Consultancy

Background:

The Our Voices, Our Futures (OVOF) project, supported by the Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET), aims to enhance women’s voices, rights, and leadership in both offline and online spaces, particularly focusing on marginalized and structurally silenced women. As part of ongoing advocacy to create inclusive and safe digital environments, WOUGNET has been actively engaging with government regulators and representatives to understand the governance frameworks around online spaces in Uganda.

To support this work, WOUGNET is seeking a qualified consultant to develop a Policy Brief that highlights the key issues and recommendations identified during these engagements with government bodies. This brief will inform national-level advocacy efforts for improving the governance of online spaces in Uganda and ensuring a gender-inclusive digital environment.

The objective of the Consultancy:

The main objective of this consultancy is to produce a comprehensive gender inclusive Policy Brief that outlines the regulatory challenges, governance frameworks, and potential solutions related to online spaces in Uganda, with a special focus on gender inclusion and safety for structurally silenced women.

Key Concerns:

Freedom of expression (Gendered disinformation, media freedoms, online gender-based violence etc.) and the absence of robust protection mechanisms.
Access to the internet and the digital divide, especially for women and underserved communities.
Data Protection and Privacy (Cybercrimes, Data protection and governance, surveillance, smart city developments linked to privacy etc.)
Access to information in terms of the existence of laws and accessibility.
Digital Inclusion; looking at the Inclusive Digital ID systems and Universal Service Fund

The consultant while analysing the key concerns governing the online space, the policy brief must prioritize the following:

Gaps and challenges in the current regulations governing online spaces, particularly for women and marginalized groups.
Findings from recent consultations with government representatives and regulatory bodies on the state of digital governance in Uganda.
Recommendations for policy changes, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement to ensure inclusive digital spaces.

Scope of Work:

The consultant will:

Review documentation and findings from consultations held between WOUGNET and government representatives/regulators involved in the governing of online spaces in Uganda.
Analyze Uganda’s current legal and policy frameworks governing online spaces, especially in relation to gender.
Identify key challenges, opportunities, and gaps in these regulations and provide solutions to bridge these gaps.
Develop practical, evidence-based recommendations for improving the governance of online spaces, ensuring they are safe and inclusive.
Facilitate stakeholder input into the development of the policy brief, including discussions with civil society organizations, digital rights advocates, and government bodies.
Draft and finalize a gender inclusive Policy Brief for dissemination to stakeholders and policy influencers.

Expected Deliverables:

A detailed Policy Brief (10-15 pages) summarizing findings and recommendations from engagements with government regulators, focusing on governance frameworks of online spaces and gender inclusion.
A presentation or summary document to facilitate dissemination to key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and international partners.

Duration:

The consultancy is expected to last four (4) weeks from the signing of the contract.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

Proven expertise in digital rights, gender, and policy advocacy.
Experience in drafting policy briefs, position papers, or research reports.
Familiarity with Uganda’s regulatory and digital landscape.
Strong analytical and communication skills.
Experience working with civil society organizations, government institutions, or advocacy groups in Uganda or similar contexts.

Submission Guidelines:

Interested applicants should submit the following:

A technical proposal outlining the approach to developing the policy brief. (max 3 pages)
A financial proposal detailing the total cost of the consultancy, including daily rates and other expenses.(max 1 pages)
CVs of the consultant or team members, highlighting relevant experience.
Samples of previous work, especially policy briefs or similar advocacy documents.

Submission Deadline:

All applications must be submitted by 10th November 2024 to info@wougnet.org with the subject line: “Consultancy Proposal: OVOF Policy Brief on Governing Online Spaces.”

Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

Relevance and clarity of the methodology.
Consultant’s experience and qualifications.
Cost-effectiveness of the proposal.

We look forward to receiving your applications and working together to advance gender-inclusive internet governance in Uganda!

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 is developing 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 a series 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 designed in a format accessible to different literacy levels, including both urban and rural populations.
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 gender issues to develop educational comic books. The consultant will be responsible for:

Comics Design and Development:

Create a series of comic books (5-10 comics) addressing key themes such as gender and digital rights, online safety, and digital literacy.
Ensure the content is engaging, simple, and accessible to the target audience (primarily women and girls aged 15-35).
Incorporate elements of storytelling that reflect the lived experiences of women and girls in Uganda’s digital space.

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 the final comics in digital formats suitable for online dissemination (PDF, mobile-friendly).
Ensure the comics are designed for easy distribution, including print-friendly designs for wider dissemination across CSOs.

Duration

The consultancy is expected to last for 1 month, starting from the date of contract signing.

Eligibility and Requirements

The consultant or creative team should have the following:

Proven experience in comic book design, illustration, and educational content creation.
Strong understanding of gender and digital rights issues.
Ability to deliver creative and visually appealing materials within the stipulated timeframe and budget.
Experience working with communities in Uganda or similar contexts is an added advantage.

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 developing the comic books, your experience in similar assignments, and your understanding of gender and digital rights issues, 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 development.

