The objective of this project is to empower youth, particularly those from marginalized communities, on how to use social media and information literacy, and digital activism in order to encourage them to use digital tools for social and political change.

Context:

Morocco's social media penetration rate is 47%, while Iraq's is 19%. However, internet access, censorship, and the development of effective strategies for digital activism remain challenges. UNESCO reports that Morocco's media literacy rate is around 34%, while Iraq has limited access to information and critical thinking skills. Media literacy is not yet recognized as a priority by policymakers in Iraq, and it is not a priority in Morocco's national education system.

To promote media and information literacy and digital activism, particularly among marginalized communities, a project provides practical training, resources, and opportunities to engage in public events and digital media production.

The project aims to equip young people with the skills and tools necessary to make a positive impact, using high social media penetration rates in these countries for a good cause.

Digital activism is crucial in promoting social and political change, but many young people lack media and information literacy skills for the effective use of digital tools for activism.

Training topics: 

  • An introduction to human rights with a focus on the SWANA region 

  • Intersectional feminism

  • An introduction to digital activism

  • Media literacy

  • Digital security

  • Policy writing

  • Community building and leadership

  • The use of social media for impactful activism

  • Non-violent strategies for social change

The overall goal of the project is to empower young people to become effective digital activists and leaders who can drive social change and to support them in creating meaningful impact on issues that matter to them. By doing so, the project can contribute to building more just, equitable, and sustainable communities.

MEET THE PARTICIPANTS

MEET THE PARTICIPANTS

  • Ahmed Sayed

    Egypt

  • Eva Fouad Tabaja

    Lebanon

  • Farah Tounsi

    Tunisia

  • Mariam Ghandour

    Lebanon

  • Ansaam Almihdawi

    Libya

  • Chaimae Ribani

    Morocco/ Germany

  • Hind Rhanem

    Morocco

  • Marwa Ahmed Hammad

    Egypt

  • Mirna Aiman Hussein

    Egypt

  • Noor Elfak

    Saudi Arabia

  • Nooshin Pourkamali

    Iran

  • Radwa Hosny Abdellatif

    Egypt

  • Reem Elshafaie

    Egypt

  • Tamara Kabboul

    Lebanon

  • Walae Kasmi

    Italy

  • Yasmine Jallow

    Tunisia

  • Zainab Ainouni

    Morocco

  • Selvana Ahmed Arab

    Lebanon

  • Tarek Alor

    Syria

Curious about the power of digital activism?

We have asked activists working in the SWANA Region to share their insights and tips on digital activism and to introduce our latest toolkit about the ABCs of digital activism.

You can check the full webinar here.

In addition to the mentorship program, the DV4C Team worked on multiple resources for activists to empower them in their digital activism and equip them with what they need for effective advocacy:

  • As part of the program, a guide was created to equip young leaders in Digital Advocacy and Social Change in the SWANA region. It provides a good foundation for people starting in digital advocacy.

    Read more here.

  • As part of the project, The DV4C team worked on a policy brief highlighting the challenges faced by women in rural areas of Tunisia due to climate change, exacerbated by legal, social, economic, and political obstacles. 

    Read more here.

  • This study examines both the challenges and opportunities for youth empowerment in the region, especially in light of the social changes triggered by the Arab Spring reforms in 2011. The study offers practical recommendations and general guidelines tailored to the intersectional and contemporary needs of youth in the SWANA region

    Read more here.