Power of Voice Project

Introduction

In response to the increasing threat of internet shutdowns in Tanzania especially during elections Binti Makini Foundation successfully implemented a national advocacy project focused on protecting digital rights and freedom of expression. The project was initiated following alarming events such as the internet shutdown during the 2020 General Elections and the long-term blocking of Clubhouse in 2023. These actions disproportionately affected women, youth, and persons with disabilities, many of whom lacked the tools or knowledge to bypass censorship or protect them online. This project funded by CIVICUS.

Goal

To enhance the digital resilience of youth, women, and persons with disabilities in Tanzania, enabling them to effectively bypass censorship, protect themselves online, and advocate for digital rights and freedom of expression, thereby strengthening civic engagement ahead of national elections.

Objective

To safeguard digital rights and freedom of expression in Tanzania, particularly in the face of increasing internet shutdowns during critical periods like elections, and to empower vulnerable groups to navigate digital repression.

Impact

Improved Digital Resilience: Youth and women activists (specifically 40 trained from 20 universities and communities) possess enhanced knowledge and tools for internet shutdown preparedness, digital security, and advocacy.

Reduced Risk of Digital Repression: Increased awareness and capacity among citizens and advocates contribute to a more robust defense against future internet shutdowns and online censorship.

Strengthened Civic Engagement: Empowered individuals and coordinated advocacy efforts lead to greater participation in democratic processes and a stronger demand for digital rights.

Amplified Voices and Coalition Building: Youth voices are amplified through media partnerships and nationwide campaigns, fostering solidarity and laying a foundation for sustained digital rights advocacy and collaboration across the country.

Increased Public Awareness: A nationwide social media campaign involving influencers significantly raises public awareness about the importance of internet freedom, especially during elections.

What to Do (Key Activities/Strategies based on past success and future needs)

Capacity Building and Training

Continue and expand training programs for youth, women, and persons with disabilities on internet shutdown preparedness, digital security tools and techniques (e.g., VPNs, secure communication apps), and advanced advocacy strategies.
Develop specialized modules addressing the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing information during shutdowns.

Development and Dissemination of Advocacy Materials

Regularly update and widely distribute advocacy materials, including press releases, social media toolkits, and accessible guides on digital rights and circumvention methods.
Translate materials into local languages to reach a broader audience.

Sustained Digital Campaigns

Maintain and scale up nationwide social media campaigns leveraging influencers, Twitter Spaces, Instagram Lives, and engaging short videos to continuously raise awareness and mobilize public opinion on internet freedom.
Utilize diverse digital platforms to reach different demographics.

Online Engagement and Solidarity Building

Organize regular webinars, online sessions, and virtual forums to foster continuous engagement among youth and strengthen solidarity within the digital rights community.
Facilitate peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing among activists.

Strategic Partnerships and Media Amplification

Strengthen existing partnerships and forge new collaborations with local, national, and international media outlets to amplify youth voices and consistently advocate for freedom of association and expression.
Engage with legal and policy experts to inform advocacy efforts and push for legal reforms protecting digital rights.

Monitoring and Documentation

Establish a robust system for monitoring and documenting internet shutdowns and other forms of digital repression, including their impact on vulnerable groups.
Use documented evidence for advocacy and reporting.

Policy Engagement

Actively engage with policymakers and relevant government bodies to advocate for policies that protect digital rights and prevent arbitrary internet shutdowns.
Participate in national and regional dialogues on internet governance.

Coalition Building

Continue to build and strengthen a broad coalition of civil society organizations, human rights defenders, tech experts, and media professionals dedicated to protecting digital rights in Tanzania.

Project Photo Gallery