Unstoppable Together:Digital Grassroots Impact Report Launch | IGF 2023 Launch / Award Event #143

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During the event, the audience expressed concerns regarding the lack of multilingualism and the predominance of English-speaking Africans at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The audience specifically highlighted the need for the IGF to promote a multilingual environment. One audience member from Cameroon expressed surprise at learning about the project for the first time at the event.

This observation drew attention to the necessity of reaching out to countries where English is not the primary language of communication.

The call for a multilingual environment at the IGF aligns with the goals of inclusivity and reduced inequalities, as outlined in SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

By accommodating various languages, the IGF can ensure that individuals from diverse backgrounds have equal access and representation in shaping internet governance.

In addition to the language barrier, an audience member from Cameroon also highlighted the need for clarification on how to become an ambassador for the Digital Grassroots Movement.

This request reflects an interest in actively participating and contributing to the movement’s objectives, particularly those related to quality education (SDG 4) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10).

Overall, the audience’s concerns and requests highlight the importance of promoting inclusivity, reaching out to non-English speaking countries, and providing clear guidelines for participation.

Addressing these issues will enhance the effectiveness and impact of the Digital Grassroots Movement and create a more diverse and inclusive environment at the IGF.

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In this extended summary, we have two individuals, Estelle and a team, who express positive sentiments about their achievements. The team’s hard work and dedication resulted in the completion of an impact report, showcasing their remarkable accomplishments. Their efforts have led to the creation of new young leaders from their side of the world, highlighting the team’s ability to make a lasting and positive impact on their community.

Estelle, in particular, takes great pride in the team’s success.

Estelle also strongly believes in the importance of representation and recognizes its significance in creating a fair and inclusive society. To promote representation, Estelle initiated DIGRA programs with the aim of fostering increased representation from their side of the world.

These programs are designed to empower individuals and provide them with opportunities to make their voices heard, aligning with the goals set forth by SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

The positive sentiments expressed by both Estelle and the team reflect the significance of their achievements.

Through hard work and dedication, the team’s impact report serves as tangible evidence of their success. Moreover, the creation of new young leaders signifies the team’s ability to inspire and cultivate future talent. Estelle’s commitment to representation further emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in various domains, including the Internet governance ecosystem.

This analysis sheds light on the remarkable accomplishments of the team and Estelle’s dedication towards creating positive change.

Through their efforts, they aim to reduce inequalities and create a more inclusive world. The success of their initiatives serves as an inspiration for others, encouraging them to follow suit and make a difference in their respective communities.

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Grace embarked on her DIGRA journey in 2022 when she participated in the Digital Rights Learning Exchange, which proved to be a transformative experience for her. This opportunity equipped her with valuable knowledge and skills in the field of digital rights.

Recognising her potential, Grace was subsequently selected to join the prestigious Community Solutions Program, solidifying her dedication to addressing digital rights issues in the United States.

Grace expresses her profound gratitude for the DIGRA community, which has shaped her perspective and fostered her personal and professional growth.

She acknowledges the invaluable impact DIGRA has had on her journey and credits it for her positive transformation.

Collaboration emerges as a crucial factor in this context, with Grace highlighting its potential to make a significant difference in communities and elevate Africa’s global standing.

Emphasising the power of collective efforts, Grace and her fellow advocates strive to effect positive change by addressing digital literacy and digital rights issues.

Grace’s own experiences serve as evidence supporting the argument for collaboration and its benefits.

By working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, they can adopt a comprehensive approach to solving complex challenges. Furthermore, their collective efforts not only improve their own communities but also position Africa as a hotbed for innovative solutions in digital rights.

In summary, Grace’s involvement in DIGRA and the Community Solutions Program is a testament to the transformative power of such initiatives.

Through collaboration and a shared commitment to enhancing digital literacy and digital rights, Grace and her team make a meaningful impact in their communities, propelling Africa into the spotlight as a catalyst for positive change.

