West Africa ICT Action Network (WAIAN) Executive Director, Peterking Quaye, Joins Global Leaders at FIFAfrica 2024 to Tackle Gender Digital Divide
Dakar, Senegal – September 2024 marks a significant milestone for digital rights in Africa as the 11th edition of the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) takes place from September 24-27 in Dakar, Senegal. For the first time, the event is being hosted in Francophone Africa, underscoring the continent’s growing commitment to digital inclusion and democratic governance in the digital space. This year’s event, themed “Growing the #InternetFreedomAfrica Community,” holds special importance for stakeholders across Africa, including the Mano River Union (MRU) region, where efforts to bridge the digital divide are critically needed.
Among the key voices at the event is Peterking Quaye, Executive Director of the West Africa ICT Action Network (WAIAN), a leading advocacy organization focusing on ICT policy and digital transformation across West Africa. Quaye’s participation in this year’s forum is generously sponsored by Enabel, a Belgian development agency committed to fostering sustainable development through inclusive digital initiatives. Enabel’s support underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in advancing gender equality in the digital space.
In a statement ahead of the event, Quaye expressed his enthusiasm about participating in FIFAfrica 2024, emphasizing the unique opportunity it presents for addressing critical challenges that persist in the MRU region, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.
“This year’s FIFAfrica is pivotal, not just because it is the first to be held in Francophone Africa, but because it draws attention to the pressing need for digital equity across the continent, particularly in underrepresented regions like the Mano River Union,” said Peterking Quaye. “WAIAN has long been advocating for digital rights and inclusion in the MRU, and FIFAfrica provides a powerful platform for us to collaborate with other thought leaders and stakeholders to address the gender digital divide that disproportionately affects women and girls in our region.”
Why FIFAfrica 2024 is Special for the MRU Region and Beyond
For years, the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa has been a hub for digital rights advocates, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore solutions to issues such as internet shutdowns, online censorship, and the growing importance of data protection. This year’s edition, however, brings with it a unique focus on Francophone Africa—a region often overshadowed in global digital rights conversations.
Senegal, known for its progressive stance on digital policies, offers an ideal backdrop for these discussions. With a focus on strengthening digital democracy and combating the digital gender divide, this year’s forum is particularly special for regions like the MRU, where digital infrastructure remains uneven, and access to technology is often limited for women and marginalized communities.
Quaye will be contributing to one of the most anticipated sessions at FIFAfrica: “Closing the Gender Digital Gap: A Collaborative Approach,” hosted by Enabel. This session will explore strategies for addressing the digital gender divide by enhancing access to digital tools, improving digital skills, and raising awareness about digital rights—areas where WAIAN has been actively involved.
The Significance of Enabel’s Sponsorship
Peterking Quaye’s participation at FIFAfrica 2024 is made possible through sponsorship from Enabel’s Digital for Girls and Women (D4GW) project. The project, which operates in Burkina Faso and Uganda, aims to equip women and girls with digital tools and skills in a safe environment, enabling them to participate more fully in the digital economy.
“Enabel’s sponsorship is a testament to the growing recognition of the need for collaborative efforts to close the gender digital gap, particularly in regions where digital access is not just a luxury but a lifeline for economic and social empowerment,” Quaye noted. “This sponsorship enables WAIAN to represent the voices of women and girls in the MRU region, where access to technology can significantly improve livelihoods and educational opportunities.”
Quaye’s involvement in the session will bring attention to the MRU region’s specific challenges in terms of digital inclusion, including limited infrastructure, lack of access to affordable internet, and the need for comprehensive policies that support women and girls in leveraging technology for development.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the impact of events like FIFAfrica cannot be overstated. Quaye believes that the discussions and collaborations fostered at the forum will have a lasting impact on digital policies across Africa, particularly in regions like the MRU.
“We need to recognize that digital inclusion is no longer optional—it is essential for sustainable development,” Quaye said. “The MRU region, with its unique socio-economic challenges, stands to benefit immensely from the insights and partnerships forged at FIFAfrica. By working together with international stakeholders, we can ensure that digital rights are protected, and that everyone—regardless of gender or location—has equal access to the opportunities offered by the digital age.”
With the MRU region at a critical juncture in its digital development, Quaye’s contributions to the forum highlight the growing importance of inclusive digital policies in fostering long-term socio-economic growth. As WAIAN continues to advocate for equitable access to technology, its participation in FIFAfrica 2024 marks another step toward bridging the gender digital divide and building a more inclusive digital future for West Africa.
