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Using technology to fight for rights in Africa
Other | Tuesday 25th October 2016 | Kat
In a world where there is still so much governmental repression, technology can be a powerful tool to help bring about more freedom and access to information.
Here are just some examples of how some of the most basic forms of online tech have brought about change.
The Web Page
Following the discovery that Jacob Zuma, the South African president was using vast amounts of public funds to furnish his home, the resulting anger dictated that public power should never be abused in such a way again.
Supporting this and helping to make political legislation more accessible to the public, one hacker group are working on a site that will break the 180 page constitution down, simplifying it and making certain sections easier to find for the public.
This is certainly an idea that would be welcomed over here!
Social Media
This year's election in Uganda led to so much spirited debate from opposition parties and voters, that their president of 30 years, Yoweri Museveni placed a ban on social media sites.
Thanks to the creation of virtual private networks (VPNs) however, citizens were able to voice their opinions as if they were located in other areas of the world. The trending hashtag #UgandaDecides was then born!
The Phone App
The lack of medical regulation in Africa makes it very easy for unqualified people to practice and this was evident in the 2015 case of the fake gynaecologist proven to be raping women after anaesthetising them.
As a result, the app Dodgy Doctors has been created, registering all legitimate doctors and checking against average prices how much people are being charged for medicines.
Hacking
The hacktivist group Anonymous, have Africa in their sights when it comes to exposing corruption under the hashtag #OpAfrica.
Two of their biggest triumphs this year include a series of Angolan government websites following the jailing of 17 young activists and exposing arms dealings with the Namibian government and international groups.
