OVERVIEW
The ‘Connect’ element of the platform would provide a way for women to connect with one another in a safe and secure manner, and may include the following features:
- Instant messaging
- Discussion forums
- Webinar capability
- Chat rooms
The ‘connect’ element, at the time of development of this report, could benefit from further input from co-designers.
BENEFICIARIES AND PROVIDERS
The ‘connect’ element would allow for community women to be able to connect with one another directly – through an instant messaging system – or be able to participate in discussion forums or even chat rooms around specific topics and issues.
Figure 6: Designing ‘connect’. Source: freepik.com
ALIGNMENT WITH CORE REQUIREMENTS
The primary purpose of this component would be to provide a place for women to network and connect in a ‘safe space’ that protects digital rights of all users of the platform. The ‘connect’ component of the platform could start with simple instant messaging capability and expand to provide additional functionality upon request.
The governing structure will be responsible for providing oversight and guaranteeing the security of the ‘safe space’.
NEXT STEPS
In order to move forward with the development of a pilot project for this element of the platform, the following steps will need to be taken:
- Consolidation and commitment of project partners, with additional details specifying roles, financial requirements, and the development of a timeline;
- Development of Privacy, Security, Editorial policies and the Code of Conduct;
- The development of a budget and securing funds;
- The development of a prototype, technology selection and development;
- Evaluation and identification of scaling possibilities and the development of additional features as required.