Terms of Reference: Consultant to Develop a Handbook on Digital Safety and Security of Female

Journalists in Rwanda

Background and Context:

Rwanda has a growing community of female journalists who play a crucial role in reporting news and information. However, female journalists often face unique challenges in the digital space, including gender discrimination and online harassment. To address these issues and promote a safe and secure environment for female journalists online, there is a need to develop a comprehensive handbook on digital safety and security tailored specifically for them.

Objectives:

• Develop a practical handbook that provides guidelines, strategies, and best practices for female journalists in Rwanda to enhance their digital safety and security.
• Equip female journalists with knowledge and skills to mitigate risks related to gender discrimination and online harassment.
• Raise awareness about digital threats and empower female journalists to navigate digital platforms confidently and securely.
• Ensure the handbook is accessible, user-friendly, and relevant to the local context in Rwanda.

Scope of Work:

 Identify and analyze relevant data, reports, and case studies on digital security and gender-based harassment issues within the Rwandan media landscape to inform the development of the handbook. 

Deliverables:

 Develop a handbook on digital safety and security for female journalists in Rwanda, including sections on reducing gender discrimination and online harassment.

Duration of the consultancy: 30 days. 

Competencies:

• Proven experience in digital safety and security and legal frameworks particularly in developing resources for journalists.
• Familiarity with gender issues and online harassment, preferably in the context of media and journalism.
• Strong research and writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely.
• Experience working in Rwanda or similar contexts in East Africa, with knowledge of the local media landscape and challenges faced by female journalists.

Submission of Proposals: Interested consultants should submit a proposal outlining their approach, methodology, timeline, qualifications, and budget. The proposals should be addressed to the Chairperson of ARFEM via email: arfemrwanda@gmail.com and the deadline of submission will be 18th July.2024 at 5:00pm, local time.