Call for Proposal: To Develop a Policy Brief on Surveillance, Privacy, Data Protection, and Network Disruption and their Impact on Structurally Silenced Women in Uganda 

Introduction 

Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) is a non-governmental organisation initiated in May 2000 by several women’s organisations in Uganda to develop and promote the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) among women as tools to share information and address issues collectively. WOUGNET envisions an inclusive and just society where women and girls are enabled to use ICTs for sustainable development. 

In partnership with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), WOUGNET is implementing the Our Voices, Our Futures (OVOF) project. This project seeks to transform the status of women, especially those who have historically been silenced. OVOF collaborates with women’s rights organisations, feminist movements, structurally silenced communities, and various actors including artists, cultural leaders, the media, and policymakers to create enabling environments for women’s agency and voice. 

Background 

Structurally silenced women in Uganda including; women human rights defenders (WHRDs), women with disabilities, sex workers, and women from rural and indigenous communities face mounting challenges due to increasing State surveillance, invasive data collection practices, unjust privacy violations, and deliberate internet/network disruptions. These systemic challenges are compounded by a legal and policy framework that lacks robust safeguards for the digital rights of women, especially those most marginalised. 

Although Uganda’s legal landscape includes instruments such as the 1995 Constitution (Articles 21 and 33), the Data Protection and Privacy Act of 2019, and the Computer Misuse Act of 2011, these laws have often been applied selectively or failed to adequately consider the gendered impact of digital rights violations. Recognising the urgent need for reform and informed advocacy, WOUGNET seeks to develop a comprehensive policy brief to analyse existing laws and policies related to surveillance, privacy, data protection, and network disruptions, with a feminist and intersectional lens. 

Main Objective 

To develop a comprehensive, evidence-based policy brief that analyses surveillance, data protection and privacy, and network disruption laws and practices in Uganda and their impact on structurally silenced women, with practical and inclusive recommendations for advocacy and reform. 

Specific Objectives 

• To identify and analyse the gendered impact of surveillance, privacy violations, data misuse, and network disruptions on structurally silenced women in Uganda. 

• To consult with 15 structurally silenced women and activists to gather lived experiences, issues, and recommendations. 

• To develop a policy brief with clear, actionable recommendations targeting state and non-state actors. 

• To disseminate and validate the policy brief in a follow-up workshop facilitated by WOUGNET, incorporating feedback from a diverse group of stakeholders. 

Scope of the Assignment 

Submit an inception report with a detailed work plan and methodology. 

Facilitate one virtual workshop with 15 structurally silenced women and activists to collect evidence, views, and recommendations from participants. This will be organised by WOUGNET with your support. 

Draft a policy brief analysing the relevant legal and policy frameworks with a gender and human rights lens. 

Attend and present findings at a second physical workshop organised by WOUGNET for validation and feedback from stakeholders, including policymakers and WHRDs. 

Finalise the policy brief incorporating stakeholder inputs. 

Duration of the Assignment 

The consultant shall complete this assignment within 20 working days, inclusive of both workshops and submission of the final policy brief. No extensions will be granted. 

Deliverables 

Inception report with detailed methodology and schedule. 

Virtual workshop facilitated with 15 structurally silenced women and activists. 

Draft policy brief submitted for review. 

Participation and presentation at the validation workshop convened by WOUGNET. 

Qualifications and Required Competencies for the Consultant 

WOUGNET is looking for a competent consultant/ resource person with the requisite training, knowledge, skills, and proven experience in undertaking similar assignments.   

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Gender Studies, Law, ICT Policy, Human Rights, Social Sciences, or related field. A master’s degree is an added advantage. 

• At least 5 years of experience in policy analysis, gender and digital rights, feminist research, or human rights advocacy. 

• Demonstrated experience facilitating participatory consultations with marginalised groups. 

• Proven record of developing impactful policy briefs or research reports on gender and digital rights. 

• Strong understanding of Uganda’s legal and policy framework on ICT, privacy, surveillance, and digital freedoms. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.  

• Ability to work efficiently and deliver outputs under the assignment within agreed timelines and deadlines 

Application Process 

Interested and qualified consultants should submit: 

A technical and financial proposal (combined in one PDF document not exceeding 5 pages), highlighting approach, methodology, experience, and total cost. 

NB: Financial proposals will be evaluated based on the total funds available for the assignment and WOUGNET will enter negotiations with the best-evaluated consultant. 

A detailed Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages) highlighting similar assignments. 

Submission of the technical, financial proposal, and Curriculum Vitae should be e-mailed to info@wougnet.org and cc: mgt@wougnet.org, Subject: Our Voices, Our Futures Policy Brief 2025
Deadline for submission is on or before 5:00 PM EAT on 25th May 2025

Note: Feminists and Women Human Rights Defenders are strongly encouraged to apply. 

In case of any queries please contact:mgt@wougnet.org.