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In our ongoing efforts to champion the participation and leadership of marginalised youth in Internet Governance, we facilitated a session at IGF 2023 in Kyoto, Japan, titled “Criss-cross of Digital Margins for Effective Inclusion.” Conducted in a hybrid format and moderated by our Technical Support, Rachad Sanoussi and our Communications Lead, Hanna Pishchyk, the session spotlighted Tatiana HOUNDJO, Pavel Farhan, Jaewon Son, and Mohammad Atif Aleem – young experts from diverse nations and sectors, sharing their profound insights in enhancing digital inclusion and meaningful participation of underrepresented youth. In this blog, we highlight key take-aways from this crucial discussion, our Impact Report Launch/Awards, and our DIGRA Booth.

Mohammad Atif Aleem: Enabling Comprehensive Digital Inclusion Through Collective Action

Through a wide lens that spanned across digital challenges and collaborative strategies, Atif brought attention to Google’s Internet Saathi program in India, illustrating how collaborations between corporations and governments can enhance digital outreach, especially within underrepresented communities. Talking about universal access, he underscored the multifaceted nature of digital inclusion, highlighting the imperative of synergy where access and digital literacy walk hand in hand to truly bridge the digital divide and provide enabling opportunities to exercise digital citizenship for marginalised groups. 

Jaewon Son: Balancing Cultural Nuances with Youth Participation in Internet Governance

Jaewon navigated through the cultural and societal landscapes that often sideline youth, particularly in the context of Internet Governance in Korea. She shed light on a paradox where, despite technological advancement in her country, the youth’s contributions are often marginalised due to deeply ingrained cultural narratives and expectations. Emphasizing the critical role of multi-stakeholder approach in Internet Governance, Jaewon noted that the a shift from mere participation to a youth leadership is a pivotal aspect of effective digital inclusion, ensuring that youth contributions permeate through the cultural and societal fabrics that have traditionally hindered their meaningful participation.

Tatiana HOUNDJO: Women at the Forefront of Sustainable Digital Inclusion

While recognizing the strides towards gender inclusivity and female empowerment within the digital narrative, Tatiana emphasised that the momentum must be sustained and intensified ensuring that women are active shapers and decision-makers in the digital ecosystem. She spotlighted the ‘Bénin DNS Women’ project, showcasing a concerted effort towards ensuring female leadership within Internet Governance discussions and decision-making processes. Tatiana also highlighted the importance of internet access, not just as a tool for connectivity but as a catalyst for socio-economic enhancement, especially within marginalised communities.

Pavel Farhan: Academia as a Catalyst in Bridging the Divide

Pavel highlighted the stark realities of the digital divide prevalent in rural areas, with an example of his home country of Bangladesh. The lack of robust internet infrastructure, prohibitive costs, and a significant lack of digital literacy stood out as monumental barriers that often affect the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Meanwhile, his emphasis on the pivotal role of academic institutions advancing youth leadership in Internet Governance. Pavel advocated for a more robust integration of Internet Governance education within academic curricula and stressed the importance of nurturing a digital leadership ethos among students.

Impact Report Launch/Awards

We also celebrated five years of empowering young people globally through our Impact Report launched at the IGF led by DIGRA’s technical support, Rachad Sanoussi. The report “Unstoppable Together,” is a testament to the collective impact we’ve carried out over the course of our five years of existence in building future internet leaders by proactively engaging over 230 young people from underrepresented communities in over 65 countries globally while cumulatively facilitating over 190 community engagement projects in addressing internet-related issues in their communities through digital literacy, networking, and activism. This 5-year Impact Report chronicles Digital Grassroots’ journey of increasing digital citizenship on Internet governance and digital rights among youth from underrepresented communities globally from inception in December 2017 till date.

In addition to launching the Impact Report, DIGRA recognized outstanding community members for their contributions. Nancy Wachira, Grace Zawuki, and Stanley Junior Bernard were honored for their advocacy in bridging the digital divide, fostering collaboration, and promoting digital literacy. Their dedication exemplifies DIGRA’s commitment to empowering youth and building a more inclusive digital future.

