Tabitha Wangechi
Gender and Digital Security Advocate
Actions
Tabitha is a gender and digital security advocate, centering African voices in Internet governance discourse. My mission is to contribute to the development of ethical, sustainable and inclusive technology policies and practices.
Links
Area of Expertise
Topics
Youth Takeover: Building Future Internet Leaders
The Internet is a wonderful resource that provides opportunities to people around the globe. It transforms our lives and society for the better and belongs to each and every one of us.
But the Internet faces threats on multiple fronts. That is why the Internet Society, together with partners, offers a range of programs to equip and empower the next generation of Internet leaders—to grow and strengthen the Internet for everyone who needs it, benefiting the world’s diverse populations equitably. The future of the Internet is in your hands.
This session will feature a moderator and a diverse panel of 3-4 Internet Society Youth Ambassadors and/or Internet Society Alumni representing regions around the globe who will share their stories, speak about their successes in Internet governance, and share how youth are shaping conversations around the Internet.
We will also touch on how our programs prepare diverse cohorts of fellows to expand their knowledge, develop their careers, and make their voices heard to shape the future of the Internet.
The session will include an audience participation portion to gather questions and comments from the audience. It will inspire them to start or continue their involvement in the Internet space and work to keep the Internet open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy.
Enhancing Gender Equity in Internet Access through Infrastructure and Digital Literacy in Africa.
1. Background and Rationale
Despite significant progress in the digital space, Africa remains the region with the lowest internet penetration rate globally. The gap in internet access disproportionately affects marginalized communities, especially women, youth, and rural populations. Barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, affordability, and a lack of digital literacy further widen the digital divide, leaving millions unable to fully benefit from digital opportunities.
This session aims to address these issues, focusing on ensuring universal access and meaningful connectivity. Gender inclusion, infrastructure development, and enhancing digital literacy are key pillars in overcoming these challenges. The session will provide a platform for stakeholders, including policymakers, the private sector, and civil society, to discuss solutions and strategies to foster inclusivity and sustainable development through improved internet access.
2. Objectives
Identify Barriers: Examine key barriers to achieving affordable and reliable internet access in Africa, with a focus on infrastructure, costs, and digital skills.
Promote Gender Inclusion: Highlight gender-specific challenges faced by women and girls in accessing and using the internet and discuss strategies to bridge the gender digital divide.
Foster Collaboration: Facilitate dialogue among stakeholders, including government representatives, tech experts, civil society organizations, and private sector players, to identify and share best practices.
Propose Solutions: Develop actionable recommendations for improving digital literacy, expanding infrastructure, and implementing policies that ensure equitable and meaningful connectivity.
3. Key Discussion Areas
Infrastructure Development: Challenges in building resilient and affordable broadband infrastructure in underserved and rural communities and strategies for addressing these issues through public-private partnerships and innovative solutions.
Affordability and Cost: Exploring ways to reduce the cost of internet access through regulatory frameworks, competition policies, and community networks to make connectivity affordable for all.
Gender Inclusion: Addressing the gender digital divide by understanding socio-cultural barriers, improving access to digital resources for women and girls, and promoting gender-responsive policies and programs.
Digital Literacy: Promoting digital skills development as a critical aspect of meaningful connectivity, with a focus on capacity-building initiatives for marginalized communities and rural populations.
4. Session Format
Opening Remarks (10 minutes): Introduction and overview of the session by the moderator.
Panel Discussion (20 minutes): A diverse panel of experts, including policymakers, tech innovators, digital inclusion advocates, and representatives from gender-focused organizations, will discuss challenges and solutions.
Interactive Dialogue (20 minutes): Open discussion where participants engage with the panelists through Q&A and share experiences and insights from different regions across Africa.
Conclusion and Recommendations (10 minutes): Summary of key takeaways and formulation of actionable recommendations for stakeholders and participants.
5. Proposed Speakers and Moderators
We aim to have a diverse panel that represents different regions and expertise areas, ensuring gender balance and inclusivity. We propose inviting:
Government Representative: Expert in ICT policy and digital transformation.
