Introduction

In an increasingly digital world, technology has emerged as a powerful, yet double-edged, tool in the struggle for gender equality. From grassroots movements to global campaigns, digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for gender advocacy and mobilization, enabling activists to raise awareness, share information, connect with allies, and influence public opinion on an unprecedented scale. However, the digital space also presents unique challenges, including online harassment, misinformation, and privacy concerns, particularly for women and gender-diverse individuals. Leveraging technology effectively requires not only technical proficiency but also a strategic understanding of digital landscapes, ethical considerations, and robust digital security measures to ensure that online spaces are safe and empowering for all. This essential training course focuses on Technology for Gender Advocacy and Mobilization, equipping participants to harness digital power responsibly and effectively.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip gender equality advocates, human rights defenders, civil society organizations, communications professionals, and community organizers with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to utilize technology for impactful gender advocacy and mobilization. Participants will gain a deep understanding of digital advocacy strategies, learn to select and use appropriate digital tools, and explore methods for building online communities and campaigns. The course will delve into topics such as social media for advocacy, digital storytelling, online campaign development, data visualization for impact, digital security and privacy for activists, and countering online harassment and misinformation. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Technology for Gender Advocacy and Mobilization, participants will be empowered to amplify voices, build movements, and drive meaningful progress towards gender equality in the digital age.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Gender Equality Advocates and Activists
• Human Rights Defenders
• Civil Society Organization Staff (Communications, Advocacy, Program)
• Social Media Managers for Non-Profits
• Community Organizers and Mobilizers
• Journalists and Media Professionals focused on gender issues
• Communications and Public Relations Professionals
• Researchers in Gender Studies and Digital Activism
• Youth Leaders and Peer Educators
• Students interested in Digital Advocacy

Course Objectives

• Understand the potential and challenges of technology in advancing gender equality.
• Analyze various digital tools and platforms for gender advocacy and mobilization.
• Learn to develop strategic online campaigns for gender equality issues.
• Acquire skills in digital storytelling and content creation for advocacy.
• Comprehend the importance of digital security, privacy, and online safety for gender activists.
• Explore methods for mobilizing online communities and fostering digital solidarity.
• Identify strategies for countering online harassment, misinformation, and hate speech.
• Understand how to measure the impact of technology-driven gender advocacy efforts.
• Examine global best practices and innovative examples of technology for gender equality.
• Develop a practical digital advocacy action plan for their specific issue or organization.
• Enhance critical thinking skills to navigate the ethical dimensions of digital advocacy.

Course Content

Module 1: The Digital Landscape for Gender Advocacy

• Overview of the digital revolution and its implications for social change.
• Opportunities and risks of online spaces for gender equality movements.
• The digital gender divide: understanding unequal access and its implications.
• Ethical considerations in online advocacy: power dynamics, representation, consent.
• Introduction to key digital platforms and their relevance for advocacy.

Module 2: Strategic Digital Advocacy Planning

• Defining advocacy goals and objectives in a digital context.
• Identifying target audiences and key influencers online.
• Developing compelling messages and calls to action for digital campaigns.
• Crafting a digital advocacy strategy: from awareness to action.
• Budgeting and resource allocation for technology-driven initiatives.

Module 3: Social Media for Gender Mobilization

• Leveraging popular social media platforms (e.g., X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) for gender advocacy.
• Content strategies for engagement: hashtags, trends, viral content.
• Building online communities and fostering meaningful interactions.
• Utilizing live streaming and interactive features for mobilization.
• Case studies of successful social media campaigns for gender equality (e.g., #MeToo).

Module 4: Digital Storytelling and Content Creation

• The power of narrative in gender advocacy.
• Techniques for creating compelling digital stories (e.g., video, infographics, photo essays).
• Developing multimedia content that resonates with diverse audiences.
• Tools and software for basic graphic design, video editing, and audio production.
• Ethical considerations in portraying stories of lived experience online.

Module 5: Online Campaign Development and Engagement

• Designing and launching online petitions and fundraising campaigns.
• Utilizing email marketing and messaging apps for targeted outreach.
• Engaging online influencers and allies to amplify messages.
• Strategies for driving offline action through online mobilization.
• Monitoring and adapting campaigns in real-time based on online engagement.

Module 6: Digital Security and Privacy for Gender Advocates

• Understanding common online threats: phishing, hacking, surveillance.
• Best practices for securing digital accounts and devices (e.g., strong passwords, 2FA).
• Protecting personal data and sensitive information online.
• Secure communication tools and encrypted platforms.
• Developing a personal and organizational digital safety plan.

Module 7: Countering Online Harassment and Misinformation

• Recognizing forms of online gender-based violence (OGBV) and harassment.
• Strategies for responding to online attacks and hate speech.
• Reporting mechanisms on social media platforms and legal avenues.
• Identifying and debunking misinformation and disinformation related to gender issues.
• Building digital resilience and supportive networks for activists.

Module 8: Data Visualization and Impact Measurement

• Using data to strengthen gender advocacy arguments.
• Tools for visualizing gender data effectively (e.g., charts, maps, infographics).
• Measuring the reach and engagement of digital advocacy campaigns.
• Assessing the qualitative and quantitative impact of online mobilization.
• Reporting and communicating results to stakeholders and the wider public.

Module 9: Emerging Technologies and Future Trends

• Exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for gender advocacy (e.g., chatbots, data analysis).
• Understanding the role of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in immersive advocacy.
• Decentralized technologies (e.g., blockchain) for transparency and security.
• Addressing ethical dilemmas and biases in new technologies.
• The evolving landscape of digital rights and freedom of expression for gender activists.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training