DIGRA Booth

In addition to the sessions, Digital Grassroots had a booth at the IGF Village. The booth was organized by our Technical Support, Rachad Sanoussi, and served as a networking and candy station. We displayed several items at the booth including our 5-year Impact Report.

Charting the Path Towards Intersectional Digital Inclusion and Participation

The reflections and narratives shared during the session underscore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities inherent in the pursuit of intersectional digital inclusion and participation. Crafting a future where the digital landscape is not only accessible but is also shaped by every voice, particularly those from marginalised youth, requires a harmonised, ongoing, and inclusive effort.

The insights from our IGF 2023 panelists offer valuable perspectives in understanding and navigating the complexities of achieving authentic digital inclusion and participative Internet Governance. Learn more about the speakers and watch the full session here.

As we step into the new year, we are thrilled to share with you the culmination of our efforts and achievements in 2023 through the release of DIGRA’s Annual Report. This comprehensive document captures our journey over the past year, highlighting the impactful initiatives, transformative projects, and inspiring stories that have shaped our collective pursuit of empowering youth and advocating for digital rights. Join us as we unveil the essence of DIGRA’s mission and impact in our 2023 Annual Report.

A Year of Empowerment and Progress:
In the pages of our Annual Report, you will discover the initiatives and programs that have defined DIGRA’s impact in 2023. From empowering youth through our flagship programs to championing digital literacy and inclusion in underserved communities, each section of the report illuminates the breadth and depth of our collective endeavors. Through engaging narratives and insightful data we invite you to journey with us through the milestones and achievements that have marked our path in the digital landscape.

Highlights from the Report:

• Strengthening Our Foundation: Gain insights into DIGRA’s strategic initiatives aimed at fortifying our organizational structure and enhancing our capacity to drive meaningful change.

• Community Empowerment: Discover how DIGRA’s community-centric approach has empowered young leaders worldwide to become agents of change in their local communities.

• Innovative Programs: Learn about the innovative programs and projects launched by DIGRA in 2023, including the Digital Grassroots Ambassadors Program (Community Edition) and the development of the Digital Rights Monopoly game.

• Advocacy and Impact: Dive into the advocacy efforts and impactful initiatives undertaken by DIGRA to advance digital rights, promote digital literacy, and foster a more inclusive digital ecosystem.

As we reflect on the milestones and achievements documented in our 2023 Annual Report, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community members, partners, supporters, and stakeholders who have played a pivotal role in our journey. Your dedication, passion, and commitment have been instrumental in driving our collective impact and advancing our mission of empowering youth and advocating for digital rights. Together, let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable digital world.

By Muhammed Bello Buhari | October 16, 2023

The Generation Equality Forum (GEF) is a global gathering of activists, policymakers, and organizations working towards gender equality. This forum serves as a crucial platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action to advance the rights of women and girls worldwide. Digital Grassroots, as the sole youth representatives in the #GenerationEquality Action Coalition on Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality, was honored to participate in the GEF Bridge-Building workshop held in Kigali from July 22-24, 2023 through the representation of its Co-Founder & Global Lead, Uffa Modey.

This workshop strives to build foundational relationships and lines of communication between stakeholders to connect and nurture international and cross-movement relationship building that goes beyond GEF and supports youth in other multilateral advocacy processes. The workshop aims to recognize past challenges in the process and build effective methods of engaging youth; provide a space for healing and listening; identify links to the formal GEF process; and jump-start a path for longer-term collaboration and partnership. Here’s a glimpse into our experience and the impact of this vital event.

One of the most striking aspects of the GEF Bridge-Building workshop was its commitment to including youth voices. Digital Grassroots played an integral role as the only youth leaders in the Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality Action Coalition, representing the aspirations and concerns of young people, particularly those from underserved communities. The GEF workshop provided a unique opportunity for Digital Grassroots to connect with a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from Member States, philanthropy organizations, civil society, and intergenerational allies. These connections are crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable world where youth have a seat at the table.

