The Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) 2024 in Accra was an exciting and insightful event, bringing together digital rights activists, policymakers, and enthusiasts from across the globe. DRIF is an annual conference hosted by Paradigm Initiative. It is a space where digital policies in Africa are debated and shaped, and partnerships for action are formed. This year it was hosted in Accra, Ghana, and focused on fostering rights and inclusion in the digital age. The topic aligns closely both with our movement’s 2030 agenda and regional affiliates’ work to promote the inclusion of youth, women, and Indigenous languages online.
The Wikimedia Ghana User Group had the privilege of participating, setting up our booth alongside other Wikimedia affiliates and engaging with numerous participants over the three-day conference.
Day 1: Setting the Stage
The forum began with a vibrant opening ceremony, setting the tone for the discussions ahead. Wikimedia Ghana User Group alongside Open Foundation West Africa among other Wikimedia groups, set up the Wikimedia booth in the Exhibition Area, ready to showcase our work and initiatives. The morning included a digital security workshop, a critical topic in today’s online landscape.
As participants transitioned to various breakout rooms, our team seized the opportunity to share the history and projects of the Wikimedia Ghana User Group. We highlighted our efforts in driving digital inclusion through activities like training over 1,000 editors to contribute to Wikipedia. Using visually engaging flyers in both print and digital formats, we aimed to communicate our contributions to a world of free knowledge effectively.
We continued our engagement with participants who couldn’t attend the plenary sessions, ensuring our presence was felt throughout the forum. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing interest in our activities and future collaborations. We also had the pleasure of meeting Wikimedia Foundation staff, who supported our efforts with some fantastic swag.
Day 2: Deepening Engagement
The second day was just as invigorating, with our team back at the booth. Throughout the day, we engaged participants about the Wikimedia Ghana User Group’s mission and achievements, emphasizing our work in training editors across multiple languages. We also took a proactive approach by collecting contact details from interested participants, aiming to onboard them through future training workshops, thus expanding our community and fostering deeper involvement in the Wikimedia movement.
Interactions with fellow Wikimedia affiliates, including members from the Wikimedia Uganda User Group, proved to be invaluable. These connections allowed us to share insights and strengthen our collaborative efforts. The evening concluded with the premiere of a thought-provoking short film and a panel discussion that highlighted the ongoing threats to digital rights across the continent.
Day 3: Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead
On the forum’s final day, we continued to engage with participants, ensuring that our message of digital inclusion and free knowledge reached as many people as possible. The closing ceremony provided a moment to reflect on the insightful discussions and shared key takeaways. The announcement that Zambia would host the next DRIF in 2025 added a sense of anticipation for the future.
Volunteer Impact: Ezekiel’s Experience as an Event Assistant
Ezekiel, a dedicated volunteer community member, played a significant role in supporting our group throughout the forum. Here’s what he had to say about his experience and impact:
“Participating in DRIF 2024 as a Wikimedia Ghana User Group volunteer was a refreshing and rewarding experience. As a social butterfly, engaging with various participants at our exhibition booth was a delight. I had the opportunity to introduce many attendees to our work, some of whom were learning about us for the first time.
Sitting in on breakout presentations revealed impressive digital innovations across Africa, significantly impacting communities and families. Networking was another highlight, as I met new people and reconnected with old acquaintances, including a friend from the National Security Authority who is interested in future collaborations.
The pinnacle of my experience was when a participant from Brazil, whom I had engaged with, praised our work during his speech at the DRIF 2024 Closing Ceremony. This acknowledgement reinforced my admiration for Wikimedia Ghana User Group’s efforts and highlighted our achievements through my 3-day conference experience.”
Looking Ahead
We are grateful for the rich connections made, the knowledge shared, and the collective commitment to advancing digital rights and inclusion at DRIF 2024. The event was a resounding success for the Wikimedia Ghana User Group, enhancing our visibility and setting the stage for future collaborations. We are excited to build on these positive outcomes and continue our work towards a more inclusive digital world. Thank you to all who engaged with us at DRIF 2024, and we can’t wait to see what the next year brings!
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