Strengthening Digital Security and Resilience of Women-Led Organizations in Benue State
In an era where digital threats are increasingly sophisticated, the need for robust digital security measures is paramount. Recognizing this, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) hosted a comprehensive 5-day training program aimed at enhancing the digital resilience of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across Africa. Among the ten CSOs selected for this initiative was the Women Environmental Programme (WEP) from Nigeria.
Held in Abuja from February 19th to 23rd, 2024, the training equipped participating organizations with practical skills and knowledge essential for bolstering their digital security.
Focus on Benue State
WEP launched the “Strengthening Digital Security and Resilience of Women-Led Organizations” initiative, aimed at continuous capacity building in digital security for CSOs.
The initiative specifically targeted 25 women-led organizations in Benue State, North-Central Nigeria. Benue State is home to over 200 CSOs and non-governmental organizations, with a significant majority (over 75%) being women-led. These organizations, many of which work in areas related to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and manage sensitive data, are part of the Benue Non-Governmental Organizations Network (BENGONET) and Benue Civil Society Organizations (CSO-B).
A 2-day capacity-building workshop was conducted in Makurdi, Benue State, for 45 representatives from the selected organizations. The workshop covered a range of topics, including: Cyber threats, Social engineering, Email security, Secure communications and Digital space regulations
The training employed a mixed-method facilitation approach, incorporating group work, practical demonstrations, and knowledge sharing. Participants were guided on developing digital security policies for their organizations and tasked with implementing various digital security strategies outlined in an action plan.
As a result of the workshop, participants now possess improved knowledge of digital security concepts and safe practices in cyberspace. They have gained skills in identifying secure internet connections, authentic links, and phishing attempts. Moreover, participants have pledged to implement digital security strategies within their organizations by providing step-down training and developing comprehensive digital security policies.
This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing the digital security and resilience of women-led organizations in Benue State, ensuring they are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape.