During the workshop, participants openly discussed past challenges that hindered the engagement of youth in gender justice initiatives. These conversations were instrumental in identifying solutions and pathways for more effective collaboration between youth and non-youth stakeholders. In addition to discussions and workshops, the workshop also focused on the emotional well-being of participants. It provided a safe space for healing, listening, and authenticity, recognizing that activism can be emotionally demanding.

One of the key objectives of the GEF workshop was to distill lessons learned for longer-term collaboration and partnership. Digital Grassroots, represented by Uffa Modey, actively prioritized the role of youth in the GEF and other multilateral processes, ensuring that the momentum generated during the workshop continues. Digital Grassroots, under the leadership of Uffa Modey, worked towards building relationships and offering linkages between different key stakeholder groups involved in the Generation Equality Action Coalitions. These connections are essential for creating a more coordinated and impactful approach to gender equality.

Digital Grassroots is committed to empowering youth through digital literacy and engagement. Our participation in the GEF Bridge-Building workshop, especially as the only youth leaders in the Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality Action Coalition, reinforced the importance of digital skills and knowledge in advancing gender justice. We believe that digital literacy is not just a tool for personal growth; it’s a catalyst for social change.

In conclusion, the Generation Equality Forum (GEF) Bridge-Building Kigali workshop was a significant milestone in the journey towards gender equality. Digital Grassroots remains dedicated to amplifying youth voices, fostering collaboration, and promoting digital literacy as a means to empower young people in the fight for gender justice. Together, we can build a more equitable world for all.

Stay tuned for more updates on our ongoing efforts to empower youth and advance gender equality through digital literacy.

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the role of youth in steering the course of Internet Governance is paramount. At DIGRA, we stand at the forefront of this change, championing the cause of meaningfully engaging youth in Internet Governance across the globe. Our global community, spanning various countries, is a testament to our commitment to this cause. Osei Manu Kagyah from Ghana stands out as a dedicated member of our community, working toward building a youth-led digital space. While our reach is global, it is the individual stories of leaders like Osei that truly encapsulate the essence of our mission. We recently sat down with Osei to delve deeper into his experiences, insights, and aspirations for the digital future. Here’s our conversation with him.

DIGRA: Osei, it is wonderful to reconnect with you. We have been keenly following your leadership at the Youth IGF Ghana, and it is great to discuss it further. Also, a big thank you for inviting the DIGRA team to speak at the event. It was an honor.

Osei: Absolutely! When Lily Edinam Botsyoe and I were shaping the program’s agenda, I immediately thought of the talented individuals I knew at Digital Grassroots. Given my association as a fellow, it seemed fitting to invite them for a keynote. Lily brought up Uffa’s (Uffa Modey, Digital Grassroots Global Lead) name, which was a fantastic suggestion. Uffa joined us at the opening ceremony with a powerful keynote, emphasising the importance of solidarity. 

DIGRA: Can you share your personal experience in shaping and implementing this event?

Osei: Certainly, thank you for asking. The experience was genuinely fulfilling for me. Reflecting on my journey, being part of the ISOC Youth Ambassador program and the Digital Grassroots cohort in 2021, I feel I have come quite a distance. I played a pivotal role in organizing this program and represented the Ghana IGF. Our youth event preceded the main one, and during the main event, I presented our discussions from the previous day. Key figures from the digital ecosystem were present, and the entire experience felt deeply rewarding. Additionally, we showcased a documentary reviewing the Digital Grassroots Internet report during our program.

DIGRA: From your leadership at the youth IGF, what insights or lessons can you share?

Osei: During our program, our primary focus was fostering resilience among Ghanaian youth, aligning with the main IGF agenda of building a secure and sustainable digital future. We derived several key insights from our discussions:

The youth must not only grasp internet opportunities but also uphold ethical standards.

Enhancing digital literacy programs is crucial to bridge knowledge gaps and ensuring equal digital skills access.

Promoting a culture of fact-checking and emphasising the importance of accurate information dissemination is essential.

