JOB DETAILS:
Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) is a non-governmental organization that works to empower women and girls in Uganda through the use of information and communication technology (ICT). As part of our ongoing efforts to combat Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV), WOUGNET seeks to develop a comprehensive web portal that will serve as a one-stop resource for OGBV support services and holistic information access. This portal will be integrated into our existing website ( https://wougnet.org/ ) and social media channels (X, Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin), ensuring broad access to critical and timely information and support services for survivors/victims of online gender-based violence in Uganda and beyond.
WOUGNET, with support from Enabel, is implementing this project to provide a comprehensive and secure web portal that empowers women and girls by raising awareness about Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) and offering essential psycho-social, legal, and technical support services.
Background:
The internet, while a powerful tool for empowerment, has increasingly become a hostile environment for women and girls in Uganda. Based on WOUGNET’s study in 2021 with Makerere University School of Women and Gender Studies (MakSWGS) on Assessing the Types, Spread, and Impact of Online Gender-Based Violence in Uganda, it was discovered that online gender-based violence is widespread in Uganda (mentioned by 88% of the respondents). The widespread nature of Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV), coupled with low digital literacy—only 35% among women and girls—leaves them vulnerable to harassment, abuse, and exploitation online. Despite the growing prevalence of OGBV, there is a significant lack of accessible resources and support services tailored to address these challenges. This growing online hostility not only limits women’s creative expression but also discourages their participation in civic life, particularly in leadership roles, online education, commerce, and entrepreneurship. The unchecked spread of OGBV poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of women and girls, reinforcing systemic inequalities and undermining efforts to achieve gender equality in the digital age.
WOUGNET’s initiative to develop a one-stop web portal aims to fill this critical gap by offering psycho-social, legal, and technical support to victims of OGBV. This platform will empower women and girls to navigate the online space openly, freely, safely, securely and confidently, providing them with the tools and resources needed to protect themselves and seek help when needed.
Objective:
The primary objective of this initiative is to raise and amplify awareness among the population, particularly women and girls in the rural, peri-urban and urban areas of Uganda and beyond, about the dangers of OGBV and the services available to combat it. The portal will provide access to psycho-social, legal, and technical support to victims of OGBV and will be designed to reach at least 15,000 users.

Expected Outcomes:
1. Increase awareness of OGBV and available support services to at least 15,000 users
2. Create a one-stop web portal for OGBV services that is integrated with WOUGNET’s website.

Expected Outputs:
1. A comprehensive, user-friendly online/web portal for OGBV support services and information access developed with consideration of some of the Principles of Digital Development and Feminist Principles of the Internet and integrated into WOUGNET’s website.
2. AI chatbots embedded within the designed web portal platform and across WOUGNET’s social media channels to provide real-time support and information to victims/survivors of OGBV.

Scope of Work:
WOUGNET is seeking a consultant with expertise in digital platform development, user experience design, and AI integration. The consultant will be responsible for:
1. Platform Design and Development:
o Develop a responsive and accessible web portal integrated into WOUGNET’s existing website.
o Ensure the platform provides easy access to psycho-social, legal, and technical services for victims of OGBV.

o Integrate user-friendly interfaces that facilitate engagement and information dissemination.
2. AI Chatbots Integration:
o Develop and integrate AI-driven chatbots into the platform and WOUGNET’s social media channels.
o Ensure the chatbots provide timely and accurate support to victims of OGBV.

o Enable the chatbots to guide users to appropriate services and resources.
3. Testing and Optimization:
o Conduct rigorous testing of the platform and AI chatbots to ensure functionality, usability, and security.
o Optimize the platform for various devices and internet bandwidths common in Uganda.
4. Training and Documentation:
o Provide training to WOUGNET staff on managing and updating the web/digital platform and social media platforms.
o Develop comprehensive documentation for the platform and chatbot usage, including troubleshooting guides.
5. Launch and Dissemination:
o Support WOUGNET in launching the web portal platform and ensure it is accessible to at least 15,000 users.
o Assist in developing a dissemination strategy to maximize the platform’s reach, particularly among women and girls.

Duration:
The consultancy is expected to last for 3 months, starting from the date of contract signing.

Eligibility and Requirements:
The consultant should have:
• Proven experience in digital/web portal platform development, particularly for NGOs or similar organizations.
• Expertise in AI chatbot development and integration.

• Strong understanding of online gender-based violence issues and support services.

• Ability to deliver within the stipulated timeframe and budget.
• Experience working with communities in Uganda or similar contexts is an added advantage.