Digital Skills and Rights Training for Young Somali Women in Mogadishu

Deadline: 27-Aug-2026

The Digital Skills and Rights training program by Digital Shelter supports young Somali women in Mogadishu with practical training in graphic design, visual storytelling, digital rights, and online civic engagement. The program is open to women aged 15–30, particularly activists, community leaders, civil society members, and young women interested in human rights, governance, media, and digital communication.

About the Digital Skills and Rights Training Program

The Digital Skills and Rights training program is an initiative by Digital Shelter designed to strengthen the digital participation and civic engagement of young Somali women in Mogadishu. The program combines practical digital skills with knowledge of digital rights, human rights, governance, and civic participation. Participants learn how to use digital platforms to communicate ideas, raise awareness, advocate for social issues, and participate more effectively in online civic spaces. The initiative responds to barriers that can limit women’s participation in technology and digital platforms in Somalia. By improving participants’ technical skills and understanding of digital rights, the program seeks to create greater opportunities for women to contribute to digital governance and public discussions. What Does the Program Offer? Participants receive practical and knowledge-based training in several areas of digital communication and civic engagement.

Key training areas include:

Graphic design: Developing visual materials for advocacy, awareness campaigns, and digital communication.

Visual storytelling: Learning how to communicate social issues and community experiences through compelling visual content.

Digital rights: Understanding rights and responsibilities in online spaces, including issues related to digital participation and civic freedoms.

Policy literacy: Developing an understanding of policies and issues relevant to digital rights, governance, and human rights.

Digital civic participation: Building confidence to participate in online discussions, campaigns, and civic initiatives.

Networking: Connecting participants with peers and stakeholders working in digital rights, governance, and human rights in Somalia.

Why It Matters Digital platforms increasingly influence how people access information, communicate, organize, and participate in public life. For young women, developing digital skills can provide practical tools for:

Participating in civic and governance discussions

Advocating for community and social issues. Creating digital campaigns and awareness materials. Sharing stories and perspectives through visual media. Understanding digital rights and online participation. Connecting with civil society and human rights networks. Increasing women’s representation in digital civic spaces. The program therefore combines digital literacy, creative communication, civic engagement, and rights awareness rather than focusing solely on technical skills. Who Is Eligible? The program is intended for young Somali women aged 15 to 30 who live in Mogadishu. Priority is particularly relevant for women who are: Activists or aspiring activists. Community leaders. Members of civil society organizations. Members of youth-led organizations. Interested in human rights. Interested in digital rights and online safety. Interested in governance and civic participation. Interested in graphic design or visual communication. Interested in storytelling, media, or digital communication. Previous professional experience is not required. Motivation, interest, and commitment to creating a positive impact in the community are important considerations. Skills Participants Can Develop The program can help participants develop a combination of creative, technical, and civic skills.

These may include:

Digital communication skills for creating effective online content. Graphic design skills for producing advocacy and awareness materials. Visual storytelling skills for communicating social and community issues. Digital rights awareness to better understand participation and rights in online environments. Policy literacy related to governance, human rights, and digital issues. Networking skills through interaction with peers and relevant stakeholders. Civic engagement skills for participating in digital campaigns and public discussions. How the Training Program Works The initiative combines practical learning with opportunities for networking and civic engagement.

Participants can expect to

Attend training sessions focused on digital skills and rights. Practice graphic design and visual storytelling. Learn about digital rights and relevant policy issues. Explore ways to use digital platforms for civic participation. Connect with other young women with similar interests. Engage with stakeholders working in digital rights, governance, and human rights. Apply newly acquired skills to issues affecting their communities. The practical focus allows participants to develop skills that can be used in advocacy, community initiatives, social campaigns, media work, and digital communication. How to Participate Interested young Somali women should review the official program information and application requirements provided by Digital Shelter.

A typical preparation process includes:

Confirm eligibility: Ensure that you are a Somali woman aged 15–30 and reside in Mogadishu.

Review the program objectives: Understand the focus on digital skills, digital rights, civic participation, and community impact.

Prepare your information: Be ready to explain your interests, experience, community involvement, or motivation.

Highlight your motivation: Previous experience is not required, so clearly explain why you want to participate and how you plan to use the skills.

Submit the application: Follow the application instructions and deadline specified by the organizers.

Participate fully: Selected participants should be prepared to engage actively in training, pr