Addressing the digital divide is critical, and we must ensure equal access to digital tools without leaving anyone behind.

Collaboration between the private sector, civil society, and the government is vital for a system that bolsters youth entrepreneurship and innovation.

Encouraging intergenerational dialogue is essential, leveraging the unique perspectives of each generation for societal betterment.

We also discussed emerging technologies and trends, preparing Ghanaian youth to lead innovations.

DIGRA: Ghana appears proactive in encouraging youth involvement in internet governance. How do you assess the country’s standing in this regard?

Osei: Indeed. Ghana, I believe, is making commendable strides. I recently participated in the West African Youth IGF, hosted by Côte d’Ivoire. It was surprising to learn that many young individuals there had minimal knowledge about Internet governance. However, Ghana and Nigeria, within the West African region, are performing well. Other countries, like Cape Verde, are reaching out to learn from our experiences. In Ghana, the Youth IGF is dynamic. We have the Ghana Internet School of Governance (GIGS), where we introduce participants to Internet governance over a three-week course. 

DIGRA: Considering your active participation in various IGF editions, how do you see youth-led organisations influencing power dynamics during events like the IGF?

Osei: I contend that the youth frequently encounter disadvantages and roadblocks, particularly in terms of access to resources. Synergistic endeavors with well-established entities have the potential to improve this disparity. Interactions spanning different generations assume a paramount role, guaranteeing that seasoned individuals offer guidance to the youth. The youth exhibit enthusiasm and competence, although a substantial number remain uncertain about the appropriate starting point. When appropriately directed, their substantial contributions to discourse and policy formulation can be realised. Collaboration, resource allocation, and mentorship stand as pivotal factors in the progression of these deliberations and ensuing actions.

DIGRA: Finally, how do you envision the trajectory of youth engagement in internet governance across Ghana and Africa?

Osei: Looking ahead, I envision a future where more youth are actively engaged in the discussions and decision-making processes of internet governance. I see a time when internet governance is not something alien to anyone but a mainstream conversation. The youth will not just be props to balance discussions; their voices and inputs will be taken seriously and acted upon. In this future, the youth will emerge not only as digital users but as responsible digital citizens, proactively shaping their digital future. To achieve this, collaboration across different sectors and the availability of resources for the youth are paramount. I hope to see a time when our youth are at the forefront, genuinely influencing policies and discussions about the internet, its governance, and its impact on our societies.

DIGRA: It has been such a pleasure hearing your perspective. We appreciate you sharing your experiences with us and look forward to future engagements with you. 

Osei: Thank you for having me. Count me in for those future initiatives!

In our latest conversation, we shine a spotlight on the journey of Karen Mukwasi, our community member from Zimbabwe, and her organisation’s remarkable efforts in promoting digital inclusion and women’s rights. Through her relentless efforts with Pada Platform, she exemplifies the potential of grassroots movements to build a feminist Internet. Delve into Karen’s story to understand the challenges, successes, and aspirations shaping the future of digital empowerment in her region.

DIGRA: Hi Karen, thanks so much for joining us and being willing to share your story with us. It has been a year since your participation in the Digital Rights Learning Exchange Program, and we are eager to hear what you have been up to since then. But first, let’s talk about your organisation and your personal journey into becoming a filmmaker, writer, and women’s rights advocate. How did you find the intersection of these fields in your work?

Karen: I think it emerged from a need. My initial path led me into software engineering right after college. I worked in Botswana for a few years before returning to Zimbabwe in 2008. There, I joined a women’s filmmaking organisation, starting as an information officer focused on IT and communication. However, my work soon diversified. I ventured into writing, producing, and managing productions. The women’s rights organisation I worked for used film as a tool for advocacy. I coordinated a women’s film festival in countries like Malawi, Uganda, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. It was during this tenure that I delved deep into women’s rights advocacy. Joining the Women’s Coalition opened my eyes to the need for digital inclusion, especially since no women’s organisations seemed to be focusing on this. That’s when I revisited my roots in IT, this time from an advocacy perspective. This eventually led to the creation of the Pada Platform.

