DPI, Data Governance, and Gender-Sensitive ICT Policies: Fostering Inclusive Community Networks.

Approved Main West Africa Internet Governance Forum Session. (first published April 3, 2025.)

This session will explore the critical intersection of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), data governance, gender-sensitive ICT policies, and the development of community networks in West Africa. We will delve into how DPI can be leveraged to bridge the digital divide, particularly for marginalized communities, and how robust data governance frameworks can ensure equitable access and protection, especially for women and girls. We will critically examine the role of community networks in fostering digital inclusion, empowering local communities, and promoting gender equality.

Session Objectives:

• To analyze the current state of DPI and data governance in West Africa, focusing on its impact on marginalized groups, particularly women and girls.
• To discuss the challenges and opportunities in developing and implementing gender-sensitive ICT policies that promote digital inclusion and safety.
• To explore the role of community networks in bridging the digital divide, empowering local communities, and promoting gender equality.
• To identify best practices and collaborative strategies for building resilient, inclusive, and safe digital ecosystems in West Africa.
• To develop actionable recommendations for policymakers, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

Panelist

Mistura Aruna
Assistant Director at Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC).

Tope Ogundipe
Digital Equality, Safety & Rights | Executive Director, TechSocietal.

Catherine Kyalo
Digital Inclusion | Community Connectivity | Telecoms Policy | Project Coordinator | Strategy Development and Implementation | Stakeholder Engagement.

Angela Oduor Lungati – Executive Director – Ushahidi.

Elsie Attafuah
Resident Representative, UNDP Nigeria.

Dr. Akinbo Adebunmi
Executive Director, Success Bridge Community Development Foundation (SBCDF).

Session Format:

• Panel discussion with experts from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
• Interactive Q&A session with audience participation.
• Breakout groups for focused discussions and collaborative solution-building.
• Presentation of case studies showcasing successful community networks and gender-sensitive ICT initiatives.

Target Audience:

• Policymakers and regulators
• Civil society organizations working on digital rights and gender equality
• Community network operators and advocates
• Researchers and academics
• Private sector representatives
• Internet users and activists

Session Outline:

1. Introduction and Context Setting (15 minutes):
   • Overview of the importance of DPI and data governance for digital inclusion in West Africa.
   • Highlighting the gender digital divide and the need for gender-sensitive ICT policies.
   • Introduction to the role of community networks in bridging the digital divide.
2. DPI and Data Governance: Challenges and Opportunities (30 minutes):
   • Analyzing the current state of DPI development in West Africa.
   • Discussing the challenges of data governance, including data privacy, security, and ownership.
   • Examining how DPI and data governance can be leveraged to promote gender equality.
3. Gender-Sensitive ICT Policies: Bridging the Digital Divide (30 minutes):
   • Exploring the key elements of gender-sensitive ICT policies.
   • Discussing best practices for promoting digital literacy and access for women and girls.
   • Addressing online safety and combating cyber violence against women.
4. Community Networks: Empowering Local Communities (30 minutes):
   • Showcasing successful community network initiatives in West Africa.
   • Discussing the role of community networks in fostering local ownership and control.
   • Exploring how community networks can promote gender equality and digital inclusion.
5. Interactive Discussion and Breakout Groups (45 minutes):
   • Open Q&A session with the audience.
   • Breakout groups to discuss specific challenges and develop actionable recommendations.
6. Recommendations and Next Steps (30 minutes):
   • Presentation of key recommendations from the breakout groups.
   • Discussion on collaborative strategies for implementation.
   • Call to action for stakeholders to work together towards a resilient, inclusive, and safe digital future for West Africa.

Key Questions for Discussion:

• How can DPI be designed and implemented to ensure equitable access for all, particularly women and girls?
• What are the key elements of a robust data governance framework that protects the rights of marginalized communities?
• How can gender-sensitive ICT policies be effectively implemented and enforced?
• What are the best practices for supporting the development and sustainability of community networks?
• How can we ensure that community networks are safe spaces for women and girls?
• How can regional collaboration enhance the development of inclusive DPI and data governance frameworks?

This session aims to foster a constructive dialogue and generate actionable recommendations for building a more inclusive and equitable digital future for West Africa.

Register to participate: WAIGF 2025.

About Author

Dr. Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo

Dr. Adebunmi Akinbo is a Researcher, Media Psychologist, Brand and Content Expert. He is an Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Fellow, Member of Association of Cyber Forensics and Threat Investigators (ACFTI), Associate Member of the Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), and a Senior Member of Chartered Institute of Public Diplomacy & Management (CIPDM), He is passionate for information and solutions for ICT Challenges by the media for the global village.

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