Strengthening Civic Space in Somalia Through Media Advocacy, Digital Security Capacity Building, and Dialogue

Strengthening Civic Space in Somalia Through Media Advocacy, Digital Security Capacity Building, and Dialogue

Narrative Report: Capacity Building Training for CSO Activists in Digital Security
Location: Mogadishu, Somalia
Date: April 2025

Introduction

In April 2025, the Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) successfully organized a Capacity Building Training in Digital Security for civil society organization (CSO) activists in Mogadishu. The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of Somali human rights defenders (HRDs) to protect themselves, their digital communications, and sensitive data while engaging in advocacy, media, and civic initiatives.

With Somalia’s digital and civic space evolving under challenging circumstances, the workshop provided essential tools and practical skills for activists to safely operate in both online and offline environments.

Objectives of the Training

The key objectives were to:

1. Enhance Digital Security Awareness – Equip participants with knowledge of cyber threats, secure communications, and online privacy practices.

2. Build Practical Skills – Enable participants to use secure tools, encryption, and safe social media practices.

3. Promote Media Advocacy – Strengthen participants’ ability to safely use digital platforms for human rights reporting and advocacy.

4. Encourage Peer Dialogue – Facilitate sharing of experiences, challenges, and strategies among HRDs working in Somalia’s complex civic space.

Participants Overview

• Total Participants: 25

• Gender Distribution: 24 Female, 1 Male

• Professional Background: Activists, journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society practitioners.

Infographic Suggestion:

• A gender distribution pie chart showing 96% female and 4% male.

• A bar chart showing professional backgrounds (Activists, Journalists, HRDs, CSO staff).

Training Methodology

The workshop employed a blended approach combining theoretical sessions, practical exercises, and interactive discussions. The methodology included:

• Lectures & Presentations on digital security principles, online privacy, and threat mitigation.

• Hands-on Practical Sessions on secure communication tools, password management, and data encryption.

• Case Studies & Scenarios reflecting real-life challenges faced by Somali CSO activists.

• Group Discussions & Peer Learning to exchange experiences and strategies for resilience.

Key Topics Covered

1. Digital Security Fundamentals

   • Identifying cyber threats

   • Understanding phishing and malware attacks

   • Safe online browsing

2. Secure Communication Tools

   • Messaging and email encryption

   • Using VPNs and secure cloud storage

3. Social Media Safety

   • Protecting personal and organizational accounts

   • Managing digital footprints

   • Safely reporting human rights violations

4. Media Advocacy & Civic Space

   • Strategies for using media to amplify human rights issues

   • Engaging communities while mitigating risks

5. Incident Response & Risk Mitigation

   • Responding to cyber incidents

   • Protecting sensitive data of CSOs and HRDs

Outcomes and Achievements

• Increased Knowledge & Skills: Participants demonstrated enhanced understanding of digital security risks and mitigation strategies.

• Enhanced Safety Practices: CSO activists gained confidence in using secure communication tools and social media safely.

• Peer Network Strengthened: The training fostered collaboration and experience-sharing among participants.

• Gender Inclusivity Highlighted: The majority female participation underscored the empowerment of women in Somalia’s civil society space.

Infographics:

• Outcome summary chart: e.g., 90% reported improved skills, 85% felt more confident using secure tools.

Challenges

• Limited access to high-speed internet during practical exercises.

• Diverse levels of digital literacy among participants requiring adaptive teaching methods.

• Security concerns in Mogadishu affecting movement and workshop logistics.

Recommendations

1. Follow-up Trainings: Regular refresher courses and advanced digital security modules.

2. Resource Provision: Access to secure communication tools and guidelines for CSOs.

3. Peer Support Networks: Establish digital forums for ongoing dialogue and support among Somali HRDs.

4. Inclusive Outreach: Expand engagement with male and youth activists to strengthen overall civic participation.

Conclusion

The Capacity Building Training in Digital Security significantly contributed to strengthening civic space in Somalia by enhancing the ability of CSO activists to safely engage in media advocacy, human rights reporting, and civic dialogue. The workshop fostered resilience, collaboration, and digital literacy, particularly empowering women activists who represent the majority of participants.

Infographics Summary

1. Gender Distribution Pie Chart:

   • Female: 96%

   • Male: 4%

2. Participant Professional Background Bar Chart:

   • Activists: 12

   • Journalists: 6

   • HRDs: 5

   • CSO Staff: 2

3. Training Modules Roadmap:

   • Digital Security → Secure Communication → Social Media Safety → Media Advocacy → Incident Response

4. Outcomes Chart:

   • Improved digital security skills: 90%

   • Confidence in secure tools: 85%

   • Strengthened peer networks: 80%

Source: CSHRD