Earlier this week, we joined Mzalendo Trust for an “Awareness and Capacity-Building workshop” in Nairobi, aimed at enabling a safer and inclusive digital space in Kenya. This initiative, supported by the #KenSafe grant and funded by the European Union in Kenya is in collaboration with various organizations including Internews, KICTANET, BAKE Kenya, Watoto Watch Network, Tribeless Youth, and Mzalendo Trust.
The interactive forum targeted youth and women in peri-urban areas, addressing challenges posed by new technologies and empowering participants with essential skills to protect themselves online. The event emphasized the importance of digital safety, focusing on cyberbullying, misinformation, and disinformation.
Some of the key issues discussed include:
Cyberbullying
There have been growing concerns of cyberbullying, which has become a significant issue with the rise of digital interactions. Experts discussed various strategies to combat cyberbullying, including awareness campaigns, legal frameworks, and community support systems. Participants were encouraged to promote respectful online behavior and report any incidents of bullying.
Misinformation and Disinformation
Misinformation basically is false or inaccurate information that has been reported without the intentions of misleading people whereas Disinformation is false information that has been shared with the intend to mislead. The digital age has come with a rampant spread of false information. The forum covered techniques to detect fake news and counter disinformation effectively. Participants learned how to verify sources, cross-check facts, and use reliable information to make informed decisions.
Fake News Detection
One of the critical skills imparted was the ability to identify and debunk fake news. Participants were trained on using fact-checking tools and understanding the motives behind disinformation campaigns.
AYETA toolkit by Paradigm Initiative is one of the key tools that were discussed in the workshop. The tool aims to address the growing need to safeguard digital rights defenders, journalists, whistle blowers, and others members of the public working with sensitive information in the global South.
This training is crucial in empowering content creators to produce accurate and reliable content.
Inclusive Digital Spaces
The forum also underscored the importance of fostering a culture of digital inclusivity. By educating youth and women on their rights and responsibilities online, the initiative aims to create a more informed and resilient digital community.
The focus was not only on protection but also on proactive measures to build a safer digital environment for all.
Safer Digital Space
Participants were trained on identifying and countering fake news, understanding the dynamics of online violence, and promoting respectful online behavior.
This collaborative effort is essential in empowering these groups with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and protect themselves in the digital landscape, fostering a more inclusive and secure online environment in Kenya
The forum is a significant step towards creating a safer and more inclusive digital environment in Kenya. By equipping youth and women with the necessary skills and knowledge, the initiative aims to foster digital safety and respect online.
Continued efforts and collaborations will be crucial in sustaining these gains and ensuring a secure digital future for all Kenyans.