Protecting Online Rights of Changemakers (PORCH)

Home

Digital transformation is steadily progressing across South Asia. The governments are adopting new laws, policies, and approaches to use and develop digital technologies that influence the social and economic well-being of citizens.

Some of the proposed regulations are considered as disproportionately harmful to women and youth. Women and youth often find themselves excluded from policy dialogues concerning digital and cyber security issues, which impacts their social and economic well-being. In order to promote technologies that align with democratic values and inclusive development, it is essential for women and youth-led organisations to actively participate in shaping internet governance and digital policies.

Through this project, CUTS, in partnership with Internews and other partners in Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh will work towards empowering youth and women’s voices while advocating for equality in digital and cyber policymaking in the target countries. CUTS will undertake consultations, capacity building, networking, and advocacy initiatives to achieve the objectives of the project. These objectives include increasing involvement and engagement of young people and women in crucial discussions of internet governance.