Africa–Spain Digital Dialogues: Promoting Ethical, Inclusive and Rights-Based Digital Transformation

Client: Casa África Consortium
Implementation Date: May 2026
Type of Service: Training and Knowledge Exchange

Description

This initiative stems from Opciónate’s participation in the II International Congress “Africa–Spain Digital Dialogues: Digital Social Sciences and Humanities”, organised by Casa África. The congress served as a platform for dialogue and exchange among professionals, academic institutions, civil society organisations, and international experts to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in Africa and Spain.

The initiative is part of Opciónate’s commitment to promoting human rights, gender equality, and social justice in digital environments. Through its participation in this international forum, the organisation contributed to discussions on key issues such as gender-based cyberviolence, technology governance, the digital divide, the digitisation of knowledge, and the impact of technology on social, cultural, and economic processes.

Opciónate’s Director, Ana Lidia Fernández Layos, shared the organisation’s expertise in the prevention of and response to gender-based cyberviolence, as well as in the design of projects and public policies based on an intersectional approach. Throughout the sessions, participants highlighted the importance of fostering digital transformation processes that place people at the centre, prevent the reproduction of inequalities, and contribute to building more inclusive and equitable societies.

The congress also facilitated dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders from both continents, promoting the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and good practices in areas such as women’s digital participation, digital culture, online activism, and knowledge management.

Objectives

• Promote digital transformation grounded in human rights and gender equality.
• Raise awareness of the social impacts of digitalisation from a critical and inclusive perspective.
• Encourage the exchange of experiences and knowledge between Africa and Spain.
• Foster reflection on gender-based cyberviolence and other risks associated with digital environments.
• Strengthen international partnerships and cooperation networks to address the challenges of the digital age.

Results

• Active participation of Opciónate in a leading international forum on digital transformation.
• Dissemination of experiences and good practices related to gender equality and digital rights.
• Creation of interdisciplinary spaces for dialogue among organisations, institutions, and experts.
• Strengthening of international cooperation to promote a more just, ethical, and people-centred digitalisation.

Opciónate continues to promote social innovation and digital transformation processes that contribute to reducing inequalities and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital society.