ZImbabwe School of Internet Governance Testimony

ZImbabwe School of Internet Governance Testimony

by | Jan 7, 2022 | Uncategorized

Gender Responsive Policies are a necessity and prerequisite for all citizens even when it comes to the internet considering how almost everything is now being done in the digital space. Coming from the CSO perspective due to the covid pandemic a lot of advocacy is now being done in the digital space, i was privileged to be a part of the inaugural launch of the School of Internet Governance in Zimbabwe and got a chance to learn how others are ensuring that there is inclusion of all citizens even those in the remote areas who are at times excluded. The Internet school of Internet Governance in Zimbabwe allowed participants to share their thoughts and their expectations when it comes to the governance of Internet in Zimbabwe and the space even included a representative from the religious sect. The internet domain is inclusive but it should also be a space that does no harm to others in relation to the content that is shared. Information dissemination is important so that people will not be caught unaware when they would have broken the law when using the internet. The facilitators were very relevant and their presentations were indeed an eye opener and am looking forward to continually engaging with the Internet school of Governance in Zimbabwe

Community Networks Conference

Community Networks Conference

by | Dec 22, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Murambinda Community Network together with the ministry of ICT hosted an inaugural National Community Networks Conference in Murambinda. Internet Society Zimbabwe Chapter graced the occasion to support he training of participants on community networks. The lead organizer and the chief trainer, Eng. Joseph Bishi, took the the participants through what it takes and how to build a community network. Participants were taught how to configure access points, Terminate cables, management of community networks, Solar power installation amongst a lot of other skills that were impacted to them. The first two days was composed of the technical training. This meant that the trained participants will be the ones training in their provinces in Zimbabwe. The ministry of ICT has promised support in setting up these in all provinces with the model used in Murambinda being used as the model for the upcoming networks. It is the Chapter’s aim to connect the unconnected and this is a big milestone as this helps in covering the last mile that is normally ignored by the major service providers. The next meeting will be on checking the physibility studies from the participants to see how far they would have gone with the implementation.

The permanent secretary in the ministry of ICT echoed that internet connectivity in all areas was their focus as it is going to enhance the economic growth and development drive. Chapter members are advised to join community networks from their provinces and get the support from the Ministry, Potraz, ISOC and other players in the industry.

ISOC Zimbabwe Calls for the Inclusion of Persons with Disability in the Digital Economy

ISOC Zimbabwe Calls for the Inclusion of Persons with Disability in the Digital Economy

by | Sep 7, 2021 | Uncategorized

The internet is developing faster than many people and they are struggling to cope up, the development is due to the global investments on innovation, research and development. Covid-19 has exacerbated the adoption of ICTs as the new normal has made production better for those that have invested in technology. Persons with disability have not been spared by the importance of internet however many concerns have been raised before on the compatibilities of ICT gadgets to be easily used by this special group. Gadgets that are made specifically for persons with disabilities are not readily available and have additional costs associated with them, hence this has made many companies and organizations just provide what other general people use. Mobile device manufacturers have added some features that include Visual or vibrating alerts, relay services and hearing aid compatibility devices that make mobile phones accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing, while features such as voice recognition and auto text are needed by those with physical disabilities. However these features come at a cost which makes the devices out of reach for many.

Internet Society Zimbabwe has embarked on a digital skills training for persons with disability as a way of reducing inequalities by preparing them for the digital economy. These skills include graphics and website designing focusing on this special group as many of them who are physically challenged are able to use computers have shown key interest in the program. Internet Society Zimbabwe partnered with Leonard Cheshire and trained a group of 12 young persons with disability on digital skills. ISOC Zimbabwe Project Officer Mr Rangarirai Mangundu said “There is need to reduce inequalities and prepare persons with disability for the digital economy as they must not be left behind as the global world is leveraging on Internet”

“We seek to expand this initiative to include those in marginalised communities, the internet is for everyone and especially those that are disabled as technology may address their needs better” said Leonard Cheshire Programs Officer Mr Mbambai. ISOC Zimbabwe President Zimbabwe Mr Jasper Mangwana emphasized the need for collaborations, “There is need for a more coordinated approach in the inclusion of persons with disability, government is playing a very progressive role as we have seen the launch of the Disability Policy and also the role POTRAZ is playing for this community but more can be done with business and civic society in the picture”

The Digital skills training program is running under the theme “Internet and Inclusion of Persons with Disability”

Girls in ICT Event

Girls in ICT Event

by | May 13, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

International Day for Girls in ICT is celebrated every year to build awareness about the gender digital divide, support technology education and skills training, and encourage more girls and young women to actively pursue careers in STEM. The celebrations were held on the 22nd of April this year under the theme “Connected Girls, Creating Brighter Future”

 

Due to Covid19 restrictions, it has been difficult to gather people for events and made the digital platform very important for social, economic and political engagement. ISOC Zimbabwe chapter celebrated the Girls in ICT by empowering 7 young girls with graphics designing skills. The 8 young girls were selected among 26 applications who matched the requirements, which among others included that they should have completed their high school in 2020.As of January 2021 there were 4.66 billion active internet users worldwide – 59.5 percent of the global population. Of this total, 92.6 percent (4.32 billion) accessed the internet via mobile devices(www.statista.com) . The statistics make the internet a good platform for branding and marketing, hence the graphics technical workshop was done to promote girls and women in design. The young girls had diverse backgrounds and future aspirations ranging from law, art and design,  engineering, marketing, computer science, actuarial science, accounting etc.

Shamiso Mawiwi who studied at Visitation Makumbe was excited and she designed a flier for her mother who is into cake making and was very excited about learning the new skill. Over and bove the technical training workshop Natalie Chidakuza an aspiring computer scientist was excited about the software packages given to them for free. Marketing in the 21st century is dependent on graphics and Tafadzwa Simango a future marketing guru appreciated the role of designing in her career aspirations. Kundai Baramasimbe a Mutendi High School former student and aspiring actuarial scientist appreciated the role of graphic designing in making reports and digital footprints. Phyliss Mavedzenge(Kriste Mambo – Accounting), Charity Debwe (Visitation Makumbi – Engineering)  , Mufaro Matsikarima (Samuel Centenary Academy – Engineer) appreciated the graphic design skill and intended to do graphic designing as part time to also create revenue for themselves in college.

Internet Society head of events Karen Mukwasi acknowledged the digital gender gap in graphic designing and challenged the vibrant young girls to show the world that they are better designers and inspire other young women and girls to venture into STEM. Internet Society Zimbabwe values students from high school and is working in encouraging more women to venture into STEM programs.