Empowering Women, Shaping Africa’s Digital Tomorrow.

OUR PRIVACY POLICY

 

Women's Digital Futures Africa (WDFA)

Effective Date: 01-06-2025
Last Updated:25-03-2026

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1. INTRODUCTION

Women's Digital Futures Africa (WDFA) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with care and transparency.

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This Privacy Policy explains:

• What information we collect

• How we use your information

• How we protect your information

• Your rights regarding your personal data

• How to contact us with privacy concerns

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By using our website or participating in our programs, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

WDFA Contact Information:

• Email: info@womensdigitalfutures.africa

• Website: https://www.womensdigitalfutures.africa

• Location: Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

 

2. ABOUT WDFA

Women's Digital Futures Africa (WDFA) is an independent initiative hosted by the Digital Rights and Mental Health Initiative (DRMHI), a registered non-profit organization based in Nigeria.

WDFA advances women's participation in Africa's digital future through programs centered on mental health, digital wellbeing, and digital citizenship.

 

3. SCOPE OF THIS POLICY

This Privacy Policy applies to:

• Our website (www.womensdigitalfutures.africa)

• Program applications and participation (SafeTech Fellowship, etc.)

• Newsletter subscriptions and communications

• Events, webinars, and community engagements

• Partner collaborations that involve data sharing

 

This policy does NOT apply to:

• Third-party websites linked from our site

• Partner organizations' data practices

• Social media platforms where we maintain a presence

 

4. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

4.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you apply for programs:

• Full name

• Email address

• Phone number

• Date of birth or age range

• Country and city of residence

• Educational background

• Professional/employment status

• Motivations and goals for participation

• Demographic information (for program evaluation and equity)

• Emergency contact information (for participant safety)

 

When you contact us:

• Name

• Email address

• Subject of inquiry

• Message content

 

When you subscribe to our newsletter:

• Email address

• Name (optional)

• Preferences for communication topics

 

When you participate in surveys or feedback:

• Responses to program evaluation questions

• Testimonials and stories (if you choose to share)

• Suggestions and feedback

 

When you attend events or webinars:

• Name

• Email address

• Organization/affiliation (if applicable)

• Questions or comments submitted during events

 

4.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website:

• IP address

• Browser type and version

• Device information (type, operating system)

• Pages visited and time spent on pages

• Referring website

• Date and time of visit

• Geographic location (general, based on IP)

 

Cookies and tracking technologies:

• We use cookies to improve website functionality and user experience

• Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors use our site

• You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings

 

4.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Partner organizations (when you're referred to our programs)

• Social media platforms (if you interact with our content)

• Public sources (for research and program development)

• References (if provided during application process)

 

5. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

5.1 Program Administration

We use your information to:

• Process program applications

• Communicate with participants about program details

• Facilitate learning activities and mentorship

• Provide technical and pastoral support

• Track attendance and participation

• Issue certificates of completion

• Build and maintain alumni networks

 

5.2 Communication and Engagement

We use your information to:

• Respond to inquiries and requests

• Send program updates and announcements

• Deliver newsletters and educational content

• Invite you to events, webinars, and opportunities

• Share relevant resources and information

 

5.3 Program Improvement and Evaluation

We use your information to:

• Evaluate program effectiveness and impact

• Conduct research on digital citizenship and wellbeing

• Identify areas for program improvement

• Generate anonymized statistics and reports

• Inform future program design

 

5.4 Safeguarding and Participant Wellbeing

We use your information to:

• Ensure participant safety and wellbeing

• Respond to mental health concerns or crises

• Contact emergency contacts if necessary

• Maintain safeguarding protocols

• Fulfill duty of care obligations

 

5.5 Legal and Compliance

We use your information to:

• Comply with legal obligations

• Enforce our Terms and Conditions

• Protect our rights and property

• Prevent fraud or abuse

• Respond to legal requests

 

5.6 Organizational Operations

We use your information to:

• Manage partnerships and collaborations

• Report to funders and stakeholders

• Maintain financial and administrative records

• Improve website functionality and user experience

 

6. LEGAL BASIS FOR PROCESSING (GDPR & DATA PROTECTION)

We process your personal data based on:

Consent:

• You have given clear consent for us to process your data for specific purposes (e.g., newsletter subscription)

Contractual necessity:

• Processing is necessary to fulfill our obligations when you participate in programs

Legitimate interests:

• Processing is necessary for our legitimate interests (program improvement, research, communications) and does not override your rights

Legal obligation:

• Processing is necessary to comply with legal requirements

You have the right to withdraw consent at any time, but this will not affect the lawfulness of processing prior to withdrawal.

