Shetechtive Uganda blog

Why Child Sexual Abuse Online Is a Feminist Issue In today’s digital age, harm doesn’t always begin in dark alleys or locked rooms, it often starts with a message, a friend request, or an innocent-looking link. Behind the glow of a phone screen, countless girls and young women are being targeted, exploited, and silenced through child sexual abuse online. And yet, these survivors remain largely invisible in conversations about tech policy, law enforcement, and digital innovation. At Shetechtive, we believe it’s time to say it plainly: Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) online is not just a crime, it is a feminist issue.   ✊🏾 Gendered Harms in Digital Spaces CSAM disproportionately affects girls. According to global statistics, over 90% of known CSAM victims are female. This isn’t accidental, it reflects broader gendered patterns of power, control, and sexualized violence that extend from offline patriarchy into online platforms. Girls, especially those from marginalized ...

  In today’s world, childhood and technology are inseparable. From playing games and watching videos to learning and socializing online, children are navigating digital spaces more than ever before. But while the internet offers countless opportunities, it also poses risks, making it crucial to understand and protect children’s digital rights . Did you know that children have rights in the digital world just like they do offline? In 2021, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child adopted General Comment No. 25 , which clarified how children’s rights apply in the digital environment. Let’s explore the 5 key rights every child should enjoy online :   🧒 1. Right to Access Information Every child has the right to freely access age-appropriate and diverse online content, whether it’s educational resources, games, or entertainment. Access should not be limited by geography, gender, or socio-economic background. Why it matters: This right ensures digital in...

By Rebecca Nanono | June 2025 “Our voices are not just hashtags, they are blueprints for building inclusive democracies.” 🌍 Uganda’s Civic Tech Ecosystem: A Quiet Revolution Across Uganda, a silent but powerful movement is taking root. Young people, especially young women, are building platforms, bots, podcasts, and networks that are transforming civic engagement. But it’s not just about technology. It’s about power. It’s about access. And it’s about reimagining democracy beyond elections, into our everyday lived experiences, online and offline. Civic tech in Uganda is no longer a niche. It is our generation’s answer to a broken system. And at its heart are youth, media, and women’s voices , driving change in digital spaces that were never built with them in mind.   👩🏽‍ 💻 The Rise of Digital Heroines From chatbots delivering SRHR information to girls in slums, to TikTok series unpacking constitutional rights in Luganda, Ugandan women are not just joining the ...

Protecting Refugee Data in Uganda’s Humanitarian Response: Why It Matters More Than Ever By Rebecca Nanono Uganda stands out globally as one of the most generous refugee-hosting nations. With over 1.5 million refugees, mostly from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi, Uganda's open-door policy is often praised as progressive and inclusive. Yet, as digital systems increasingly underpin humanitarian operations, from biometric registration to digital cash transfers, new risks to refugee privacy and protection are emerging. One of the most pressing yet overlooked challenges is the protection of refugee data. Why Refugee Data Protection Matters Refugee data, such as biometric information, personal histories, health records, and legal status, is sensitive and can expose individuals to serious risks if mishandled. In contexts where people have fled persecution, conflict, or political oppression, even a small data leak can lead to severe consequences, includin...

In an era where digital technology is reshaping governance, its use is not always synonymous with democracy and freedom. While the internet, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data have empowered citizens, they have also been weaponized by authoritarian regimes to control populations, silence dissent, and manipulate information. This phenomenon, known as digital authoritarianism , refers to the use of technology by governments to reinforce their grip on power rather than to promote democratic values. Digital authoritarianism is a growing concern, as states deploy surveillance tools, internet censorship, and data-driven repression to maintain control. However, technology remains a double-edged sword ,while it enables autocratic rule, it also offers opportunities for resistance, transparency, and democratic resurgence. 1. Understanding Digital Authoritarianism At its core, digital authoritarianism involves the strategic use of digital tools by governments to monitor, restrict, a...

  In the 21st century, digital technologies and information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become indispensable tools in the advancement of democracy worldwide. From enhancing transparency and citizen engagement to safeguarding electoral integrity and countering misinformation, digital innovation continues to redefine governance. However, as technology reshapes democratic processes, it also introduces new challenges that require careful regulation and ethical implementation. 1. Digital Technology and Access to Information A well-informed society is the foundation of a thriving democracy. The internet has revolutionized access to information, enabling citizens to educate themselves about political developments, government policies, and their rights. Open data platforms, government websites, and digital news outlets provide real-time updates on national and global events, ensuring that information is no longer controlled by a few select entities. Social media has al...

  Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century, with the power to reshape industries, economies, and societies. As AI continues to evolve, many believe that the future of this technology will not only be defined by the traditional global tech giants but also by emerging players from regions across the world. Among them, Africa stands out as a continent full of untapped potential, offering both unique opportunities and challenges when it comes to AI development and adoption. In this blog post, we will explore the ways in which Africa can actively contribute to the AI revolution, harnessing its strengths, overcoming its challenges, and becoming a key player in the AI ecosystem.   1. Leveraging Africa’s Rich Data Resources One of the most important elements of AI development is data. AI systems rely on vast amounts of data to train models, refine algorithms, and improve decision-making processes. Africa, with its rich div...