Private Sector Leader: Telecom provider or infrastructure developer with experience in African markets.
Gender and Digital Inclusion Advocate: Representative from a women’s rights organization or UN Women.
Tech Innovator: Entrepreneur focused on affordable connectivity solutions and local community networks.
Civil Society Representative: An expert on digital literacy programs targeting marginalized groups.
Moderation will be led by a PAYAIG Ambassador experienced in facilitating inclusive discussions and well-versed in the challenges of digital transformation across Africa.
6. Expected Outcomes
Identification of key barriers and challenges to universal access and meaningful connectivity in Africa.
Actionable recommendations for stakeholders, including governments, private sector actors, and civil society, to promote gender inclusion, infrastructure development, and digital literacy.
A collaborative action plan for stakeholders to implement policies and initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide in Africa.
7. Target Audience
The session is open to:
Policymakers and government officials involved in ICT and infrastructure development.
Civil society organizations and NGOs working on digital inclusion and literacy programs.
Private sector representatives, particularly from the tech and telecommunications industries.
Youth ambassadors, gender advocates, and community leaders committed to promoting universal internet access.
African IGF participants interested in digital transformation and inclusion.
8. Logistics and Requirements
Platform: In-person (African IGF venue) with virtual participation via video conferencing for inclusivity.
Technical Support: Audio-visual setup for panel discussions, presentation materials.
Strengthening African Youth Engagement and Knowledge Sharing in Internet Governance
This session will bring together key players working on initiatives around youth empowerment in the internet governance space to discuss how young people can actively contribute to shaping Africa’s digital policies. As the internet becomes increasingly central to Africa’s development, it is essential that young voices are not just included but positioned as leaders in the conversation. Youth have a unique vantage point, being both the most engaged users of digital tools and the primary drivers of technological innovation. Their involvement in policy discussions is key to creating solutions that address the real challenges faced by African societies.
The session will tackle the barriers that often prevent youth from meaningful participation in Internet governance processes, such as limited access to resources, lack of awareness, and the complexities of engaging with policy at a high level. Speakers from the Internet Society, the Pan-African Ambassadors on Internet Governance (PAYAIG), Youth IGFs, and other leading youth initiatives will share insights on how to create more opportunities for young Africans to influence digital policy. Practical examples from successful youth-led initiatives will be presented, demonstrating how young people have shaped key policy outcomes in areas like digital inclusion, online rights, and internet freedom.
We will also explore the growing opportunities for capacity building, with a focus on how to empower young people to engage in Internet governance at national and regional levels. By equipping youth with the knowledge and skills to navigate policy spaces, we can ensure that their contributions go beyond advocacy and translate into actionable, sustainable outcomes. This session will emphasize the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, showcasing the essential role of youth in creating an inclusive, future-ready digital governance framework for Africa.
Through this interactive session, participants will gain practical strategies, build stronger networks, and come away with a clearer understanding of how to strengthen youth involvement in Internet governance across Africa. The goal is to move beyond dialogue and take concrete steps toward making the internet a space where young Africans can fully participate in shaping their digital future.
Objectives of the session:
- Showcase the role of young Africans as critical stakeholders in internet governance, ensuring their perspectives are integrated into policy-making processes.
- Discuss practical solutions for addressing the challenges that prevent young people from fully engaging in internet governance, such as lack of resources and policy awareness.
- Explore strategies to equip young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to influence Internet governance at national, regional, and global levels.
- Encourage stronger partnerships between youth, governments, civil society, and the private sector to foster an inclusive and forward-looking digital governance framework.
- Move beyond discussion by developing concrete steps that youth can take to actively engage in Internet governance processes and influence digital policies in their countries and regions.
Digital Access and Meaningful Connectivity: Challenges and Opportunities for Youth in Africa
This panel discussion will delve into the critical issue of universal access and meaningful
connectivity, particularly for Africa's youth. Despite the vast digital potential across the continent, many young people still face barriers to consistent, affordable, and effective internet access.