DIGRA: It is remarkable to hear about how international your journey has been leading to the Pada Platform. Can you elaborate on the symbolism behind the organisation’s name?

Karen: Certainly. “Pada” is a Shona word derived from the game hopscotch, known in Shona as “Pada”. In Zimbabwe, almost every girl has played this game, especially in less privileged areas, as it requires minimal resources. For us, it symbolises sisterhood, competitiveness, creativity, and the celebration of women’s achievements. We wanted our Platform to resonate with these values and to foster a space where young women and girls come together. Thus, “Pada Platform” was conceived by three of us, each rooted in film, IT, and women’s rights.

DIGRA: Our understanding is that you create a space for young women and girls to innovate and create. How do you achieve that? What practices and activities are implemented?

Karen: We run various programs, including digital literacy sessions targeting girls aged 13 to 21. Another segment, “Tech to Participate,” seeks to leverage technology to enhance the participation of young women. This encompasses both the digital literacy program and coding classes. We even host an annual hackathon where university students create tech solutions aimed at bolstering women’s participation. Additionally, we advocate for safe spaces for women, emphasising how the internet can be a potent tool in this pursuit.

DIGRA: With respect to your mission, we are also curious to hear how the Pada Platform challenges the perception of IT being male-dominated, especially when working with girls from less privileged backgrounds.

Karen: Our approach is deliberate: creating all-female spaces. We only allow female and non-binary participants, focusing on fostering confidence without intimidation or stereotyping. The transition we have observed is astounding; initially, timid girls evolve into confident coders, proudly showcasing their work.

DIGRA: Storytelling, given your background in filmmaking and writing, must hold a special place in your advocacy. Can you speak to its power?

Karen: Indeed, storytelling is transformative. It not only resonates with women by showcasing relatable success stories but also influences decision-makers. By presenting impactful narratives, we highlight the crucial role of internet access for women, especially during unforeseen situations like the covid lockdown.

DIGRA: You touched upon the internet as a space because you mentioned that we have one of the programs that run online. As a follow-up to our DRLX program that you engaged in last year, how do you see the internet and digital space as mediums to amplify your message and the work you’ve been doing?

Karen: The internet is a critical space at the moment, especially when you look at Zimbabwe. There has been a significant shrinking of the engagement space. Many arrests have occurred. We have lost our freedoms of assembly and association. The only safe assemblies we have are online. This is our most crucial outlet to tell our story. In Zimbabwe, there was an internet shutdown in 2019. Many violations occurred during that period. We documented 20 violations in one area alone, specifically against women. These were incidents of rape, physical assault, and political violence. Without the internet, women aren’t safe, nor do they have a voice. Bringing them online provides access to both a national and international audience. Our issues as Zimbabweans require an international audience. National advocacy often meets with resistance. But with international solidarity, we can be heard at the African Union level and even the United Nations.

DIGRA: Considering the national challenges you mentioned, what strategies have you found most useful for promoting your work, advocating for change, and providing women a safe space online?

Karen: Petitioning has proven effective. In 2020, we had a massive online petition for a 15-year-old girl who died in childbirth due to child marriage. At first, the police claimed ignorance, but after gathering 60,000 signatures, the police commissioner responded positively. Online advocacy, supported by Facebook and Twitter activity, amplified the issue. During the 16 days of activism last year, we initiated “Black Friday.” Participants shared images of themselves in black, protesting child marriage. We now have a Children’s Act that tackles these issues, thanks to consistent online advocacy.

DIGRA: You have also mentioned internet advocacy campaigns. Can you share your experience during our Digital Rights Learning Exchange Cohort 1 program and any insights you have been able to incorporate into your work?

Karen: Certainly. During the program, I was part of the Access and Affordability group, focusing on women’s digital inclusion. With the Internet Society, we started a similar project in Zimbabwe, promoting women’s online access and affordability. We hope to expand our project after the upcoming elections. Working with the local chapter of the Internet Society, plan to train women parliamentarians on digital inclusion and necessary policies. We are also considering a community networks school next year to empower women further.

