Empowering Womxn Through Digital Safety: HER Internet Hosts Online Safety and Security Training (Cohort 3).
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/