The discussion will focus on these challenges, with panelists from diverse sectors (government, private sector, and civil society) sharing insights on overcoming these barriers and creating opportunities for sustainable digital inclusion.
Through a dynamic exchange of ideas, the panel will explore policy initiatives, innovative
technologies, and collaborative models that empower young Africans to thrive in the digital age.
By incorporating real-world examples and best practices, the session will highlight how digital access can be a catalyst for economic growth, education, and social empowerment, ensuring that no young person is left behind. The audience will have the opportunity to engage with panelists, raising questions and discussing practical solutions for a more connected and inclusive future.
How it will be done as a Panel Discussion:
The session will feature a diverse group of experts, including policymakers, digital entrepreneurs, and young people who have experienced the challenges of limited access. Each panelist will present their perspectives on how to achieve meaningful connectivity and overcome obstacles. The discussion will be interactive, with the moderator posing questions to stimulate conversation andencourage audience participation.
In the second half of the session, the floor will be open to attendees to ask questions, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages networking and the exchange of ideas on practical approaches to enhancing digital access across Africa.
The session will close with a summary of key takeaways, with each panelist providing a final remark on:
* What needs to change at the policy level to improve digital access?
* How can the private sector contribute to making connectivity more affordable and sustainable?
* What role can young people play in advocating for meaningful connectivity in their countries?
Attendees will be encouraged to stay engaged in digital inclusion efforts, whether through policy advocacy, entrepreneurship, or community initiatives.
This panel discussion aims to spark meaningful conversations, foster cross-sector collaborations, and inspire practical solutions for ensuring digital access and connectivity for all young Africans.
Data Governance: Addressing Challenges and Fostering Trust in Africa’s Digital Ecosystem
This session will explore the complexities of data governance in Africa, focusing on the current challenges and opportunities related to data privacy, protection, localization, and democratization. The round table panel discussion aims to bring together policymakers, digital rights advocates, tech entrepreneurs, data protection officers, and representatives from civil society to engage in a multi-stakeholder dialogue. The objective is to identify actionable strategies and policies that foster trust in Africa’s digital ecosystem while ensuring the responsible and inclusive management of data.
Building Digital Resilience for Online Safety
In an increasingly interconnected world where the internet plays an essential role in our daily lives, the session titled "Building Digital Resilience for Online Safety" aims to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and safety. Understanding the potential risks inherent in the digital realm and cultivating resilience are crucial steps towards ensuring a secure online experience.
Addressing Identity Theft and Fraud in Digital Transactions
As Africa rapidly digitizes, the risks of identity theft and fraud in digital transactions are escalating. Digital financial services, e-commerce platforms and government e-services are crucial drivers of economic growth and inclusion on the continent, yet they are highly vulnerable to fraud and cybercrime. Identity theft poses significant risks to both individuals and organizations, compromising sensitive data, and undermining trust in digital systems.
This session aims to provide a comprehensive overview of identity theft in the African digital landscape, explore the latest trends in digital fraud, and discuss strategies to secure personal and financial information. It will examine the role of legal frameworks, cybersecurity best practices, and innovative technologies such as biometrics and digital identity management systems in preventing identity fraud. Participants will engage with real-world case studies and explore how governments, private sector players, and civil society can work together to protect African citizens and businesses.
Advancing Women’s Safety Online: Tips and tools from Selected African countries.
This session intends to draw emphasis on the digital breakthroughs made in supporting women's safety online in selected African countries. With the growing influence of the internet and digital technology, it is critical to comprehend the unique difficulties and challenges that women confront online. We will discuss effective techniques, experiences, and tools used to advance women's safety and foster a safe digital experience by reviewing the experiences of speakers from the following countries; Nigeria,Uganda,Kenya and Ethiopia.
The session will include insightful discussions and conversations from experts, activists, and policymakers who have been at the vanguard of online advocacy for women's rights. We will discuss their experiences, success stories, and lessons learned, providing participants with practical advice on reproducing and adapting these approaches.
Please note that Sessionize is not responsible for the accuracy or validity of the data provided by speakers. If you suspect this profile to be fake or spam, please let us know.
Jump to top