DRILL Program
PIN receives applications for its Digital Rights and Inclusion Learning Lab (DRILL) at least once a year. The successful applicants work with Paradigm Initiative for a determined period ranging from 3 – 9 months. As an early to mid-career fellowship, potential candidates must have basic experience as technology or social innovators, researchers, policy experts, and/or entrepreneurs. Through DRILL, PIN seeks to host innovative learning around digital rights and inclusion in Africa and serve as a space for enhanced capacity and networking. Fellows must have relevant postgraduate qualifications and be exceptional individuals who bring new learnings and innovations and gain exposure to the digital ecosystem.
PIN receives applications for its Digital Rights and Inclusion Learning Lab (DRILL) once a year.
The successful applicants work full time with Paradigm Initiative team members for a period ranging from 3 – 9 months.
As a mid-career fellowship, potential candidates are expected to have a minimum of 5 years’ experience as technology or social innovators, researchers, policy experts, and/or entrepreneurs.
Activities
PIN hosts innovative learning around digital rights and inclusion in Africa, and serves as a space for enhanced capacity, practice and reflection aimed to involve and connect different stakeholders and create dialogue amongst researchers, social innovators, policymakers and actors, the private sector, as well as civil society. The successful fellows are involved in a number of activities, including the following;
- Work full time with Paradigm Initiative team members for a period ranging from 3 – 9 months.
- Work on an innovative project.
- Host a Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) session.
- Host monthly ecosystem/sector meetings with the PIN Team to engage the ecosystem on critical issues arising or existing.
- Conduct biweekly presentations and prepare content to share with the PIN team on their project
- Feature a monthly DRILL podcast.
Fellows
Ameni Saidani
Ameni Saidani is a dedicated advocate with a primary focus on digital rights, particularly for individuals with disabilities. With a comprehensive background spanning over four years in civil society engagement, Ameni has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to digital inclusivity and equity. Holding dual Master's degrees in "Disability and Rehabilitation" and "Sign Language Interpretation," she blends academic prowess with hands-on experience. Notably, Ameni's proficiency as a Project Manager shines through roles like Research Fellow at Smex Organization and leadership in pivotal initiatives including 'The Right to Vote = The Right to Access' and 'DigiDeaf.' Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, and equipped with expert sign language interpretation skills, Ameni excels in fostering cross-cultural communication. Her dedication extends to the realm of digital advocacy, where she has showcased her insights as a speaker at events such as the 'bread&net' in Beirut and “Salamat” regional conference in Jordan. Ameni’s work resonates in her volunteer engagements, including translating press conferences and providing essential sign language training. Her commitment to digital rights and inclusion is a cornerstone of her journey, reflecting empowerment, collaboration, and an unshakable dedication to shaping a more inclusive digital landscape."
Wahome Wilson
Wahome Wilson is an advocate specializing in the areas of technology and intellectual property. He has a background in a variety of cross-cutting issues that touch on telecommunications law, media law, data protection and privacy. Wahome is currently the research and consulting lead at Lawyers Hub Kenya. While with the Lawyers Hub, he works closely with startups and other clients and advises them on issues touching on intellectual property, data protection, telecommunications law and other contractual issues. He also researches extensively on digital rights that focuses on the freedom of expression and right to privacy in the digital space. Prior to joining the Lawyers Hub, Wahome was an associate at Gikera and Vadgama Advocates in their Intellectual Property and Anti-Counterfeit practice. He also acted as in-house Counsel for ATC Kenya where he handled a number of roles. Wahome has also worked at Kiptinness and Odhiambo Associates LLP (KOA). He was an associate in the Technology and IP Department. While working at KOA, he counseled on data privacy matters and drafted complex agreements for various national and multinational clients. His research experience notably includes supporting on KICTANET’s paper on disinformation and elections and has written for Democracy in Africa on Internet Shutdowns in Africa.
Sibongile Mokapane
Sibongile Mokapane is a passionate human rights lawyer specializing in women and children's rights, digital rights, and gender issues. With an LLB and an LLM degree, she is an advocate admitted to practice and currently working as an advocacy specialist at Politics4Her, focusing on the Women's Leadership and Political Participation portfolio. Sibongile's dedication to justice extends beyond her professional life. She is deeply committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by women and children, using her expertise in human rights law to advocate for their rights. Through her legal skills, advocacy efforts, and unwavering commitment, Sibongile strives to create positive change in her community and contributes to a more equitable society.
PRECIOUS DEDE
Shares her Amazing Story
My name is Dede Precious. An alumna of AbaLIFE 2017 Batch A. I heard about AbaLIFE after
PRECIOUS DEDE
Shares her Amazing Story
My name is Dede Precious. An alumna of AbaLIFE 2017 Batch A. I heard about AbaLIFE after
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