Urgent! Invitation to an In-person Stakeholder Dialogue in Celebration of International Women’s Day

Greetings.

We will be hosting an in-person stakeholder dialogue on 8th March, 2024 to
commemorate International Women’s Day
<www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day> celebrations. The theme for
this year’s celebrations is “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate
Progress.” This is derived from the United Nations 68th Commission on the
Status of Women <www.unwomen.org/en/csw/csw68-2024> priority
theme ‘Accelerating
the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and
girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing
with a gender perspective’. This theme recognizes the obstacles to
achieving equal participation and calls for ensuring equal opportunities
for women and girls in order to build their capabilities and strengthen
their capacity to learn, earn and lead.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we are reminded of the
barriers women still face on online platforms and the resultant negative
impact on progress towards gender equality and inclusion. Women are
disproportionately affected
<www.kictanet.or.ke/mdocs-posts/unmasking-the-trolls-research-on-online-gender-based-violence-in-kenya/>
by
online gender-based violence, privacy and cybersecurity challenges which
alienates them from fully utilizing technology for political, social,
cultural and economic empowerment. Psychological harm, physical harm and
death are some of the effects attributed to online gender-based violence.

In light of this and the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day
celebrations, KICTANet has partnered with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für
Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to foster dialogue on how policy
frameworks, awareness on security and safety measures, and psychological
support of victims of online gender-based violence can accelerate gender
equality and empowerment.

We are pleased to invite you to this in-person event scheduled for 8th
March, 2024 from 1030 hrs to 1600 hrs at KOFISI Square, 11th Floor
Riverside Square, 104 Riverside Drive, Nairobi. Google Maps Link: KOFISI
Square – Google Maps
<www.google.com/maps/place/KOFISI+Square/@-1.2690007,36.7911986,18z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x182f1714b5483c07:0x535f2b92a9c0cb03!8m2!3d-1.268862!4d36.789082!16s%2Fg%2F11k3qpsz7h?entry=ttu>
.

For planning purposes, please RSVP by sending an email to
coyier@kictanet.or.ke by 6th March, 2024 at 1600hrs. Due to limited
availability, we encourage you to RSVP at your earliest convenience.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Please see the day’s program below.

Agenda

Time

Item

10:30 – 11:00

Registration with Tea, Coffee & Snacks

11:00 – 11:05

Welcome Remarks

Ms. Christin Schulz-Kaunga, Head of Programme, GIZ Kenya

11:05 – 11:10

Introduction to OGBV Activities

Dr. Grace Githaiga, CEO, KICTANet (tbc.)

11:10 – 12:10

Focus Group Discussions on Aspects of Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV)

Group 1: OGBV Policy Frameworks in Kenya

Group 2: Online Security and Safety Mechanisms

Group 3: Psychosocial Support for Victims of OGBV

12:10 – 12:30

Summary of group discussions & next steps

One representative from each group

Ms. Cherie Oyier, Programs Officer – Women’s Digital Rights, KICTANet

12:30 – 13:00

Coffee Break with Snacks & arrival of public event guests

13:00 – 13:05

Welcome Remarks to Event ‘Supporting Women’s Voices’

Mr. Bodo Immink, Country Director, GIZ Kenya (tbc.)

13:05 – 13:15

Special Addresses

H.E. Henriette Geiger, Ambassador of the European Union to Kenya (tbc.)

H.E. Sebastian Groth, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to
Kenya (tbc.)

13:15 – 13:25

Introduction to the Film and the Topic of Postpartum Depression

Ms. Shirleen Wangari, Act of Love Film Producer

13:25 – 13:50

Act of Love Film Screening

Trailer: filmfreeway.com/ActofLovefilm

13:50 – 14:50

Panel Discussion on Supporting Women’s Voices and Accelerating Gender Equity

Panellists:

–

Ms. Shelly Gitonga, Act of Love Scriptwriter
–

Ms. Mwixx Mutinda, Act of Love Lead Actress
–

Ms. Cherie Oyier, Programs Officer – Women’s Digital Rights, KICTANet
–

Mental Health Professional (tbc.)

14:50 – 15:00

Vote of Thanks

Mr. Bernd Lakemeier, Programme Director, GIZ Kenya (tbc.)

15:00 – 16:00

High Tea & Networking

Location: Atrium & terrace, 10th floor, KOFISI Square

Best,

Cherie Oyier

Programs Officer-Women’s Digital Rights

KICTANet