The #DigitalEqualityNOW campaign
In may 2024, the #DigitalEqualityNOW was launched by the four partners and all the participants of the activity “You(TH) Create”. The participants chose the topic of digital inequalities because they suffered from unequal access to the internet during our hybrid week-end, where the Tunisian struggle to join on Saturday morning. Throughout the week-end, the issue of inequalities was brought to light, particularly during the « step forward » exercise (which you can find in the preceding section of this toolkit). It forced participants to envision different potential access to digital training, information, skills, and connectivity based on the « cards » provided to them.
When the moment came to choose a subject for the campaign, it was clear for them that they wanted to talk about a subject they already worked on and experienced.
This is not an isolated case, that is why it is important to raise awareness on this subject. It is a global issue: as reported by the United Nations in 2022, a third of the world’s population had no access to the internet. During the covid 19, a lot of youth did not have access to a proper connection or had good electronic devices to their disposition, which directly impacted the school career. In Argentina, students in favelas did not all have access to a computer, and did not go back to school after the pandemia.
The campaign was created thanks to the commitment of the Youth. Three times after the hybrid week-end, they met online to brainstorm on the subject (on zoom and mural). After doing a brainstorming on the digital inequalities they may have faced or seen, we decided to launch a campaign around 3 topics: the misinformation and censorship, the access to training and inequality of use (ex: at school, in the public service…), and the lack of connection and access to functional device. They did some research on these subjects and presented it to the rest of the group. With a deeper understanding of the issues, a favorite hashtag was proposed and voted on using Wooclap.
Once the content had been determined, the participants needed to discuss the format. We asked them what platform they would see in this context; and what format they wanted to create and see (ex: short videos, survey, infographic, pictures…). Given that they were essential to the campaign, it was necessary to gather information on their availability in order to collaboratively create content to be posted on our organization’s Instagram account and reshared by them.
But why a digital campaign?
The goal is to raise awareness about the digital divide/inequality affecting young people and call for action ! It is not a real advocacy but a highlight of the gap that still exists.
By using our network, we hoped to target young people in our networks (E&D, TFYE, Eclosio, SEGA), but also the networks of participants and co-builders, and for a more global impact, we hope to reach schools/universities… The identification of the target audience and the mobilization is a key point in any campaign, digital or not. The manner to address the issues and solutions can vary according to this factor.
If you want to take part in the campaign, you can share it on your social network (the visuals being posted on our instagram @eclosio @tunisianforumforyouthempowerment @coalitionsega and @engageesdeterminees). But you can also bring your action a step further and:
- Read our guide of good practice and use platforms that are intuitive and accessible to all during your meetings and events (in particular by paying attention to the weight of it)
- Volunteer in associations to help people with their use of digital technologies
- Be sure to check your sources and compare several opinions.
- Promote affordable internet and subscription services, possibly involving your school, lobbying for regulatory measures, public-private partnerships and community initiatives…
- Monitor and follow associations working on freedom of expression and digital issues (e.g. Reporters Without Borders).
- Don’t judge someone if they do not have the same reference, or content, as you do: maybe they do not have access to it.
The most important thing is to keep informed and to know about this difference. Being a citizen is also to get in touch with the reality of others.
It is not unusual to encounter difficulties: digital is a technological tool that also has its limits, and human beings are not constant. Online meetings can be just as difficult to conduct successfully as face-to-face ones. The aim here is to give you some advice on how to make the most of it.
If this inspire you and you want to create your own campaign, here are some advice you could use:
- Provided clear and visuals instructions with key points (on how to join and participate)
- Don’t forget to ask for feedback and send follow-up emails to improve future sessions
- Keeping young people better informed of progress, so that they feel truly included
- To avoid the language barriers: important to write down and translate in needed (Use of simple word for the campaign to make it more understandable by everyone)
- Ensure that all animators are aligned and have access to the same information. Also it is beneficial to have a drive or shared space where resources can be easily accessed in the event by everyone.
- Connectivity problem: make sure that you have a stable connection and use accessible tools (CF guide of good practice). Ask the participant to connect 5min or 10 min in advance so they can change source and device if the problem is related and if they have the opportunity.
- Make a clear program and agenda and send it in advance to all partners and participants to anticipate.
