What's happening in #techforgood...
Your weekly update of interesting #techforgood reads...
Hello, Tech for Good Enthusiasts! 🌟
I hope your week is going well so far. As we navigate through the mid-week hustle, I wanted to take a moment to share some thought-provoking stories in the #techforgood space that have caught my eye.
This week, we're exploring a range of topics that showcase the transformative power of technology. From the empowerment of women through digital platforms in Sri Lanka and India to Malawi's promising journey towards digital transformation, there's a wealth of inspiration to be found. We're also diving into the critical need for user-friendly privacy laws and the role of data science in driving social impact.
Whether you're passionate about digital inclusion, privacy rights, or leveraging data for good, there's something in this collection of stories that will resonate with you.
If you have any insights or stories you'd like to share with this community, please feel free to reach out. Your contributions make this dialogue richer and more meaningful.
Wishing you a productive rest of the week!
Thank you,
Jesse
🌐 Co-Creating Our Digital Future: How Open-Source Technology Can Expand Inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure - Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL)
📝 The Digital Impact Alliance (DIAL) has released a white paper discussing the importance of expanding safe, inclusive, and trusted foundational digital public infrastructure (DPI) to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper highlights a unique window of opportunity from 2023 to 2030, backed by growing political consensus and initiatives like the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA) and the forthcoming Global Digital Compact. The paper offers insights on how Digital Public Goods (DPGs) can help overcome challenges in developing DPI and presents five outcomes to create a sustainable ecosystem of DPGs.
🤔 Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
The Role of DPI: How can foundational digital public infrastructure empower individuals and drive private-sector innovation?
Challenges and Solutions: What are the current challenges in developing DPI, and how can Digital Public Goods help overcome them?
Sustainability: What conditions are required for Digital Public Goods to be a long-term, viable option for digital public infrastructure?
👩💼 Pathways to Impact: Leonida (Leo) Mutuku - data.org
📝 Leonida (Leo) Mutuku, founder of Intelipro, speaks with Perry Hewitt of data.org about her journey from data curiosity to social impact. Intelipro focuses on building financial management and analytics tools for entrepreneurs. Mutuku discusses her early work at iHub Nairobi, where she was exposed to the potential of data science. She also talks about the challenges and opportunities in the data space, emphasizing the need for talent that can bridge data science and social impact. Mutuku shares her experiences in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, highlighting her work with governments and public institutions to use data for sustainable development.
🤔 Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
Bridging the Gap: How can data science talent be nurtured to understand both the technical and social impact aspects?
Challenges in Data Adoption: What are the barriers to effective utilization of data in both the private and public sectors?
Future Trends: What are the emerging trends in data for social impact, such as digital IDs and chatbots?
🔗 Pathways to Impact: Leonida (Leo) Mutuku - data.org
Get Ideas and Resources for Inclusive Financial Innovations - B The Change
📝 This article from B The Change Weekly discusses the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses and highlights initiatives aimed at providing more equitable access to capital, mentorship, and other resources. The piece focuses on leaders from Certified B Corporations and other organizations in the Philadelphia area who are sharing ideas for inclusive financial services. Tanya Morris of Mom Your Business emphasizes the critical role that Black-owned companies can play in driving local economies.
🤔 Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
Equitable Access: How can we ensure that Black-owned businesses have equitable access to capital and mentorship?
Community Impact: What role do local businesses, particularly those owned by marginalized communities, play in driving local economies?
Inclusive Financial Services: What innovative financial services can be developed to support entrepreneurs of color?
🔗 Get Ideas and Resources for Inclusive Financial Innovations - B The Change
🌍 Digital Transformation in Malawi: A Journey with Great Promise - Panoply Digital
📝 The article by Panoply Digital explores the ongoing digital transformation in Malawi across various sectors such as banking, education, healthcare, and agriculture. The Government of Malawi has been proactive in setting ICT policies since the 1990s, giving rise to a surge of digital innovation. Despite the progress, challenges like low internet penetration, high costs, and limited digital literacy persist. The article emphasizes that overcoming these challenges could unlock numerous benefits, including more inclusive development and accelerated economic growth.
🤔 Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
Government's Role: How can governments effectively champion digital transformation in developing countries?
Overcoming Challenges: What strategies can be employed to tackle the issues of low internet penetration and digital literacy?
Sustainable Development: How can digital transformation contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in countries like Malawi?
🔗 Digital Transformation in Malawi: A Journey with Great Promise - Panoply Digital
👩💻 Research Report: Digital Platforms and Women's Work in Sri Lanka and India - LIRNEasia
📝 LIRNEasia, in collaboration with the Centre for Policy Research, India, the Indian Institute for Human Settlements, and World Resources Institute, India, has conducted qualitative research to understand women's engagement with digitally enabled work. The research highlights the opportunities and challenges women face in the online workplace, such as gender gaps in internet connectivity and digital skills, as well as social norms. The study aims to inform updated labor market regulation and business practices to empower women economically in India and Sri Lanka.
🤔 Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
Digital Inclusion: How can we close the gender gaps in internet connectivity and digital skills to enable more women to participate in online work?
Social Norms: What role do societal norms play in limiting women's participation in the digital workspace, and how can these be addressed?
Policy Impact: How can this research inform labor market regulations and business practices to create a more inclusive digital work environment for women?
🔗 Research Report: Digital Platforms and Women's Work in Sri Lanka and India - LIRNEasia
🔒 Let's Make Privacy Easy - Tech Policy Press
📝 Tom Kemp, a Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur and author, argues that privacy laws need to be more user-friendly. He emphasizes that current privacy laws are often difficult for consumers to navigate, leading to low utilization of privacy rights. Kemp suggests three key changes: support for "opt-out preference signals," a centralized portal for data deletion requests targeting data brokers, and a ban on dark patterns that make it difficult for consumers to exercise their privacy rights.
🤔 Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
User Experience in Privacy: How can privacy laws be designed to be more user-friendly, taking cues from Silicon Valley's focus on UX?
Opt-Out vs. Opt-In: What are the pros and cons of an "opt-out" versus "opt-in" framework for consumer data collection?
Dark Patterns: How can dark patterns be effectively identified and banned to make it easier for consumers to exercise their privacy rights?