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 17th October 2024 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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Introduction:

Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) is a non-governmental organization that works to empower women and girls in Uganda through the use of information and communication technology (ICT). As part of our ongoing efforts to combat Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV), WOUGNET seeks to develop a comprehensive web portal that will serve as a one-stop resource for OGBV support services and holistic information access. This portal will be integrated into our existing website (https://wougnet.org/) and social media channels (X, Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin), ensuring broad access to critical and timely information and support services for survivors/victims of online gender-based violence in Uganda and beyond.

WOUGNET, with support from Enabel, is implementing this project to provide a comprehensive and secure web portal that empowers women and girls by raising awareness about Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) and offering essential psycho-social, legal, and technical support services.

Background:

The internet, while a powerful tool for empowerment, has increasingly become a hostile environment for women and girls in Uganda. Based on WOUGNET’s study in 2021 with Makerere University School of Women and Gender Studies (MakSWGS) on Assessing the Types, Spread, and Impact of Online Gender-Based Violence in Uganda, it was discovered that online gender-based violence is widespread in Uganda (mentioned by 88% of the respondents). The widespread nature of Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV), coupled with low digital literacy—only 35% among women and girls—leaves them vulnerable to harassment, abuse, and exploitation online. Despite the growing prevalence of OGBV, there is a significant lack of accessible resources and support services tailored to address these challenges. This growing online hostility not only limits women’s creative expression but also discourages their participation in civic life, particularly in leadership roles, online education, commerce, and entrepreneurship. The unchecked spread of OGBV poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of women and girls, reinforcing systemic inequalities and undermining efforts to achieve gender equality in the digital age.

WOUGNET’s initiative to develop a one-stop web portal aims to fill this critical gap by offering psycho-social, legal, and technical support to victims of OGBV. This platform will empower women and girls to navigate the online space openly, freely, safely, securely and confidently, providing them with the tools and resources needed to protect themselves and seek help when needed.

Objective:

The primary objective of this initiative is to raise and amplify awareness among the population, particularly women and girls in the rural, peri-urban and urban areas of Uganda and beyond, about the dangers of OGBV and the services available to combat it. The portal will provide access to psycho-social, legal, and technical support to victims of OGBV and will be designed to reach at least 15,000 users.

Expected Outcomes:

Increase awareness of OGBV and available support services to at least 15,000 users
Create a one-stop web portal for OGBV services that is integrated with WOUGNET’s website.

Expected Outputs:

A comprehensive, user-friendly online/web portal for OGBV support services and information access developed with consideration of some of the Principles of Digital Development and Feminist Principles of the Internet and integrated into WOUGNET’s website.
AI chatbots embedded within the designed web portal platform and across WOUGNET’s social media channels to provide real-time support and information to victims/survivors of OGBV.

Scope of Work:

WOUGNET is seeking a consultant with expertise in digital platform development, user experience design, and AI integration. The consultant will be responsible for:

Platform Design and Development:
- Develop a responsive and accessible web portal integrated into WOUGNET’s existing website.
- Ensure the platform provides easy access to psycho-social, legal, and technical services for victims of OGBV.
- Integrate user-friendly interfaces that facilitate engagement and information dissemination.
AI Chatbots Integration:
- Develop and integrate AI-driven chatbots into the platform and WOUGNET’s social media channels.
- Ensure the chatbots provide timely and accurate support to victims of OGBV.
- Enable the chatbots to guide users to appropriate services and resources.
Testing and Optimization:
- Conduct rigorous testing of the platform and AI chatbots to ensure functionality, usability, and security.
- Optimize the platform for various devices and internet bandwidths common in Uganda.
Training and Documentation:
- Provide training to WOUGNET staff on managing and updating the web/digital platform and social media platforms.
- Develop comprehensive documentation for the platform and chatbot usage, including troubleshooting guides.
Launch and Dissemination:
- Support WOUGNET in launching the web portal platform and ensure it is accessible to at least 15,000 users.
- Assist in developing a dissemination strategy to maximize the platform’s reach, particularly among women and girls.

Duration:

The consultancy is expected to last for 3 months, starting from the date of contract signing.

Eligibility and Requirements:

The consultant should have:

Proven experience in digital/web portal platform development, particularly for NGOs or similar organizations.
Expertise in AI chatbot development and integration.
Strong understanding of online gender-based violence issues and support services.
Ability to deliver within the stipulated timeframe and budget.
Experience working with communities in Uganda or similar contexts is an added advantage.

Application Process

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their application which should include the following;

A cover letter (1 page).
A technical and financial proposal detailing the value and capacity to undertake the assignment. This should include prior similar assignments, experience or expertise, especially with Non-governmental Organizations and feminist tech-led organisations. (5 pages).
Portfolio of previous work demonstrating relevant experience. (4 pages).
The cover letter, technical proposal, financial proposal, and portfolio should be submitted in one PDF, not exceeding the allocated number of pages for each.
Submission of the Curriculum Vitae and proposal should be e-mailed to info@wougnet.org by 5:00 PM EAT on 14th September 2024, with the subject line “Application to Develop the Online GBV Information Access and Support Services Portal”

Please Note:

Females are greatly encouraged to apply for this opportunity.
Applicants must refrain from any attempts to influence the selection process through unsolicited communications, personal relationships, or any other means

that could be perceived as unfairly seeking favors or preferential treatment. Any such actions will result in immediate disqualification from the selection process.
Applicants are required to fully adhere to the organization’s Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) policy and child safeguarding rules. Any conduct that falls short of these standards, whether during the application process or the consultancy period, will result in immediate disqualification and may lead to further legal or disciplinary action.