DIGRA: It is inspiring to hear. In terms of community engagement, how do you facilitate the transfer of knowledge in your context, and what are your aspirations for the Pada Platform and the broader landscape of digital inclusion and women’s rights in your region?

Karen: We collaborate with other organisations and community-based institutions. They send representatives to us. We have trained 20 women human rights defenders, who are our liaisons in various communities. When I think about our vision, I would say our primary aspiration is to establish feminist digital hubs in communities, making it easier for women to access the internet, digital devices, and training.

DIGRA: That is amazing! Please keep us updated about your work and achievements. We would love to hear about Pada Platform successes. 

Karen: Thank you. I appreciate the platform to share my story. 

In the vast digital landscape, where powerful entities exert control, there are young individuals who rise above, passionately advocating for a fairer, more inclusive internet. Today, we are honored to shine the spotlight on one of our community members — our Technical Support — Rachad Sanoussi, a remarkable young digital champion whose tireless efforts have made a profound impact on internet governance. Hailing from Benin, Rachad embarked on his journey to transform the digital landscape, armed with a deep understanding of the importance of Internet governance. As a student of computer science and telecommunications, he observed the challenges faced by his community in accessing and utilising digital technologies. Recognizing the centralization of power and the need for diverse voices to be heard, Rachad fearlessly stepped forward, determined to make a difference — to advocate for the voices of internet users, especially marginalised groups, in the decisions that directly affect them.

In 2019, Rachad was selected as an Internet Society’s Youth IGF Ambassador Fellow, granting him the opportunity to attend the 2019 Internet Governance Forum in Berlin, Germany. This experience deepened his understanding of Internet governance as he learned about global Internet infrastructure and policy and connected with a vibrant community of Internet governance professionals. It was during the forum in Berlin, while visiting the stands, that Rachad discovered Digital Grassroots, a platform that piqued his interest. Eager to learn more, he collected our flyers and stickers and explored our Ambassadors program.

Upon his return to Benin, Rachad noticed that Digital Grassroots had launched a call for applications for the Community Leaders for Internet Health program, a project that’s part of the Mozilla Open Leaders X initiative and supported by Mozilla Foundation’s Internet Health Report team. Being an advocate for open internet, he applied and was selected to participate. In early 2020, Rachad participated in the program, which he co-created for 2021. As part of his fellowship project, he collaborated with Internet Society Benin to map the history of the Internet in Benin. Rachad showcased his talent for connecting global organisations to local issues using a bottom-up, multistakeholder approach.

In August 2020, Rachad joined the board of Digital Grassroots, providing technical support. He started by becoming an active member of our online community of young internet governance activists, engaging in discussions, forums, and events to expand his knowledge of crucial internet governance issues. As his involvement grew, Rachad recognized that one of the most pressing challenges was digital access and inclusion. This realisation led to his participation in national and international internet governance meetings, including his first ICANN meeting.

Working with Digital Grassroots, Rachad curated the Community Leaders Program for Internet Advocacy, which focused on using the internet for democratic participation. Within Internet Society Benin, he collaborated with civil society associations through various actions such as digital campaigns and open letters. One notable achievement was advocating for the use of the internet to prevent an internet blackout during the previous presidential elections in Benin. His technical prowess combined with his active participation in dialogues on healthy internet, gender equality, and technology gives him unique insights into the challenges faced by underrepresented youth.

In 2021, Rachad continued his engagement in internet governance. He participated as a Fellow Participant in the Virtual Research Sprint titled “Toward an African Narrative on Digital Sovereignty” and also became a fellow of the Ghana School on Internet Governance. His dedication and contributions to internet governance education led him to receive the Youth Digital Champion Award from the mEducation Alliance.

At the 16th Internet Governance Forum (IGF 2021) held in Katowice, Poland, Rachad and a group of young people coordinated the work of the working group on Universal Access and Meaningful Connectivity. Together, they presented the results of several months of work at the IGF Global Youth Summit. Their Points of Action can be found here.

