Civil Society Organizations for Ethics of AI
Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET)
Women of Uganda Network WOUGNET is a nongovernmental organization that was founded in May 2000 by several womens organizations in Uganda Its main objective is to develop the use of information and communication technologies ICTs among women to share information and address issues collectively The organization envisions an inclusive and just society where women and girls are empowered to use ICTs for sustainable development In line with this vision WOUGNET emphasizes the use of diverse ICTs such as SMS radio television email social media and print with the internet serving as an enabler for communication and information sharing WOUGNETs interventions include providing information through varying digital platforms that enable productivity facilitating access utilization and application of ICTs and influencing the formulation and implementation of gendersensitive ICT policies and programs The organization is dedicated to promoting the generation of gender data and has over the years advocated for genderresponsive ICT policies and laws in Uganda based on evidencebased research WOUGNET has organized highlevel dialogues with policymakers regulators government ministries and marginalized groups such as women girls persons with disabilities and people living in rural areas to discuss issues of digital human rights specifically womens rights online The organization regularly publishes policy briefs position papers toolkits handbooks and reports on issues such as data privacy the gender digital divide freedom of expression and access to information WOUGNET has also partnered with international networks such as the Global Network Initiative and Association for Progressive Communications to promote the Internet of Things and the feminist Internet WOUGNET has conducted various research projects including a nationwide study on the types spread and impact of online genderbased violence in Uganda and an assessment of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing freedom of expression and access to information in Uganda Additionally WOUGNET implemented the Smart Policy Option project which engages civil society organizations and policymakers to promote policies and strategies that narrow the existing gender digital gap WOUGNET is the implementing partner in Uganda for the project Our Voices Our Future which is being implemented in six countries Bangladesh India Kenya Lebanon Sudan and Uganda and targets structurally silenced women WOUGNET is a member of international networks such as the Association for Progressive Communications Global Initiative Network and Community of Practice on Cyber Laws and Regulations under the Digital Human Rights Lab Its work has been supported by donors and partners such as Alan Turing Institute Humundi Commonwealth Foundation SPIDER Crossroad International UN Women GIZ Digital Human Rights Lab World Wide Web Foundation African Union SIDA Association for Progressive Communications Applied Research Fund Urgent Action Fund and CREA
