November 24-26, 2025 (MACHAKOS, Kenya): IGAD successfully concluded a three-day Regional Forum on Women, Digital Security and Artificial Intelligence, bringing together women leaders, peace builders, technologists, civil society representatives, and digital innovators from across the region. The event was jointly organised by the IGAD Gender Unit and the Peace and Security Division.
Across the IGAD region, digital technologies and AI are increasingly influencing how societies communicate, manage information, make decisions, and address conflict. While these tools offer opportunities for innovation, early warning, and improved service delivery, they also present growing risks, particularly for women.
IGAD recognised the urgency of addressing these challenges, especially in fragile and conflict-affected environments where technology can either advance peace or reinforce inequalities. The forum aligned with regional and international frameworks, including the IGAD Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2023–2030), the African Union Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030), and the Women, Peace and Security resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.
The forum commenced with practical sessions on women’s digital safety, focusing on the rising risks of cyber harassment, online gender-based violence, data breaches, and digital surveillance. Participants explored tools and strategies for secure online engagement and discussed how digital spaces can both empower and endanger women, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
Day Two shifted to the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence. Facilitators introduced foundational AI concepts, examined gender bias within digital systems, and highlighted the need for women’s leadership in emerging technologies. Through case studies and group discussions, participants explored how AI can support inclusive governance, early warning, and peacebuilding when developed through a gender-responsive lens.
The final day featured a regional conference with three thematic panels on women’s leadership in digital transformation, cybersecurity and online protection, and the role of AI in peace and governance. The discussions emphasised stronger regional cooperation, ethical digital governance, and the importance of integrating gender considerations into all stages of technological development.
Participants highlighted the rise of online gender-based violence, cyber harassment, data breaches, surveillance, misinformation, and other digital threats that undermine women’s safety, while limiting participation and shrinking civic space. The forum also noted how women remain significantly underrepresented in AI development, cybersecurity leadership, and digital governance.
At the conclusion of the forum, participants had strengthened their digital security skills, deepened their understanding of gender-responsive AI, and expanded regional networks supporting women’s participation in peace and technology. The event also generated recommendations to inform IGAD’s ongoing work in digital inclusion, security, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