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Hanna Pishchyk, who is currently based in France, is the Communications Lead at Digital Grassroots. She plays a crucial role in acknowledging the efforts and impacts of DIGRA community members. Digital Grassroots is a community of Internet governance advocates focused on sharing knowledge and experiences.

They aim to achieve global digital inclusion, reduce digital inequalities, and promote digital literacy. Nancy Vachira, a member of DIGRA since 2018, works towards reducing digital inequalities in rural communities and represents DIGRA in various events and initiatives. Stanley Junior-Burner has been an impactful member of the DIGRA community, contributing to various projects and leading a successful DIGRA mini-hackathon in Haiti.

Stanley also promotes digital literacy and mitigates gender-based violence through platforms like the Young Girls Empowerment Initiative in Haiti. The efforts of Hanna, Nancy, and Stanley highlight the importance of industry, innovation, and infrastructure in achieving Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) of the Sustainable Development Goals.

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Nancy Wachira’s journey with the Digital Inclusion and Governance Research Alliance (DIGRA) has been instrumental in her growth as an advocate for digital inclusion. Since joining DIGRA in 2018, Nancy has actively engaged with the organisation and has become an essential part of its efforts to bridge the digital divide.

One of the key ways in which Nancy has contributed to DIGRA’s cause is by representing the organisation at various international events, such as the Commission on the Status of Women.

This involvement has not only provided her with a platform to share her insights on digital inclusion but has also allowed her to network with like-minded individuals and organisations. Through these interactions, Nancy has been able to broaden her perspective on the issue and gain a deeper understanding of its global impact.

Furthermore, Nancy’s work with DIGRA has had a specific focus on reducing digital inequalities in rural communities.

She recognises the importance of ensuring that people living in remote areas have equal access to digital technologies and opportunities. By actively working towards this goal, Nancy is actively contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Reduced Inequality (SDG 10).

In addition to her involvement with DIGRA, Nancy also acknowledges the significant impact of her mentors and the supportive community within the organisation.

Mentors such as Esther, Ufa, and Wadhangi have played a crucial role in guiding and shaping Nancy’s advocacy journey. Their expertise and guidance have provided Nancy with invaluable insights and teachings, enabling her to further develop her skills and knowledge in the field of digital inclusion.

Overall, Nancy Wachira’s involvement with DIGRA has been transformative.

Her active participation in the organisation, representation at international events, and focus on reducing digital inequalities in rural communities highlight her dedication to the cause of digital inclusion. Furthermore, the influence of her mentors and the supportive DIGRA community has significantly contributed to Nancy’s growth and success as a digital inclusion advocate.

Through her efforts, Nancy is making tangible contributions towards achieving the SDGs and creating a more equitable digital future for all.

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Rachad Sanoussi, a technical support member of Digital Grassroots, introduces himself as he takes the stage to present the impact report. He expresses his optimism and excitement for the launch, firmly believing in the collective force of the organization and the community in effecting change in the digital space.

Rachad’s deep-rooted faith in the team’s abilities and capabilities shines through his speech.

During his presentation, Rachad graciously acknowledges the team’s hard work and dedication in delivering the impact report and successfully executing DIGRA programs.

He expresses gratitude towards his fellow team members for their active engagement and valuable contributions. The significance of the impact report launch is highlighted by Rachad, emphasizing its importance to the organization.

Looking to the future, Rachad anticipates further progress and eagerly looks forward to continuing the journey with the team.

He expresses his belief that together, they are unstoppable, and he is determined to build upon the current foundation for even greater accomplishments.

Notably, Rachad emphasizes the inclusive nature of Digital Grassroots programs. He shares his own experience of hailing from a French-speaking country, Benin, and stresses that the organization welcomes participation from individuals regardless of their language or country of origin.

This underscores the importance of inclusivity and promotes the message of accessibility and universality within the digital grassroots movement.

In conclusion, Rachad’s introduction of the impact report is marked by his optimism and excitement for the launch, showcasing his belief in the collective force of the organization and community.

