Session
The session is organized by:
- APNIC Foundation
- Raj Singh, CEO, APNIC Foundation, WEOG
- Omar Ansari, Digital Leap South Asia Project Leader, APNIC Foundation, AP
- Lima Madomi (Afghanistan), Coordinator, Afghanistan School on Internet Governance (AFSIG), Civil Society, Teaching and Research Assistant, UNIGe, AP
- Anja Gengo, Internet Governance Programme Expert, Digital Policy & Regulation, IGF - onsite
- Amrita Choudhury, Director CCAOI - onsite
- Neeti Biyani, Senior Strategy and Development Advisor, APNIC Foundation - onsite
- Lima Madomi, Teaching and Research Assistant, UNIGe - remote
- Dr. Maria Beebe, Consultant, IDG/Asia Open RAN Academy - remote
- Dr. Farzaneh Badiei, Founder, Digital Medusa - remote
- Sajia Yarmal, Coordinator, Afghanistan Youth IGF - remote
- Zhala Sarmast, Technical Content Strategist, SepPure Technologies - remote
Abdul Ghayoor Bawary, afNOG committee member, Coordinator afIGF
Lima Madomi, Teaching and Research Assistant, UNIGe
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
Targets: Our proposal directly aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: - SDG 5: Gender Equality - By focusing on Afghan women and addressing barriers to internet connectivity and education, we aim to promote gender equality and ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership. - SDG 4: Our efforts to bridge digital gaps and enhance access to education contribute to achieving inclusive and equitable quality education for all, fostering lifelong learning opportunities. - SDG 8: By empowering women through education and digital connectivity, we facilitate their participation in the workforce, promoting economic growth, and contributing to decent work for all, especially for marginalized communities.
Roundtable
- Keynote Address: The session will feature a keynote speaker with expertise in women's rights, education, and technology to provide insights into the current situation and opportunities for change. - Panel Discussion: A diverse panel of experts, including Afghan women leaders, educators, technologists, and policymakers, will be engaged to discuss challenges, opportunities, and strategies for enhancing Internet connectivity and education for Afghan women. - Case Studies and Success Stories: Inspiring stories and examples of Afghan women who have benefited from Internet access for education, entrepreneurship, and advocacy will be shared.
This session explores strategies to help overcome obstacles to Internet access and education for Afghan women. Attended by key stakeholders and women in technology, the session will feature expert insights, interactive discussions and inspiring stories concerning gender equality and empowerment in the digital space in Afghanistan. The session will a) highlight the challenges faced by Afghan women due to education bans and limited access to Internet; b) showcase successful initiatives and case studies of women leveraging Internet access for education, skill development, and economic opportunities in Afghanistan; c) discuss strategies to improve Internet infrastructure, digital literacy, and online safety measures for Afghan women; and d) explore partnerships, opportunities, and collaborative efforts to support women's access to education and digital resources in Afghanistan.
To ensure an engaging hybrid session, we will employ several strategies: - Our main moderator will be participating on site. - We will designate a skilled remote moderator to facilitate seamless interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees. - The moderator will actively manage discussions, ensuring all voices are heard and questions are addressed. - We will design the session with a balanced focus on both onsite and online participants, utilizing visual aids and clear communication to maintain engagement across both platforms. - We will leverage online tools/platforms such as interactives, chat features, and collaborative document sharing to enhance participation and interaction. - We will prioritize accessibility and interactivity to create a cohesive and inclusive experience for all participants, regardless of their location.
Report
Addressing Barriers to Education through Connectivity and Access: The session highlighted the significant challenges Afghan women face in accessing education due to bans and limited Internet access. Internet connectivity was emphasized as a critical tool for overcoming these barriers and fostering educational opportunities.
Showcasing Success Stories for Empowerment: Inspiring case studies demonstrated how Afghan women in the past and now in diaspora have successfully leveraged Internet access for education, skills development, and economic opportunities, providing a roadmap for scalable initiatives.
Collaborative Strategies for Digital Inclusion: Discussions underscored the need for improved Internet infrastructure, targeted digital literacy programs, and online safety measures. Collaboration among stakeholders, including policymakers, donor communities, technologists, and educators, was identified as vital for sustainable change.
Develop a Multi-Stakeholder Action Plan: Create a roadmap for improving Internet access and digital literacy for Afghan women, focusing on partnerships with local and international organizations to ensure scalability and long-term impact.
Launch Online Safety and Digital Literacy Campaigns: Initiate programs to address online safety concerns and equip Afghan women with the skills needed to navigate the digital space confidently and securely, fostering greater participation in education and economic activities.