In August, NDI’s Democracy and Technology (DemTech) team traveled to Honduras to provide three women’s rights organizations in the Consorcio de Mujeres Unidas por Honduras (or Consortium of Women United for Honduras) tools and support to strengthen their digital security. Building digital resilience is essential for civil society organizations (CSOs) to operate safely and effectively. A compromised device, hacked email account, or sensitive information sent through unencrypted channels endangers the organization as well as the communities it serves.

From July 9 to 11, Lagos, Nigeria, became the focal point for a crucial gathering. Organized by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD West Africa) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), this three-day conference was a beacon of hope amidst the growing threat of information manipulation. In an era where the swift spread of information manipulation poses significant risks to societal stability and governance, safeguarding information integrity is more crucial than ever.

“This is for everyone.” These are the famous words of the founder of the World Wide Web, Tim Berners-Lee, but the reality is that in many parts of the world, the Internet and how it is governed is controlled by the very few. In the Maldives in June 2023, a group made up largely of women, worked to change that and make the internet work for the people and for democracy, which they continue to do today. 

With the highest level of internet access in the western Balkans, Kosovo faces vast threats to its information integrity. NDI’s global mission in supporting and strengthening democratic institutions recognizes this growing threat to democratic institutions and political and social fabrics globally. While the internet has empowered billions with access to knowledge, it has also empowered those seeking to undermine democracy.