Dear Listers, Greetings. We will be hosting an in-person stakeholder dialogue on 8th March, 2024 to commemorate International Women’s Day <https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day> celebrations. The theme for this year’s celebrations is “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.” This is derived from the United Nations 68th Commission on the Status of Women <https://www.unwomen.org/en/csw/csw68-2024> priority theme ‘Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective’. This theme recognizes the obstacles to achieving equal participation and calls for ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls in order to build their capabilities and strengthen their capacity to learn, earn and lead. As we celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we are reminded of the barriers women still face on online platforms and the resultant negative impact on progress towards gender equality and inclusion. Women are disproportionately affected <https://www.kictanet.or.ke/mdocs-posts/unmasking-the-trolls-research-on-online-gender-based-violence-in-kenya/> by online gender-based violence, privacy and cybersecurity challenges which alienates them from fully utilizing technology for political, social, cultural and economic empowerment. Psychological harm, physical harm and death are some of the effects attributed to online gender-based violence. In light of this and the theme of this year's International Women’s Day celebrations, KICTANet has partnered with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to foster dialogue on how policy frameworks, awareness on security and safety measures, and psychological support of victims of online gender-based violence can accelerate gender equality and empowerment. We are pleased to invite you to this in-person event scheduled for 8th March, 2024 from 1030 hrs to 1600 hrs at KOFISI Square, 11th Floor Riverside Square, 104 Riverside Drive, Nairobi. Google Maps Link: KOFISI Square - Google Maps <https://www.google.com/maps/place/KOFISI+Square/@-1.2690007,36.7911986,18z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x182f1714b5483c07:0x535f2b92a9c0cb03!8m2!3d-1.268862!4d36.789082!16s%2Fg%2F11k3qpsz7h?entry=ttu> . For planning purposes, please RSVP by sending an email to coyier@kictanet.or.ke by 6th March, 2024 at 1600hrs. Due to limited availability, we encourage you to RSVP at your earliest convenience. We look forward to seeing you there! Please see the day’s program below. Agenda Time Item 10:30 - 11:00 Registration with Tea, Coffee & Snacks 11:00 - 11:05 Welcome Remarks Ms. Christin Schulz-Kaunga, Head of Programme, GIZ Kenya 11:05 - 11:10 Introduction to OGBV Activities Dr. Grace Githaiga, CEO, KICTANet (tbc.) 11:10 - 12:10 Focus Group Discussions on Aspects of Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) Group 1: OGBV Policy Frameworks in Kenya Group 2: Online Security and Safety Mechanisms Group 3: Psychosocial Support for Victims of OGBV 12:10 - 12:30 Summary of group discussions & next steps One representative from each group Ms. Cherie Oyier, Programs Officer - Women's Digital Rights, KICTANet 12:30 - 13:00 Coffee Break with Snacks & arrival of public event guests 13:00 - 13:05 Welcome Remarks to Event ‘Supporting Women’s Voices’ Mr. Bodo Immink, Country Director, GIZ Kenya (tbc.) 13:05 - 13:15 Special Addresses H.E. Henriette Geiger, Ambassador of the European Union to Kenya (tbc.) H.E. Sebastian Groth, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kenya (tbc.) 13:15 - 13:25 Introduction to the Film and the Topic of Postpartum Depression Ms. Shirleen Wangari, Act of Love Film Producer 13:25 - 13:50 Act of Love Film Screening Trailer: https://filmfreeway.com/ActofLovefilm 13:50 - 14:50 Panel Discussion on Supporting Women’s Voices and Accelerating Gender Equity Panellists: - Ms. Shelly Gitonga, Act of Love Scriptwriter - Ms. Mwixx Mutinda, Act of Love Lead Actress - Ms. Cherie Oyier, Programs Officer - Women's Digital Rights, KICTANet - Mental Health Professional (tbc.) 14:50 - 15:00 Vote of Thanks Mr. Bernd Lakemeier, Programme Director, GIZ Kenya (tbc.) 15:00 - 16:00 High Tea & Networking Location: Atrium & terrace, 10th floor, KOFISI Square Best, Cherie Oyier Programs Officer-Women’s Digital Rights KICTANet