Introduction
Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering women and girls in Uganda through Information and Communication Technology (ICT). WOUGNET is currently seeking proposals to develop a series of comic books focused on the intersection of gender and digital rights. These comic books will be used by Trainers of Trainees (ToTs) to disseminate knowledge on gender and digital rights to women and girls. This initiative aims to educate women and girls, particularly in rural, peri-urban, and urban areas and forms part of a broader effort to promote gender equality in the digital space.
The project will engage 120 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to train and reach 6,000 women and girls, using comic books to enhance understanding of digital rights, online safety, and the barriers women face in the digital world.
Background
Despite the numerous opportunities offered by digital technology, women and girls in Uganda face considerable barriers to accessing and using technology. WOUGNET’s previous studies indicate that women and girls experience significant gendered digital divides, including online harassment, cyberbullying, and lack of digital literacy. This situation exacerbates gender inequality and limits the participation of women and girls in online spaces, leadership roles, education, and commerce.
In response to these challenges, WOUGNET seeks to print educational comic books that will communicate essential knowledge about gender and digital rights in an engaging, accessible format. These comics will serve as vital tools for trainers to educate women and girls about their rights, encourage safer digital practices, and promote gender equality in technology.
Objective
The main objective of this initiative is to produce 6,000 copies of educational comics that address the intersection of gender and digital rights. These comics will be distributed by 120 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to train and empower 6,000 women and girls across Uganda, helping them better understand the online space and their rights within it.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced understanding of gender and digital rights among 6,000 women and girls in Uganda.
- Development of comic books that simplify and illustrate key issues, including online safety, gender-based violence in the digital space, and digital rights.
- Increased capacity of Trainers of Trainees (ToTs) to disseminate knowledge through the use of engaging, visual learning materials.
Expected Outputs
- A series of visually appealing and educational comic books (digital and print) focused on the intersection of gender and digital rights.
- Comic books are printed in a format accessible to different literacy levels, including both urban and rural populations.
- Printed materials that align with WOUGNET’s mission of promoting safe, inclusive, and empowering digital spaces for women and girls.
Scope of Work
WOUGNET seeks a consultant or creative team with expertise in graphic design, illustration and printing to develop educational comic books.
The consultant will be responsible for:
Comics Development:
- Printing the comic books.
- Ensuring that the material printed is of high-quality and resolution.
- Ensure the artwork is visually engaging, inclusive, and portrays diverse characters and settings that reflect the lived realities of women and girls in technology.
Content Alignment:
- Work closely with WOUGNET’s program team to ensure that the comic content reflects the key messages of gender equality, digital rights, and safe online behaviour.
- Ensure the language and visual elements are culturally relevant and sensitive to the Ugandan context.
Delivery Formats:
- Provide prototypes or sample prints for quality assurance before mass production.
- Deliver 6000 high quality resolution comic books on the intersection of gender and digital rights.
Duration
The consultancy is expected to last for 2 weeks, starting from the date of contract signing.
Eligibility and Requirements
The consultant or creative team should have the following:
- Proven experience in printing comic book designs, illustrations, and educational content.
- Ability to deliver creative and visually appealing materials within the stipulated timeframe and budget.
Application Process
Interested and qualified individuals are invited to submit their application, which should include the following:
- Cover Letter, Technical Proposal, Outlining your approach to printing the comic books and your experience in similar assignments, Financial Proposal, Providing a detailed cost breakdown for the entire assignment and Portfolio of Previous Work, Include samples of relevant work that demonstrate your experience in comic book or educational material printing.
All documents should be combined into one PDF not more than 5 pages and submitted via email to info@wougnet.org by 5:00 PM EAT on 27th January 2025 with the subject line “Application to Develop Comics on Gender and Digital Rights.”
Please Note:
- Women and individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Applicants must adhere to WOUGNET’s Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) policy and child safeguarding standards.
- Any attempts to influence the selection process through unsolicited communications, personal relationships, or other unfair means will result in immediate disqualification.
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