Decolonise the Internet/Frequently Asked Questions

The Internet in less than a generation has revolutionized the lives of billions of people with unprecedented speed. It has also become an important force for empowerment, by changing the way we communicate, work, learn and interact with the world around us. Thanks to the Internet, some of the world’s most vulnerable people, especially women and girls, can have access to networks that can help them communicate, set up businesses, and access financial and government services. Even with such benefits, more needs to be done. Yes, they have access to the network, however, a better way of representing women could be considered, especially African Women. Celebrating them by what they do in a global space will motivate them to do more. By this, the Goethe Institut has partnered with Open Foundation West Africa to organize a Campaign on "Decolonizing the internet.” (DTI) However, every year, there is going to be a selected theme of focus. This campaign focuses on bridging the unequal representation of voices from the Global South on the internet and also aims at increasing Africa's content on the web by this, we are encouraging participants to write articles in local languages.

International Women’s Day is fast approaching and prominent Women in Africa need to be celebrated. This day is set aside to celebrate women by making them feel special in whatever field they find themselves. 8th March is the day for the celebration of International Women’s day. It is a global celebration with a focus on the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. In line with the celebration, Goethe Institute In Partnership with Open Foundation West Africa present…, SHEROES OF AFRICA. This is a writing contest targeted at highlighting influential women in Africa, who are doing their best in Africa’s development.

Another aim for this contest is to increase more content about women and Africa on the internet. We aim at breaking the bias in this area.