DIGITAL MARKETING COURSE

Digital Dada Program
Approximately 15% of the global population, equating to around one billion individuals, consists of people with disabilities, encompassing both genders . Disability prevalence is more pronounced in low and middle-income nations compared to those with higher incomes. Developing countries host 80% of the total population of individuals with disabilities. Women and girls with disabilities make up over half of the global disabled population and nearly 20% of all women, with a higher prevalence in women at 19.2% compared to 12% in men . Globally, and particularly in developing countries, the leading causes of death amongst women are HIV/AIDS and maternal conditions . Women with disabilities of reproductive age (15-49) are at higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes than women without disabilities . However, there is a lack of a comprehensive and accessible sexuality education that recognizes and addresses the rights of women and girls with disabilities in access to sexual and reproductive health rights. Young women with disabilities face notable challenges, being reported as three times more likely to experience unmet healthcare needs, three times more likely to be illiterate, half as likely to secure employment, and half as likely to access the internet. Kenya's internet landscape has undergone changes since January 2022. The internet penetration rate has slightly decreased to 32.7%, with 17.86 million internet users, marking a decline from the 42.0% penetration rate reported in early 2022 . This shift signifies an expanding digital divide, particularly impacting young women with disabilities who encounter high costs and limited access to internet connectivity and devices. The importance of digital inclusion for young women with disabilities is emphasized, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the imperative to address existing disparities in digital access.

Problem Statement

In the rapidly evolving digital age, the ability to access and utilize information technology is crucial for full participation in societal, educational, and economic activities. However, young women with disabilities face multifaceted barriers that hinder their digital engagement. These barriers include, but are not limited to, a lack of tailored training programs, financial constraints, limited availability of adaptive technology, and insufficient infrastructure that accommodates their unique needs.

Moreover, these young women often encounter challenges in literacy and community integration, which are exacerbated by the digital divide. The absence of inclusive digital design further marginalizes them, impeding their transition to the next stage of their lives and their potential for socioeconomic contribution.

Furthermore, these barriers significantly impede their access to sexual and reproductive health rights. Limited digital access prevents them from obtaining crucial information on sexual health, family planning, and reproductive rights, which are often disseminated online. This lack of access exacerbates their vulnerability to misinformation and restricts their ability to make informed decisions about their bodies and health. The absence of adaptive technologies and inclusive online platforms also means they have fewer opportunities to engage with support networks and healthcare providers who understand their unique needs. Consequently, the compounded effect of digital exclusion and restricted access to sexual and reproductive health services further marginalizes young women with disabilities, impacting their overall well-being and hindering their ability to participate fully in society.

Justification

Recognizing the urgency of addressing these challenges, the Digital Dadas program serves as a vital pathway to empower young women with disabilities through the acquisition of essential digital skills. By providing targeted training in digital literacy, the program aims to equip young women with disabilities with the tools necessary to navigate the digital landscape effectively. Digital Dadas addresses the multifaceted challenges they encounter, fostering empowerment and inclusion while contributing to the reduction of the digital divide among young women with disabilities.

The Digital Dadas program empowers young women with disabilities through digital literacy and storytelling, fostering advocacy for sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). We believe in equipping young women with disabilities with skills to share their stories, challenge norms, and educate communities. The program encompasses training in digital marketing, weekly Zoom sessions, and a supportive WhatsApp group. Mentorship focuses on comprehensive sexuality education, empowerment, and life skills. An internship phase involves hands-on experience in various departments, enhancing practical knowledge. Cyber activism training equips Digital Dadas to run campaigns advocating for sexual and reproductive health rights using their acquired skills. By integrating SRHR advocacy into the program, Digital Dadas ensures that young women with disabilities are not only digitally literate but also empowered to champion their health rights and well-being.

Our Approach

We designed  our Digital Dadas program for young women with different disabilities, as a strategy to empower them from a holistic approach on the use of new technologies. 

Digital Marketing was selected as a pilot area based on their own need and interest. However for us Digital Marketing is the starting point of our journey together.

The learning process is fully online and we use several platforms to ensure all Dadas have access to the content and information. The Skills eLeaning platform is where they have access to digital marketing content. There are also weekly sessions on zoom facilitated by young women with disabilities that have already completed the course. We also have a Whatsapp group where all Dadas can share questions, information, learning resources, among others

Overall Objective

To empower communities of 26 young women with disabilities from Nairobi, Kajiado, Narok, Kakamega, Kisumu, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Mandera, Isiolo, Marsabit and Wajir on their rights through the use of new technologies.

Specific Objectives

  1. To provide young women with disabilities with tailored digital literacy training programs that cover foundational skills, internet navigation, online safety, and proficiency in commonly used applications.
  2. To establish a supportive community network, encouraging collaboration, peer learning, and the exchange of digital knowledge among young women with disabilities.

Desired Outcomes

  1. Young women with disabilities are equipped with the tools to advocate for themselves and challenge harmful norms through digital literacy training and comprehensive sexuality education.
  2. Women and girls with disabilities have their SRHR recognized and addressed in policy frameworks.
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