Digital Security Conference 2021

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Our Executive Director moderated a virtual panel addressing the impact of digital inequalities and entrenched exclusion on the representation and participation of minorities, and disenfranchised communities in a digital and data driven tech-society at the Digital Security Conference 2021. The panelists were representatives of organisations working towards digital inclusion and a feminist internet namely; • iFreedom Network Uganda • Women of Uganda Network • Digital Woman Uganda • Digital Inclusion (Digital Human Rights Lab) • Sexual Minorities Uganda

Digital Security Clinic

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In commemoration of Women Human Rights Defender’s day, the Women Human Rights Defenders Network-Uganda (WHRDN-U) brought together collectives, groups, organisations and other entities together to launch the Safety and Security guidelines for WHRDs in Uganda under the Spotlight Initiative by UN Women. At this space, HER Internet set up a digital security clinic where participants reached out for help with their devices, applications or software. This digital security clinic was supported by the WHRDN-U.

CyberBullyingEndsNow Campaign

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HER Internet ran an online campaign under the hashtags CyberBullyingEndsNow #nottodaybully and #HERONLINESAFETY. This campaign ran across all our social media platforms; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram during the months of June, July and August 2021. Stop Cyberbullying Day is recognized every 3rd Friday of the month of June each year to celebrate and promote a truly diverse and inclusive online environment. We used this as the foundation for the CyberBullyingEndsNow online campaign. This anti-cyberbullying campaign involved awareness raising on what cyberbullying looks like, as well as tips and possible ways of how to deal with cyberbullying.

UPR Shadow report: LBQ loose Network

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In collaboration with CREA world and Sexual Rights Initiative (SRI), The Uganda LBQ women Loose network in July 2021 submitted the first-ever LBQ women UPR shadow report to the UPR council highlighting the Human Rights concerns of LBQ women in Uganda. A launch event was therefore held to officially introduce this report to the public for advocacy purposes as well as information sharing.

Quarterly Review Meeting by Humans Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum

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HER Internet attended a quarterly review meeting facilitated by Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum. The aim of the meeting was to inform the participants of HRAPF’s interventions and progress under the Global Fund project so far, the plans for the activities that are yet to be implemented under the project as well as to consult on areas of collaboration with Key Populations organizations and other mainstream stakeholders. #partnerships

Finding Community amidst the pandemic and Internet restrictions

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On 7th July 2021, HER Internet hosted a dialogue on “Finding Community amidst the pandemic and Internet restrictions”. The aim of the dialogue was to inspire creativity, self care, well-being and connectedness while using the internet and other ICTs during the pandemic. This dialogue therefore created space for the community LBQ women to share on the different ways they are living and trying to cope up with during the second lockdown

#ChooseToChallenge patriachy

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We #ChooseToChallenge patriachy, a system of social stratification and differentiation on a gendered basis which provides material and opportunity advantages to men while simultaneously placing severe constraints on lives and activities of womxn. Patriarchy is embedded within the online social fabric whether it is the predominance of womxn facing trolling, gendered censorship of bodies, male dominance in the technology industry or stereotypical representations reproduced in technologies like Alexa, Siri.

“Recognition of the harm that patriarchy has to people and planet does not mean that men are wrong and women are right; rather it’s a call for new organisational forms and for relishing gender differences within a context of equality”.

Elizabeth Lesser.

Biannual Newsletter 2021 Issue 1

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We present to you the first Issue of our biannual newsletter that shares our work and the current affairs at HER Internet.

We extend our unreserved gratitude to allies, partners, friends and community members for supporting our work.

Click here to Download

Launch of HRAPF research report on COVID-19 and Access to justice.

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HRAPF completed a study titled ‘The Impact of COVID-19 related restrictions on access to justice for key populations in Uganda: A case study of LGBT persons and sex workers in Kampala and Wakiso Districts.’ The study discusses the impact of the April to June 2020 lock down on access to justice for LGBTI persons and sex workers in Uganda. The report makes recommendations on what access to justice related institutions can do to ensure that Key Populations access justice even during COVID-19 lock downs, which can also apply to other minorities and other Ugandans in general

Mental Health and the Internet

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The month of may is highlighted with Mental Health awareness a timmmme to talk and share about mental Health Issues. HER Internet ran a campaign on mental health were we shared the effects of over using the internet and how it impacts on our mental health. Many people with access to the Internet do so on a daily basis, and the Internet has become a well-integrated part of our lives. This has led to changes in how we live our lives, how we construct and maintain social relations and self-identities, seek information, and enjoy entertainment. The Internet itself is not the main cause of poor mental health but the way we use it can negatively impact us through a number of ways such as: causing anxiety and depression; some negative impact on physical health including strained eyes, back pain or change in sleep patterns; low self-esteem and in extreme cases, Internet addiction disorder. Taking care of our mental health is always important and we have all faced strange, unprecedented times with the COVID19 pandemic. With increased use of the internet – especially social media, there is often little escape from reality. It can feel impossible to “unplug” and take a break from the online world.