Session
Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet)
Florence Awino, KICTANet, Kenya IGF MAG Cherie Oyier, KICTANet, Advocate of High Court of Kenya Neema Mujesia, KICTANet, Kenya IGF MAG
Florence Awino, KICTANet, Kenya IGF MAG Cherie Oyier, KICTANet, Advocate of High Court of Kenya Neema Mujesia, KICTANet, Kenya IGF MAG
Organization's Website
Speakers
Florence Awino, KICTANet, Kenya IGF MAG
Cherie Oyier, KICTANet, Advocate of High Court of Kenya
Neema Mujesia, KICTANet, Kenya IGF MAG
Onsite Moderator
Cherie Oyier
Rapporteur
Florence Awino
SDGs
5. Gender Equality
5.2
5.b
10. Reduced Inequalities
10.2
10.3
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
16.1
16.10
16.3
Targets: The session directly contributes to Target 5.2, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, including femicide. It also aligns with Target 5.b, which promotes the use of ICTs to empower women, as it explores how digital tools facilitate activism, mobilisation, and access to justice. Online activism creates new avenues for marginalised voices to be heard, the session contributes to Target 10.2, which focuses on the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, particularly women facing gender-based violence. The discussion on the digital divide will also touch on Target 10.3, addressing structural inequalities that limit women's participation in online advocacy. The session reinforces Target 16.1, which aims to significantly reduce violence, by addressing the role of digital activism in pushing for systemic change in gender-based violence response mechanisms. Additionally, it aligns with Target 16.3, promoting the rule of law and access to justice, as it examines the legal challenges activists face when seeking accountability for perpetrators. Finally, discussions about online misogyny and digital safety relate to Target 16.10, which ensures public access to information and protects fundamental freedoms, particularly for women who face censorship and harassment in digital spaces.
5.2
5.b
10. Reduced Inequalities
10.2
10.3
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
16.1
16.10
16.3
Targets: The session directly contributes to Target 5.2, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, including femicide. It also aligns with Target 5.b, which promotes the use of ICTs to empower women, as it explores how digital tools facilitate activism, mobilisation, and access to justice. Online activism creates new avenues for marginalised voices to be heard, the session contributes to Target 10.2, which focuses on the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, particularly women facing gender-based violence. The discussion on the digital divide will also touch on Target 10.3, addressing structural inequalities that limit women's participation in online advocacy. The session reinforces Target 16.1, which aims to significantly reduce violence, by addressing the role of digital activism in pushing for systemic change in gender-based violence response mechanisms. Additionally, it aligns with Target 16.3, promoting the rule of law and access to justice, as it examines the legal challenges activists face when seeking accountability for perpetrators. Finally, discussions about online misogyny and digital safety relate to Target 16.10, which ensures public access to information and protects fundamental freedoms, particularly for women who face censorship and harassment in digital spaces.
Format
Hybrid
Duration (minutes)
30
Description
In January 2024, Kenya witnessed a historic wave of protests against femicide and gender-based violence, marking a defining moment for women’s activism in the country. Sparked by the alarming rise in violence against women, these demonstrations—the largest of their kind in Kenya’s history—were mobilised and driven by a collective of feminist women and allies using digital platforms like X , TikTok Live, and SMS. Women transformed social media into a dynamic public square, rallying thousands to the streets of Nairobi and five other towns, From the viral #EndFemicide hashtags to grassroots organising on TikTok Lives.
This session will dive into the role of digital platforms in enabling women to mobilise, organise, and amplify their voices during these protests. It will explore how women leverage technology to demand justice, challenge systemic inequality, and push for accountability in the face of a deeply entrenched culture of gender-based violence. However, this activism has not been without challenges. Women have had to navigate the toxic backlash of the "manosphere"—a network of online spaces promoting misogyny—while also confronting the inadequacies of the legal system, where perpetrators often evade justice despite robust laws.
The panel will examine the dual role of technology as both a tool for empowerment and a battleground for women’s rights. It will highlight the transformative potential of digital activism and address the risks women face online, from harassment to disinformation, and explore strategies for building resilient, inclusive movements. Through this discussion, the session aims to draw lessons for sustaining digital activism in the face of repression and inequality, offering insights with far-reaching implications for gender equality and digital rights across Africa.
Objectives
1. Explore how digital Ubuntu shapes women-led movements.
2. Discuss the intersection of online and offline activism, which is how digital tools coordinate logistics, share real-time updates, and ensure safety during protests.
3. Look into The digital divide and how it affects women’s participation in online mobilisation.
Since this is a 30-minute lightning talk, engagement will be fast-paced and direct. Live Q&A via Slido – Online and onsite participants submit questions in real time. The moderator selects key ones to ensure balance. Quick Polls – One or two interactive polls to gauge audience sentiment on key issues For the best hybrid experience, we'll do a concise and visual presentation – A 10-minute talk with impactful slides, then an engagement break at the 15-minute mark. We'll also have a dedicated online moderator.
Since this is a 30-minute lightning talk, engagement will be fast-paced and direct. Live Q&A via Slido – Online and onsite participants submit questions in real time. The moderator selects key ones to ensure balance. Quick Polls – One or two interactive polls to gauge audience sentiment on key issues For the best hybrid experience, we'll do a concise and visual presentation – A 10-minute talk with impactful slides, then an engagement break at the 15-minute mark. We'll also have a dedicated online moderator.