In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, women are influential leaders, in shaping online conversations, advocating for change, and championing a feminist internet. The Future of Work project seeks to empower women in the media industry by equipping them with the digital tools and skills needed to navigate the digital realm effectively while strengthening their digital resilience.
Expanding Across Africa
Over the past two years [2021–2022], Pollicy has joined forces with key organizations in the media and technology sector, specifically Women in Media Professional bodies such as the Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA), the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), and the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Kenya. Supported by partners like the Urgent Action Fund- Africa, Meedan, and the Association for Progressive Communication (APC), the Future of Work project was initially launched in Uganda and Kenya in 2021.
The Future of Work project seeks to provide women in the media (both legacy and alternative) with the necessary digital tools and knowledge to not only survive but thrive in the digital age, play a major role in closing the digital gender divide, and ensure that fellow women can participate fully and freely in the ever-expanding digital world.
The works are now expanding across the African continent to include the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, Cameroon, Senegal, and Mozambique, in addition to the initial countries (Uganda and Kenya). On top of the Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA), the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), and the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) in Kenya, we are happy to announce our newest partners: The Media Institute of Southern Africa advocates for media freedom and freedom of expression in southern Africa (MISA) in Mozambique, L’Union Congolaise des femmes des Médias (UCOFEM) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), PROTEGE QV in Cameroon, Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA) and Media Focus on Africa in Uganda. This expansion is a testament to the commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive digital environment for women throughout Africa.
A Collective Mission
In the ever-changing world of work where more and more people are earning online from digital content creators, digital broadcasting, and gig work, the internet remains an open space that can accommodate more as quality and relevant content remains in high demand.
To allow people to fully enjoy their freedoms, work, earn, and play, it is essential to maintain open, usable, and accessible online spaces. As more individuals turn to the internet for work opportunities, we must work to ensure that these spaces remain open and available to all, regardless of their background or circumstance. By prioritizing the creation and dissemination of quality, relevant content, we can ensure that the Internet continues to serve as a valuable resource for all those who rely on it for their livelihoods and personal fulfillment.
It is on this premise that from 2023 to 2025, Pollicy and its partners are on a collective mission that involves:
1. Promoting a Feminist Internet
In this digital space, women’s voices are celebrated, gender-based discrimination is actively opposed, and digital safety is a top priority. The goal is to build a critical mass of African women who are not only well-versed in promoting a feminist internet but are also actively engaged in shaping it. In turn, it protects and promotes their future of work that addresses and serves their needs such as flexibility, creativity, and even social protection.
2. Media Engagement and Policy Advocacy
Media remains the most powerful tool for bringing about change and unity. This project focuses on women journalists and media practitioners, who will work together to influence good Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) policies and regulations, promote positive online narratives, hold online perpetrators accountable, raise awareness, and equip women with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the digital age.
3. Shaping the Digital Landscape
The project involves comprehensive consultations with organizations and individuals dedicated to creating a more equitable internet. This collaborative effort includes multi-country research and consultations, culminating in the development of the very first Annual Afro Feminist Internet Scorecard — a tool to evaluate progress and challenges in achieving a fair and equitable internet for different African countries.
4. Celebrating Positive Contributions
We intend to host the inaugural Afro Feminist Internet Awards. These awards will honor and celebrate individuals, communities of practice, and organizations that have contributed outstandingly to promoting an equitable internet. The goal is to celebrate those championing a feminist internet on the continent focusing on tackling gender power imbalances and inequalities within the digital sphere.
5. Our Vision: A Feminist Internet for The Future of Work
The Future of Work is intrinsically linked to our online safety and ability to prevent and respond quickly to any threats (digital resilience). Therefore through this work Pollicy and the partner’s commitment revolves around the creation of a feminist internet for Africa — a space that offers safety and inclusivity, enabling women and marginalized populations to explore, engage, and enjoy technology without fear.
Regardless of their roles and backgrounds as leaders, journalists, creatives, activists, technologists, or educators, women have the potential to drive positive change. They can influence ICT policies, shape online narratives, hold online perpetrators accountable, raise awareness, impart skills and knowledge, and design platforms that prioritize safety and privacy and ultimately transform women’s experiences in the digital realm and beyond. And that for us is the “Future of Work”!
This blog was written by Tricia Gloria Nabaye (Engagement and Advocacy Coordinator) and Phillip Ayazika (Program Manager) for Pollicy.