnect in our understanding of just the word algorithms. And as a consequence, there is a vast disconnect in how we engage with those algorithms or understand what they are doing for and against us. Hence, ultimately impacting our community building and organizing in Uganda,” she expressed.
In a session on regional experience sharing and feedback on the research findings, representatives of the study participants and other attendees shared their experiences in relation to the impacts of social media algorithms and hopes on how this report can be impactful.
A representative from Mbale in Eastern Region shared, “We had a little bit of language barrier which was settled after and the participants were able to express what they were going through with social media and the way forward for the project. The story telling was good because people shared personal stories about what they have seen, what they are going through and the impact even on instant messaging apps like in WhatsApp groups and other online groups. The research study was quite good and left an impact. We hope that the way forward is that HER Internet will continue to partner with different organizations and continue to share knowledge with our community members on the workings of social media platforms and how to communicate.”
A participant from Mbarara in the Western Region, “This research was really important because we got to realize that our community members had fallen victim when it comes to use of social media… Many of the participants had questions about algorithms, why they were being followed by people they did not know and how they contribute to online violence like blackmail which made up most of the testimonies in the room. We also had discussions of most community members being outed because of social media and not because of the physical environment that they are living in. Our recommendation will be that we still need more engagements around social media because it is part of our stress relief as we heard from the participants. They use social media to relieve themselves from stress and other mental health challenges but unfortunately, they end up being victims of circumstances.”
A mobilizer from Gulu located in Northern Uganda said, “Actually, in my region, the experiences are more similar to other regions. We had some victims who were actually arrested for the use of TikTok in retaliation of abuse and attacks triggered by other people on the platform. It is through this research that we got to know that these algorithms exist and the policies raising the questions of how do we display our work there without compromising ourselves and others? Our recommendation is maybe we continue sharing this information especially with those deep down in the villages and bring them on board so that we can move together.
A participant that took part in the FGD in Kampala said, “Algorithms have been very proactive in spreading misinformation and disinformation. We are in the era of TikTok where someone is comfortable putting up a list of different identities with no worries about the consequences of their actions. The stigma and discrimination were also part of the discussion that we had already witnessed or experienced. If they (algorithms) were really in support of us by spreading the correct information, definitely, we would be on the other side of where we are right now because algorithms do not necessarily fact check. We would not be having these issues. With the level of misinformation and silencing of voices, this project is indeed a more timely project. I think that we have been more focused on the physical violence that we don’t notice the extremes of the digital violence that is ongoing. For recommendations, this project is the first step. I also think that silence is not an option as we see where we have ended up. It is possible that we are going to have a trail of collateral damage along the way but in these steps that we are taking, we need to expose the misinformation and disinformation out there so we can create an equal and just internet for us all.”
A KII who also contributed to this study said, “One of the things that we can look at and commend for our way forward is to figure out how do we link algorithms into the existing loopholes that have been provided in the ever-changing policy and legal climate? How do we thrive off the current technicalities and make them work in our favor for us as a community to shift narratives and conversations online? It is through collaboration among organizations and campaigns. We should use our enemy’s arsenal for our own good.”
The Executive Director at HER Internet, Sandra Kwikiriza, gave a speech in which she expressed her pride and gratitude towards donors, partners and staff for their dedication and support to a cause that fuels HER Internet’s work daily despite all the current challenges like the existing oppressive laws and policies. “Whether it’s providing digital literacy training or advocating for the rights of minority groups in the digital space, our efforts are making a tangible difference. Through stories of empowerment and resilience, we can see firsthand the transformative power of digital rights advocacy.” She reiterated HER Internet’s unwavering commitment to empowering structurally silenced communities in advocating for their digital rights and urged more stakeholders to get on board with HER Internet’s mission. “Whether it’s raising awareness, sharing knowledge, or collaborating with us, your contribution can help us amplify our impact and create a more just and inclusive digital world for all,” Sandra stated in closing as she stressed HER Internet’s commitment in advancement of digital rights for structurally silenced communities in the country and across the borders.
A key note speech was made by Isabella Akiteng, an independent Consultant in Governance, Gender Enthusiast and Process Facilitator. Guided by the quote “use the enemy’s arsenal for our own good”, Isabella reiterated that there’s an urgency for structurally silenced communities to embrace and utilize same tools like algorithms which have been harnessed by anti-rights groups to counter their opposition. “The conversation around algorithms can be unique in a sense that they can be beautiful, for all the reasons that they are bad, if we remove the negativity around those algorithms, they make utter sense. They make perfect sense for organizing.” Isabella also drew attention to the role that algorithms plays into influencing the minds and opinions of the general public, justice system and policy makers, raising safety concerns both in virtual and physical spaces as they can create matter of life and death situations for individuals and communities especially in cases where narratives are negative. “If the content around a particular theme is not deliberately built, then the narrative is negative. And therefore, there is a line of threat based on the algorithm. The conversations around algorithms are a matter of life and death conversations as they go beyond online platforms within the context of Uganda. For all the conversations that we can have about their positives and advantages, they can become a death sentence for communities in Uganda,” she stressed. Isabella saluted HER Internet for the investment in a research that makes all the difference within the current context because it provides an alternative narrative from the one that is out there backed by the algorithm. “Now more than ever, theorizing makes sense because this content provides a counter narrative to any other narrative on the spectrum of social media and that’s one of the ways that we pushback by providing and serving the platforms through counter narratives over what the algorithm may provide and instead begin to safe keep.”