 

7. HOW WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION

7.1 We DO Share Information With:

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DRMHI (our host organization):

• For administrative, financial, and operational support

• For joint program delivery (SafeTech Fellowship, Back-to-School Campaign)

• For safeguarding and participant wellbeing

Program partners and facilitators:

• To deliver program content and mentorship

• Limited to information necessary for their role

• Subject to confidentiality agreements

Service providers:

• Email and communication platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, WhatsApp Business)

• Website hosting and analytics services

• Payment processors (if applicable)

• Survey and data collection tools

With your explicit consent:

• When featuring your testimonial, story, or photo

• When connecting you with opportunities (jobs, partnerships)

• When sharing information with other participants for networking

Legal and regulatory authorities:

• When required by law or legal process

• To protect rights, safety, or property

• To prevent fraud or abuse

 

7.2 We DO NOT:

• Sell your personal information to third parties

• Share your information for commercial marketing by other organizations

• Disclose sensitive information without consent (except in emergencies)

• Transfer data to countries without adequate protection (unless necessary and with safeguards)

 

8. DATA RETENTION

We retain your information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:

Program participant data:

• Active participant data: Duration of program plus 2 years

• Alumni data: Retained indefinitely (unless you request deletion) for alumni network and long-term impact tracking

• Application data (unsuccessful): 1 year, then deleted

Newsletter subscribers:

• Retained until you unsubscribe

Website analytics:

• Aggregated data: Retained indefinitely

• IP addresses: 12 months

Safeguarding records:

• Retained in accordance with safeguarding best practices and legal requirements (typically 7+ years)

Financial and administrative records:

• Retained for 7 years in compliance with Nigerian regulations

You may request deletion of your data at any time, subject to legal and legitimate obligations.

 

9. DATA SECURITY

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

Technical measures:

• Secure socket layer (SSL) encryption for website

• Password protection and access controls

• Regular security updates and patches

• Secure data storage and backup systems

Organizational measures:

• Staff training on data protection

• Confidentiality agreements for staff and partners

• Clear data handling procedures

• Regular review of security practices

Limitations:

• No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure

• We cannot guarantee absolute security

• You are responsible for keeping your login credentials secure

• Report any suspected security breaches to us immediately

 

10. YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES

You have the right to:

10.1 Access

• Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you

• Receive information about how we use your data

10.2 Correction

• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data

• Update your information at any time

10.3 Deletion ("Right to be Forgotten")

• Request deletion of your personal data

• Subject to legal and legitimate obligations

10.4 Restriction

• Request that we limit how we use your data

• Object to certain types of processing

10.5 Portability

• Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format

• Request transfer of data to another organization (where technically feasible)

10.6 Objection

• Object to processing based on legitimate interests

• Opt out of marketing communications at any time

10.7 Withdraw Consent

• Withdraw consent for processing at any time

• This does not affect prior lawful processing

10.8 Lodge a Complaint

• File a complaint with the relevant data protection authority

• In Nigeria: Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)

To exercise your rights: Email us at: info@womensdigitalfutures.africa We will respond within 30 days.

 

11. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

WDFA programs serve participants aged 13 and above.

For participants under 18:

• We recommend parental/guardian awareness and consent

• We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent

• If we discover we have collected data from a child under 13 without consent, we will delete it promptly

Safeguarding:

• We maintain enhanced safeguarding protocols for minors

• Emergency contact information is collected for participants under 18

• Special care is taken with sensitive information

Parents/Guardians:

• You may request access to your child's information

• You may request correction or deletion of your child's data

• Contact us at info@womensdigitalfutures.africa

 

12. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

WDFA operates primarily in Nigeria and across Africa.

If your data is transferred internationally:

• We ensure adequate protection through appropriate safeguards

• Transfers comply with applicable data protection laws

• We use standard contractual clauses or other approved mechanisms

• You have the right to request information about safeguards in place

 

13. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

 

13.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide a better user experience.

 

13.2 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential cookies:

• Required for website functionality

• Cannot be disabled

Analytics cookies:

• Help us understand how visitors use our site

• Allow us to improve user experience

• We use Google Analytics (anonymized)

Functional cookies:

• Remember your preferences

• Provide personalized features

 

13.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through:

• Browser settings (block all cookies or select which to accept)

• Third-party opt-out tools

• Our cookie consent banner (on first visit)

Note: Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

 

13.4 Third-Party Cookies

Our website may include content from:

• Social media platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok)

• Video providers (YouTube)

• Analytics services (Google Analytics)

These third parties may place their own cookies. We do not control these cookies. Review their privacy policies for more information.