His gratitude towards the team and anticipation for future progress reflects his dedication and commitment to the cause. Furthermore, his emphasis on inclusivity and the organization’s open invitation to participants from all languages and regions highlights the significance of diversity and accessibility in digital grassroots programs.

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During the discussion, the speakers delved into several topics pertaining to digital rights, internet governance, and internet accessibility. They underscored the importance of advocating for digital rights and internet governance, recognizing that these areas play a crucial role in shaping the future of the digital landscape.

One notable point raised was the positive impact of the training received through Digital Grassroots in understanding digital rights and internet governance.

This training not only enhanced the participants’ knowledge but also equipped them with the necessary skills to actively advocate for these rights.

Moreover, the speakers highlighted that the advocacy for digital rights and internet governance led to significant recognition.

For instance, one speaker mentioned being awarded a scholarship by the One Young World due to their involvement in championing digital rights. This achievement underscores the recognition of the importance of such advocacy efforts on a global scale.

The significance of an open and accessible internet was also emphasized during the discussion.

It was noted that although internet connectivity remains challenging in countries like Haiti, there is a shared belief that the internet should be accessible to all, not only in developed nations but also in the global South. This argument stems from the understanding that a more equitable and inclusive internet access can help foster reduced inequalities and promote innovation worldwide.

Additionally, the speakers expressed their support and admiration for the work of Digital Grassroots in building digital capacity for marginalized youth.

Specifically, they praised the innovative program called the Digital Rights Learning Exchange, which was highly regarded for its ability to empower marginalized youth.

Overall, the discussion provided valuable insights regarding the significance of digital rights, internet governance, and internet accessibility.

It highlighted the importance of advocacy efforts, the need for an open and accessible internet for all, and the crucial role that organizations like Digital Grassroots play in building the digital capacity of marginalized youth globally.

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Digital Grassroots is a youth-led non-profit organization founded in 2017, with a focus on promoting digital citizenship and advocating for internet rights in underrepresented regions. The organization conducts advocacy programs and digital rights learning exchange programs as part of their efforts.

One of their flagship initiatives is the Digital Grassroots Ambassadors program, which aims to raise awareness and advocate for the internet in local communities. By engaging with young individuals in underrepresented regions, Digital Grassroots aims to bridge the digital divide and reduce inequalities.

Uffa Modey, the co-founder and global lead at Digital Grassroots, strongly supports the creation of pathways for young individuals to understand and navigate the internet ecosystem in their communities.

She believes in collaborative work towards digital rights and internet governance with others in the global internet ecosystem. This demonstrates the organization’s commitment to fostering partnerships and creating a collective impact.

The Unstoppable Together report summarizes Digital Grassroots’ work over the past five years.

Collaboratively created with the community, the report provides an ownership perspective and showcases the experiences and challenges related to digital rights abuses. It highlights the importance of community engagement and inclusivity in sustaining the work of Digital Grassroots. The organization recognizes the crucial role of community resources and contributions in their digital rights advocacy efforts.

Digital Grassroots also extends its reach to Francophone-speaking countries in Africa, running a specific training program on internet governance and digital rights for these regions.

This demonstrates the organization’s dedication to addressing regional needs and empowering individuals in Francophone-speaking communities.

Additionally, Uffa Modey acknowledges the language barrier as an issue in internet governance. This shows the organization’s awareness of the challenges faced by different communities and its commitment to creating accessible platforms and materials.

Finally, Uffa Modey emphasizes that Digital Grassroots is continually looking for innovative ways to involve more people in internet governance.

Their commitment to openness and a proactive approach ensures that the organization remains dynamic and responsive to changing needs and circumstances.

In summary, Digital Grassroots is a youth-led non-profit organization focused on promoting digital citizenship, advocating for internet rights, and bridging the digital divide in underrepresented regions.

Through their advocacy programs, initiatives like the Digital Grassroots Ambassadors program, and collaborations, they strive to make a positive impact and empower communities in their digital journey.