Key takeaways from this event included; demand for transparency from platforms regarding algorithmic processes and data usage, awareness and sensitization campaigns to empower users with knowledge about algorithmic functions and strategies for navigating them to make shifts in narratives and content related to structurally silenced communities by increasingly sharing the right information far and wide through the power of partnerships and collaborations. There should also be intensified advocacy efforts for algorithmic fairness, diversity, and accountability prompting increased community engagement in discussions about algorithms and their impact.
Lastly, the existence of clear policies and regulations in regards to algorithms will help safeguard the rights and well-being of marginalized communities including the LGBTQ+ community. This involves pushing for laws that hold platforms accountable for their algorithms and content moderation practices, ensuring that they don’t perpetuate harmful narratives or discriminate against certain groups. To read and download the research report; https://shorturl.at/hjY14
Executive Summary.
At a time when social media has become the backbone of a large part of the digital society, it is important to understand the glue that holds it together. While the different social media platforms offer a range of spaces for networking, research, knowledge generation, kinship, and entertainment, each also offers a distinct value that meet the needs of a diversity of users.
However, many users report a shift in social media from a fun and carefree space to one that is “polluted” and “restrictive” alongside concerns on increasing censorship, harassment, stalking, and discrimination. Often, the violators hide behind keyboards, vague policies and in some cases, vague policies that shield perpetrators more than protect victims.
While social media has become an open house for many, it remains exclusive for some. In Uganda, the cost of data continues to serve an exclusionary function for a population that is yet to meet the affordability target1 – where 5GB of mobile broadband data is priced at 2 percent or less of average monthly income as envisioned by the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) and endorsed by the United Nations Broadband Commission.
Meanwhile, the weaponisation of social media by the state including through shutdowns2 (Ugandan users currently do not have access to Facebook following its shutdown in February 2021) and through the use of restrictive policies still hinder the full utilisation of online spaces. However, the scrapping of Section 25 of the Computer Misuse Act which defined offensive communication as the “willful and repeated use of electronic communication to disturb or attempt to disturb the peace, quiet or right of privacy of any person with no purpose of legitimate communication” offered some relief to users in the country to regain some level of trust in the use of platforms.
However, this trust is not enjoyed by all in the country. For the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community, concerns remain rife due to continued and rising levels of homo-phobic rhetoric and bias online. This most especially in the wake of the resurfaced Anti-Homosexuality Amendment Act (2023).
Public discourse online is characterised by misinformation and disinformation, virality tactics and click baiting which have detrimental consequences that only further subjugate the LGBTQ+ community. Meanwhile, concerns that social media algorithms play into reinforcing this narrative is also high. Algorithms fueled by user behaviors and interactions with content serve to create even deeper channels for narratives to sink into popular culture online and offline.
As HER Internet, it is in recognising these concerns that we seek the investigation into these interactions– of platforms, laws, and users – a necessity, especially as platforms reduce the levels of access to data and as civic spaces online and offline shrink for marginalised communities.
The goal of this report is to offer insight into what is informing LGBTQ+ organising and community building in Uganda and the extent to which algorithms influence these actions. The report gives a background into the general social media landscape in the country, and reviews global trends in algorithmic studies. This report will serve as an entry point for further studies into this arena at a time when social media companies are tightening their grip on data which would otherwise help address the concerns held by marginalized communities. Concurrently, growing concerns on content moderation practices, the increased pace at which online communications travels, and the absence of adequate safeguards – both online and offline – all further reinforce the need to build an evidence base upon which progressive policy interventions can be established and pursued by platforms and policy makers.
We appreciate the support of the Mozilla Africa Innovation Mradi: In Real Life (IRL) Fund through which we have been able to tackle these questions across Uganda. In doing so, we have developed a set of recommendations that we hope will influence change and an appreciation of the role that live human experiences play in informing how platforms can work better – especially for marginalized and vulnerable communities often relegated to the sidelines both offline and online.
To download and read a copy: https://www.herinternet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HER-INTERNET-REPORT-April-4.pdf