On May 7th and 8th, 2026, Casa África hosted the II International Congress “Africa–Spain Digital Dialogues. Digital Social Sciences and Humanities”, an encounter bringing together professionals, academic institutions, social organizations, and international experts to reflect on digital transformation processes in Africa and Spain.
Held in both in-person and online formats, the congress consolidated itself as an interdisciplinary forum aimed at analysing the challenges and opportunities of digitalisation. Key topics included knowledge management, the digitisation of archives, the impact of technology on culture, gender equality, digital entrepreneurship, and new forms of digital activism.
The event also highlighted the importance of building digital transformation processes that respect African social and cultural realities, fostering the exchange of experiences and cooperation between both regions.
Contributing from Opciónate’s experience
Within this context, Opciónate actively participated in the congress, contributing to discussions on the challenges of digitalisation from a human rights, gender equality, and social justice perspective.
Our founder and director, Ana Lidia Fernández Layos, took part in sessions focused on analysing gender-based digital violence and international regulatory frameworks, sharing her experience in the prevention and response to cyber-violence against women, as well as in the design of intersectional policies and projects.
During her presentation, she emphasised the importance of addressing digital transformation from an ethical perspective, placing people at the centre and ensuring that technological advances do not reproduce inequalities but instead help to reduce them. She also highlighted the need to strengthen international cooperation and the role of social organisations in developing innovative responses to digital challenges.
Creating dialogue between Africa and Spain
The congress provided multiple spaces for dialogue on topics such as the digitisation of African archives, the role of women in digital environments, technological governance, culture and knowledge, and the impact of digitalisation on social, economic, and political processes.
These sessions helped to showcase diverse experiences and foster partnerships between actors from both continents, contributing to the building of digital, cultural, and human bridges.
Our commitment continues
Opciónate’s participation in this congress reinforces its commitment to the promotion of human rights in the digital sphere, gender equality, and inclusive social transformation processes. We will continue generating gender impact by promoting spaces for dialogue, cooperation, and shared learning that contribute to a more just, equitable, and people-centred digitalisation.