Throughout the years, Rachad has emerged as a leading figure in Internet governance in his region. His active participation has raised awareness among policymakers about key Internet governance issues and encouraged open and inclusive dialogue. In 2022, he had the privilege of attending the African School on Internet Governance (AfriSIG) organised by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), and became a fellow twice in a row for two ICANN meetings.

Rachad’s dedication to promoting fair, transparent, and inclusive Internet governance has extended beyond his region. He has collaborated with activists worldwide, contributing to the creation of tools and resources that empower internet users better to understand the risks and challenges of internet governance. Recently, he was honored with the inaugural Paul Muchene Fellow Award at the ICANN 76 Community Forum.

Today, Rachad takes pride in his journey and the impact he has made on internet governance. He continues to work with unwavering passion and dedication, defending the rights of internet users and striving to build a more equitable and privacy-friendly digital future.

“In 2019, at the Internet Governance Forum in Germany, I discovered Digital Grassroots while visiting the booths. That’s when I became fascinated with everything they do. I wanted to know more about their ambassador program and even collected their flyers and stickers. Back in Benin, I participated in their Community Leaders for Internet Health program, which provided me with invaluable knowledge on connecting global organisations to local issues using a bottom-up approach. Since then, I have joined their board as technical support, co-created youth programs, and actively engaged in discussions, forums, and events on critical internet governance issues. Through these endeavours, I strive to amplify the voices of youth and marginalised groups, ensuring that inclusion is at the forefront of internet governance agendas.“

Together, let’s applaud Rachad Sanoussi as he continues to shape internet governance and inspires others to stand up for a fair and inclusive internet for all. His remarkable journey, fueled by passion and dedication, serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that individuals can make in the digital realm. Through his unwavering commitment, he strives to ensure that the voices of internet users, especially marginalised groups, are heard loud and clear. Join us as we celebrate Rachad’s awesomeness, his outstanding achievements, and his ongoing efforts to build a more equitable, privacy-friendly, and empowering digital future.

We recently published our impact report, showcasing the incredible work Rachad has been shaping as part of our team. We invite you to explore the report here and discover the inspiring impact stories of other community members as well.

Digital Grassroots, in a landmark partnership, teamed up with the RightsCon team to co-create and deliver the Young Leaders Summit (YLS), a key component of RightsCon 2023. We engaged from the preparatory stages, putting our expertise to work and shaping the event to effectively cater to young digital rights advocates from around the globe. RightsCon 2023 was a global event organized by Access Now that aimed to bring together over 8,000 participants from 174 countries to discuss and promote a rights-respecting digital future. With a diverse range of programming across 15 tracks, RightsCon provided a platform to address various topics and challenges related to digital rights. The event occurred in San Jose, Costa Rica, from 5th to 8th June 2023, with registrations to the various sessions open to the public.

Workshop: Movement Building for Youth at RightsCon

Our organization had the opportunity to contribute to the RightsCon Young Leaders Summit by hosting a workshop titled ‘Movement Building for Youth at RightsCon’ on June 5, 2023, which was facilitated by David Aragort, our stellar community member from Venezuela, researcher, and advocate in the field of tech, democracy, and human rights. David played a pivotal role in the workshop, adapting the session design and methodology to create a space that effectively married learning and networking. Leveraging his extensive experience, David ensured that the workshop catered to the needs of the participants, who were mainly newcomers to the RightsCon space.

In addition to his active role in facilitating the workshop, David further contributed to the event by actively participating and representing the youth voices of the global south. Drawing from his experiences on the ground, David shared invaluable insights, his perspectives shed light on the challenges and opportunities faced by young leaders advocating for digital rights in regions such as Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua. Some of the key insights he shared during the event include:

• The urgent need for increased international support and solidarity to amplify the voices of activists working in authoritarian states, address challenges they face and promote collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and open dialogue to counter digital authoritarianism.

