The Forum Civil, a Senegalese organization, recently hosted a regional workshop in Saint-Louis to educate young people, civil society organizations, community leaders, and journalists about digital rights. The workshop aimed to prevent online violence, protect personal data, and provide support to victims. Funded by the European Union through Oxfam Ireland, the project, known as ReCIPE, seeks to promote digital citizenship and engagement.
The workshop is part of a broader initiative to promote digital rights and awareness in Senegal. According to Ibrahima Ndaw, project coordinator at Forum Civil, the workshop aimed to share the stakes of the New Technological Deal and Senegal's Vision 2050, particularly on data governance and public service dematerialization. The program also covered fact-checking, disinformation, and protection of journalistic sources.
The workshop addressed the issue of online violence, which is a growing concern in Senegal. Mohamed Lamine Tall, regional coordinator of Forum Civil in Saint-Louis, emphasized that the goal is to reposition civil society organizations as accessible interlocutors for victims of online violence. The organization conducted a survey that revealed that young people and civil society organizations tend not to seek help from these structures when they experience online violence.
The workshop also focused on digital security, digital rights, and the legal skills needed to support victims. A mapping of support structures was carried out in the communes of Saint-Louis and Gandiol, identifying competent organizations, their leaders, and available channels for redress. The AEMO was among the structures cited by Mohamed Lamine Tall.
The project also facilitated a dialogue between the state, civil society, and the private sector on digital governance and internet access. A study on digital infrastructure was commissioned to evaluate accessibility and connection infrastructure, particularly in border areas. Ibrahima Ndaw stressed that citizens in all regions of Senegal should have equal access to the internet.
The Forum Civil plans to continue its activities in Dakar and Bignona, with the aim of promoting a safer and more inclusive digital space. The organization seeks to enhance the capacity of young people, civil society organizations, and community leaders to promote digital rights and prevent online violence.
The workshop is part of a series of activities aimed at promoting digital rights and awareness in Senegal. The Forum Civil hopes that its efforts will contribute to creating a safer and more inclusive digital environment for all Senegalese citizens.
Key points
- The Forum Civil organized a workshop to educate young people, civil society organizations, community leaders, and journalists about digital rights and online safety.
- The workshop aimed to prevent online violence, protect personal data, and provide support to victims.
- The project seeks to promote digital citizenship and engagement in Senegal.