 

14. SOCIAL MEDIA AND THIRD-PARTY PLATFORMS

We maintain presence on social media platforms:

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• TikTok

When you interact with our social media:

• Your interactions are governed by the platform's privacy policy

• We may see your public profile information

• We do not collect additional data through these platforms

When you share our content:

• Your sharing activity is visible according to your privacy settings

• We may see aggregated engagement metrics (likes, shares) but not individual identifying information

 

15. EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS AND NEWSLETTERS

15.1 Program-Related Emails

If you participate in programs, you will receive:

• Program confirmations and schedules

• Learning materials and resources

• Important announcements

• Wellbeing check-ins

These emails are essential to program participation and cannot be opted out of while you are an active participant.

 

15.2 Marketing Emails and Newsletters

If you subscribe to our newsletter:

• You will receive updates about programs, events, and initiatives

• You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in every email

• We will honor unsubscribe requests within 10 business days

 

15.3 Email Service Providers

We use third-party email services (e.g., Mailchimp, Gmail) to send communications. These providers have their own privacy policies.

 

16. WHATSAPP AND MESSAGING PLATFORMS

16.1 SafeTech Fellowship and Program Communications

We use WhatsApp for:

• Program delivery and learning activities

• Peer support groups

• Mentorship communications

• Quick updates and announcements

What we collect:

• Phone numbers (provided during application)

• Messages sent in program groups

• Participation and engagement data

Your responsibilities:

• Keep group discussions confidential

• Respect other participants' privacy

• Do not share personal information of others outside the group

 

16.2 WhatsApp Privacy

WhatsApp is owned by Meta. Your use of WhatsApp is subject to their privacy policy and terms.

We cannot control:

• How WhatsApp processes your data

• End-to-end encryption (controlled by WhatsApp)

• Backup and storage of messages

 

17. WEBINARS AND ONLINE EVENTS

When you attend our webinars or Facebook Live sessions:

What we collect:

• Name and email (if registration required)

• Questions or comments submitted

• Attendance duration

• Engagement metrics

Recordings:

• Webinars may be recorded for future viewing

• You will be notified if a session is being recorded

• By participating, you consent to being recorded

• You can participate without video/audio if preferred

Platform providers:

• We use platforms like Facebook Live, Zoom, or Google Meet

• These platforms have their own privacy policies

• Check their policies for information on how they process your data

 

18. RESEARCH AND ANONYMIZED DATA

18.1 Program Evaluation and Research

We conduct research to:

• Evaluate program impact

• Understand digital citizenship and wellbeing needs

• Inform future program design

• Contribute to knowledge in the field

Anonymization:

• Research data is anonymized whenever possible

• Individual identities are removed or pseudonymized

• Aggregated findings are shared publicly

Your rights:

• You can choose whether to participate in research activities

• Non-participation does not affect your program eligibility

• You can withdraw consent for research use at any time

 

18.2 Testimonials and Case Studies

With your explicit consent, we may:

• Feature your story or testimonial

• Include your photo

• Share program outcomes attributed to you

You can:

• Choose the level of detail to share

• Request anonymization or pseudonyms

• Withdraw consent and request removal at any time

 

19. DATA BREACHES

In the event of a data breach:

Our response:

• We will investigate the breach immediately

• Assess the risk to individuals affected

• Take steps to contain and mitigate harm

• Notify affected individuals without undue delay (within 72 hours if high risk)

• Report to relevant authorities as required by law

Your response:

• If you suspect unauthorized access to your data, contact us immediately

• Change passwords if your account may be compromised

• Monitor for suspicious activity

 

20. UPDATES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in our practices

• New programs or services

• Legal or regulatory changes

• Feedback from participants

When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top

• Material changes will be communicated to active participants and subscribers

• Continued use of our services after changes indicates acceptance

Reviewing the policy:

• We encourage you to review this policy periodically

• The current version is always available on our website

 

21. CONTACT US

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data:

 

Women's Digital Futures Africa (WDFA) Privacy Contact:

• Email: info@womensdigitalfutures.africa

• Subject line: "Privacy Inquiry"

• Website: https://www.womensdigitalfutures.africa

 

Hosted by:

Digital Rights and Mental Health Initiative (DRMHI)

Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

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We will respond to privacy inquiries within 30 days.

 

22. COMPLAINTS AND DISPUTES

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal data:

 

Step 1: Contact Us

• Email info@womensdigitalfutures.africa

• We will work to resolve your concern within 30 days

 

Step 2: Regulatory Authority

• If not satisfied with our response, you may file a complaint with:

  • Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)

  • Website: www.ndpc.gov.ng

  • Email: info@ndpc.gov.ng

 

Step 3: Legal Remedies

• You have the right to seek legal remedies under applicable data protection laws

 

23. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By using our website or participating in our programs, you acknowledge that:

• You have read and understood this Privacy Policy

• You consent to the collection, use, and sharing of your information as described

• You understand your rights regarding your personal data

 

Last Updated: 25-03-2026

Version: 1.0

© 2025 Women's Digital Futures Africa.

All rights reserved.