• The importance of leveraging innovative technological solutions to address censorship and surveillance challenges faced by digital rights advocates.

• The importance of resources and support for youth engagement in digital rights advocacy, including networking opportunities and social spaces, to enhance the overall experience for newcomers and participants.

• The significance of promoting digital literacy and skills training programs to empower marginalized communities in the global south and bridge the digital divide.

These insights from David underscored the critical role that youth leaders from the global south play in advancing digital rights, and they sparked meaningful discussions and exchanges among participants. We extend our gratitude to David for his invaluable contribution to the success of this workshop.

RightsCon Costa Rica Youth Social Hour

In addition to the workshop, we hosted the ‘RightsCon Young Leaders Summit Social Hour.’ This virtual session was facilitated prior to the Young Leaders Summit on May 29, 2023, by our Chief Strategist, Esther Mwema, our Global Lead, Uffa Modey, our Communications Lead, Hanna Pishchyk, our Programs Lead, Morisola Alaba, and our Tech Support, Rachad Sanoussi, brought together approximately 50 participants from over 20 countries. The social hour allowed young participants to engage with one another, build connections, and network. 

Our guest speaker delivered a presentation introducing attendees to the history, mission, and impact of RightsCon, while also sharing best practices and pathways for remotely participating in RightsCon Costa Rica. Participants were self-divided into three discussion groups based on their interests related to RightsCon and its key topics, focusing on connecting and networking, collaborations for digital rights advocacy, and available digital rights advocacy resources. The interactive format allowed participants to connect, exchange ideas, and explore potential partnerships. This session highlighted the significance of fostering international connections and cooperation among young leaders, paving the way for future joint efforts in promoting digital rights worldwide.

In conclusion, our organization’s participation in RightsCon 2023 proved to be a valuable experience. The Young Leaders Summit and its Social Hour provided meaningful engagement opportunities for young leaders, facilitating connections and collaborations. They highlighted the importance of interactive sessions, inclusive networking spaces, and ongoing discussions on pressing digital rights issues. 

Reflecting on the event, we also recognize the need to do more. We must strive to include more young people, particularly those from marginalized communities, in spaces like RightsCon. This year, the unfortunate reality of exclusion manifested when over 300 participants from less-recognized nations could not attend due to visa complications. Additional challenges emerged from financial constraints tied to visa procurement and travel expenses. These challenges are even more pressing for young people, who often lack the resources and support to participate fully. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to advocate for more inclusive policies and measures that address these barriers, allowing for diverse and representative participation of voices at events like RightsCon. Moving forward, our organization remains committed to empowering young leaders, amplifying marginalized voices, and actively working towards a more inclusive and accessible digital rights landscape.

Are you a Digital Grassroots Ambassadors Program alumni interested in using the Internet as a tool for social good and development? We invite you to step forward for the community edition of our program, the Digital Grassroots Ambassadors Program Cohort 6.

The key objective of this edition is to equip our alumni to take on the role of digital literacy trainers, imparting crucial insights on Internet governance and digital rights to 15-20 young individuals (14-29 years old) from their local communities. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to fostering proactive youth participation in Internet Governance and endorsing Internet Literacy as an indispensable instrument for realizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 5, 10, 16, and 17.

Key stages of the program include a 2-week onboarding for trainers, a 4-week online course phase where trainers guide their trainees through the Internet Literacy Course, and a concluding 2-week mentorship phase introducing trainees to the world of Internet Governance.

Program Timeline:

Onboarding and trainee registrations: July 31 – August 11, 2023

Online course phase: August 13 – September 9, 2023

Mentorship phase: September 11 – 22, 2023

Final presentations virtual event: September 22, 2023

If you’re aged between 14-29 years and dedicated to knowledge sharing and community engagement, we want you to apply. Thanks to our generous donors, we can provide a $500 stipend to all selected community trainers to support their internet connectivity costs during the program.

Applications are open until July 14, 2023. Successful candidates will be notified via email by July 21, 2023.

Join us in our effort to create a more inclusive digital future through community empowerment.