The annual 12th Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) will take place from April 29 to May 2, 2025, in Lusaka, Zambia, with participants from around the world. Hosted by Paradigm Initiative, the DRIF will bring together stakeholders from the government, non-governmental organisations, academia, media, and the private sector within the digital ecosystem to share experiences and map strategies that transcend geographical boundaries.
Under the theme “Promoting Digital Ubuntu in Approaches to Technology,” the DRIF will provide a platform to build a digital community rooted in Digital Ubuntu, where collaboration and inclusivity drive the future of technology.
During the event, WOUGNET will engage with diverse stakeholders to shape policies and innovations that ensure collective approaches, digital rights, and inclusion, bridging the digital divide, fostering trust, and championing an inclusive and tech-driven future.
WOUGNET firmly believes in the power of digital rights inclusion to uplift and empower women. We will actively contribute to discussions on data protection, privacy, cybersecurity, human rights and freedoms, digital inclusion, AI, and emerging technologies.
The 12th edition of the DRIF will be held under the following themes;
- Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
- Trust and Accountability
- Data Protection, Privacy and Cybersecurity
- Digital Inclusion and Marginalised Groups
- Digital Security
- Human Rights and Freedoms
SESSIONS WOUGNET IS HOSTING AND PARTICIPATING IN
Title: Reclaiming Gender Justice in the Digital Age: Countering Backlash and Advancing Digital Rights and Equity
This session will explore strategies that undermine gender equality in digital spaces, strengthen counter-backlash efforts, share key findings from research projects, and disseminate key insights from the 2024 policy mapping and observatory research reports under the Countering Backlash program. The focus will be on the shrinking of online civic space and feminist organising in digital spaces.
Speakers: David Iribagiza, Peter Ongom, Wala Mohammed, Iffat Jahan Antara, Peninah Igaga
Date: Thursday,1st May, 2025
Time: 8:40 am – 9:40 am CAT
Format: Hybrid
Host: Women of Uganda Network(WOUGNET)
Venue: Room 4
Title: Legal framework regulating Gendered Disinformation in Africa during Elections
This session will gather diverse speakers from Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Cameroon, and DRC to analyse the existing legal frameworks regulating gendered disinformation in selected African countries, examine the implementation of the existing legal frameworks, exchange knowledge on what has worked and what has not worked, and will also come up with multi stakeholder recommendations for response mechanisms.
Speakers: Sandra Aceng, Mataje Mawazo, Bulanda T Nkhowani, Bonnita Nyambwire, Sylvie Siyam
Date: Tuesday, 29th April, 2025
Time: 3:40 PM – 4:40 PM CAT
Format: Physical
Host: Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
Venue: Room 6
Title: 205 State of Digital Rights in Zambia Report Launch- Freedom that never was!
This session will feature the launch of the Zambia Digital Rights Report which is designed to provide an in-depth analysis and comprehensive overview of the state of digital rights and inclusion in Zambia, raise awareness and education among various stakeholders, policymakers, civil society organisations, the private sector and the general public about the importance of digital rights and inclusion, and a tool for building the capacity of stakeholders to understand, protect, and advocate for digital rights.
Speakers: David Iribagiza, Richard Mulonga, Michelle Mwiinga
Date: Tuesday, 29th April, 2025
Time: 14:00-15:00 CAT
Format: Physical
Host: Bloggers of Zambia
Venue: Room 5
Title: Harmonising Efforts: A Roadmap for Effective OGBV Prevention and Response in Africa
In this session, WOUGNET will highlight the unique online challenges faced by women, especially marginalised women with disabilities and from queer communities. The session will also feature case studies, polls, and a structured Q&A to explore issues such as policy gaps, underreporting, and low digital literacy. WOUGNET will also share actionable recommendations to promote the inclusion of marginalised groups and advocate for policy reform necessary to promote digital inclusion.
Speakers: Sandra Aceng, Jemimah Inyangudo, Tawanda Mugari, Cherie Oyier
Time: 11:30 am-12.30 pm CAT
Date: Wednesday 30th April, 2025
Format: Physical
Host: TECH Project Women Initiative (TECHHER)
Venue: Room 4
Title: East and West – Advancing Inclusive ICT Policies in Africa
This panel will explore the state of digital accessibility in East and West Africa, highlighting existing policies and frameworks, such as the African Disability Protocol and national ICT accessibility standards. It will also examine challenges, including inaccessible digital content, insufficient assistive technologies, and low awareness among policymakers and developers.
Speakers: David Iribagiza, Florence Awino Ouma, Nicodemus Nyakundi, Sarah Kekeli, Cherie Oyier
Date: Thursday,1st May, 2025
Time: 12:10 – 1:10 PM CAT
Format: Physical
Host: Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet)
Venue: Room 5
Title: Internet, Social Media and Cultural Dominance: Perspectives and Challenges in the Digital Age
The session will examine the impact of Internet and social media platforms use among the young sub-Saharan population, engage in a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of the Internet, social media, and smartphones, including the expression of cultural dominance on social media platforms and the Internet, and how social media algorithms designed primarily by Western companies can serve to reinforce existing cultural hierarchies.
Speakers: Esther Nyapendi, Benjamin Akinmoyeje, John Perrino, Farzaneh Badiei
Date: Thursday 1st May, 2025
Format: Physical
Host: Namibia University of Science and Technology
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CAT
Venue: Room 6
Thus, the annual Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) will provide a platform for stakeholders like WOUGNET to come together and shape the future of an inclusive internet through significant contributions to the discussions and addressing the challenges of digital inclusion, policy reform and digital resilience.
More information: https://drif.paradigmhq.org/agenda/