Building Power Online: How Movements Use, Lose and Own Digital Space

How do social movements and civil society organizations use digital tools to build power and organize themselves - even when repressive governments and major platforms subject them to surveillance, censorship, or network shutdowns? This workshop brings together movement leaders, digital activists, researchers, and policymakers to examine the strategies civil society uses to keep digital spaces open. The focus is on concrete experiences from Kenya, Zambia, Palestine, and Jordan - not abstract theory.

Programme

15:00 - 15:10 | Welcome

15:10 - 16:00 | Panel: Navigating Digital Suppression & Platform Power
A discussion with representatives from protest movements, digital partner organizations, Danish media, movement support organizations, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The panel addresses internet shutdowns, algorithmic bias, gaps in tech policy, public interest tech, and the legal frameworks connecting Danish advocacy with global digital rights.

Speakers:
- Nadim Nashif, Director, 7amleh, DDI Advisory Board
- Brian Malika, One More Percent (Kenya)
- Representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (TBC)
- Nievas Molina, Senior Advisor, Institute for Human Rights, expert in international law and technology

Moderated by Vukasin Petrovic, Strategy Expert and Senior Movement Specialist, ActionAid Denmark MOVE

16:00 - 16:15 | Break

16:15 - 17:15 | Breakout Sessions
Participants choose one of two focused, interactive conversations about practical solutions based on real cases:

1. Organising Under Digital Restriction: From Kenya to Jordan
Host: Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke / MOVE

The session examines how movements maintain momentum when governments restrict or block internet access. Drawing on concrete examples - including walkie-talkie apps on 2G networks during Kenya's Finance Bill protests and Discord-based coordination in Nepal - participants discuss low-bandwidth tools, VPN strategies, and secure funding approaches.