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Call for Proposal Applications for Physical Security and Safety Consultant under the Our Voices, Our Futures (OVOF) Project

Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) is seeking proposals from consultants for the Our Voices, Our Futures (OVOF) Project. The aim is to enhance capacity-building workshops focused on physical safety and security for women human rights defenders.

Find the link to the Digital Security and Safety TOR here

Call for Proposal Applications for a Digital Security and Safety Consultant under the Our Voices, Our Futures (OVOF) Project

Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) is seeking proposals from consultants for the Our Voices, Our Futures (OVOF) Project. The aim is to enhance capacity-building workshops focused on digital safety and security for women human rights defenders.

Find the link to the Digital Security and Safety TOR here

Introduction

Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) is a non-governmental organization initiated in May 2000 by several women’s organizations 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 Information Communications Technologies (ICTs) for sustainable development.

WOUGNET with support from the Commonwealth Foundation is implementing the Civil Society in Uganda Participation Program. This program seeks to enhance the vibrancy and resilience of women-led Civil Society Organisations in Uganda, through fostering constructive engagement between civil society and Government to identify necessary reforms and expand protection mechanisms to create a safe and enabling environment for women-led CSOs in Uganda, majorly focusing on Freedom Of Expression.

Background

Despite existing legal and policy frameworks, CSOs in Uganda continue to face barriers to their existence and operations, including new laws and policies that infringe human rights and freedoms. As a result, CSOs have been subjected to suspensions, criminal allegations, and withdrawal of permits. Human rights activists are particularly vulnerable to censorship and harassment due to a general lack of public awareness about human rights.

Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) is working with civil society and government to contribute to a more open and secure environment for women-led civil society organizations in Uganda by increasing knowledge of policies governing Freedom of Expression and Access to Information to improve legal compliance and addressing capacity gaps that contribute to misinterpretation and misapplication of policies.

Project outcomes

i) A Vibrant and resilient women-led Civil Society organization in Uganda

ii) Increased knowledge and awareness among women and broader CSOs on the restrictive laws and policies affecting their freedom of expression and right to access of information

iii) Women-led CSOs engage constructively with government departments, agencies, and policymakers to challenge discriminatory laws and policies affecting the freedom of expression and right to access of information.

Scope of the Assignment

Participate in an inception meeting with WOUGNET to discuss and agree on the finer details of the consultancy.
Work in close collaboration with the Project Lead and Executive Director to provide all the information necessary to have the Legal Education Guide updated and produced.
Update the already published women’s rights online legal education guide by WOUGNET to include the new amendments, other emerging gender-sensitive issues such as online gender-based violence, and Acts calculated to push back against progress made on gender justice, and simplify it to cater to the needs of women-led CSOs as well as create awareness regarding Freedom Of Expression and Access to Information.

Duration of the Assignment

The consultant has a maximum of 30 working days, (after the inception meeting) to deliver the final policy brief to WOUGNET for review. Internal review will take 7 working days after which the consultant will address the concerns from WOUGNET (if any) and submit the finalized copy within 7 working days. Please Note that no extension shall be granted.

Deliverables

Update the WOUGNET published women’s rights online legal education guide to include the new amendments, other emerging gender-sensitive issues such as online gender-based violence and Acts promoted as pushback against progress made on gender justice, and simplify it to cater for the needs of women led CSOs and create awareness regarding Freedom Of Expression and Access to Information.

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.

The consultant should have demonstrated skills, expertise, and experience in the area of gender and development, women’s rights online, digital human rights, policy analysis, development studies, research, and law.

Demonstrated ability to complete similar assignments in a timely manner and deliver quality results.

Good understanding of the Gender sensitive ICT policy-making and implementation process on women’s rights online.

Good understanding of the critical policy issues/concerns and challenges faced by women in the digital spaces as well as various interventions in addressing these challenges with a focus on Freedom Of Expression.

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

Application Process

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications which should include the following;

- Technical and financial proposal of not more than 5 (five) pages detailing the value and capacity to undertake the assignment. This should include prior similar assignments, experience or expertise especially with Non-governmental Organisations.

Curriculum Vitae of not more than 4 pages, majorly encompassing qualifications.

The Curriculum Vitae, and technical and financial proposal should be submitted in that order in one PDF, not exceeding the allocated number of pages for each.

Submission of the Curriculum Vitae and proposal should be e-mailed to info@wougnet.org , cc mgt@wougnet.org , and imarunga@wougnet.org by 5:00 PM EAT on 21st June 2024, with the subject line “Proposal to update the WOUGNET published women’s rights online legal education guide”