Safe Haven founder, Dinayen Emilien, wins Africa Connected Campaign.

The campaign was organised by Paradigm Initiative, PIN, a non-profit organisation that shapes policy, defends rights and builds capacity in the digital environment towards a digitally inclusive and rights-respecting world.

The aim of the digital divide Africa Connected program was to bridge the gap between those with access to Information and Communication Technologies, ICTs, those without access and complex pressing issue in Africa. 

In an interview granted The Guardian Post, Dinayen explained that her entry into the campaign was motivated by her firsthand experience on the profound impact the divide has on education, economic empowerment and civic participation. 

The passionate digital rights advocate said this spurred her to focus her submission on the East Region of Cameroon, where the digital divide is starkly evident.

Dinayen disclosed that her objective is to help raise awareness on certain fields mostly neglected in the East Region of the country due to the lack of access to the digital world.

“The campaign's call for stories and insights resonated deeply with me. It provided a platform for me to highlight the digital divide's consequences, particularly in Cameroon,” Dinayen said. 

The founder of Safe Haven said winning the competition was not just an honour, but it fueled her determination to continue advocating change and utilizing technology's potential to bridge the digital divide in Cameroon.

About the campaign 

The Africa Connected campaign, it should be noted, aims to shed light on how the lack of digital access impacts education, economic empowerment, employment, and civic participation across Central Africa. 

By sharing stories and insights from individuals and communities, the initiative calls for urgent action to address these disparities. 

About winning project

Dinayen Emilien’s wining project submitted to the Africa Connected competition focused specifically on the impact of the digital divide in the East Region of Cameroon. 

Her focus aligns with the fact that the area is often overlooked in discussions about digital access, with the region facing unique challenges that require targeted solutions. 

“…through my project, I aim to highlight these issues and advocate for policies that promote digital equity,” Dinayen said. 

Way forward 

Dinayen, in the project, pointed out some measures which needs urgent implementation for all regions in the country to effectively be involved in technology.

While regretting that in urban areas, the quality of service is far from what is needed to support digital transformation, she recommended that network providers must step up their efforts to provide reliable and affordable services. 

“This inconsistency not only widens the gap between those who have stable access and those who do not, but it also hinders economic opportunities and limits access to information and education,” Dinayen said. 

She also suggested that to truly bridge the digital divide, the country requires better policies, increased investment in rural infrastructure, and a stronger commitment from service providers. 

According to Dinayen, “reliable internet access should not be a luxury, it should be a right for every Cameroonian”. 

Pledges to carry out project astutely 

According to Dinayen, her success at the Africa Connected competition it’s a big motivation to amplify the message further. She went further to add that it serves as a reminder that “our voices can make a difference and that sharing our stories can drive change”. 

Also, with the skills acquired, Dinayen promised to effectively communicate the urgency of addressing the digital divide, especially in the East Region where the need is greatest.

In addition to sharing her stories, she also pledged to promote digital literacy and education. Dinayen added that she intends to do by creating awareness towards empowering individuals and communities to take advantage of the opportunity’s technology offers. 

Dinayen also expressed the wish to foster a culture of digital literacy where people can be equipped with the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape. She sounded upbeat this will enhance the economic prospects and civic engagement.

“As I continue this journey, I am committed to working alongside others who share this vision. The Africa Connected campaign has opened doors for collaboration and dialogue, allowing us to unite our efforts in advocating for digital equity,” Dinayen revealed.

About Safe Haven

Safe Haven is a youth led organisation based in Yaounde. It is aimed at promoting mental wellbeing.

The organisation also focuses on empowering survivors of all forms of violence. It provides them with psychological assistance, and helps them to attain the growth and healing needed.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3247 of Wednesday October 02, 2024