Our mission
Our mission is to unleash young people’s potential for sparking social change. We do this by identifying their needs and bringing them together in user-owned digital communities where they can safely engage on taboos and sensitive topics and generate strong stories for advocacy.
The RNW Media approach
Aspirational
We work in fragile states and countries where human rights are under threat from authoritarian governments, countries where armed conflict is common and rule of law is weak. These countries also have large young populations, and we believe young people are the key to bringing about change. Rather than focus on young people’s frustrations we focus on their aspirations – their desire to shape the societies they live in and live fulfilling lives. This approach complements the work of NGOs that provide humanitarian assistance in times of crisis by supporting longer-term stability and wellbeing.
User-centred
We work to ensure an integrated user- and context-centered approach to everything we build and do. In other words, we meet young people where they are in terms of their key issues, language, technology and online access.
To do this, we first survey and map young people’s needs in relation to the topics that fall under our two thematic areas – Social Cohesion and Inclusive Governance (SCIG) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Once we have gathered this data via online and offline research, we analyse, manage and process it to inform our work and optimise the impact of our projects.
Engage and influence
Online data can be harnessed to feed commercial interests, promote radicalisation and spread hate. But it can also be harnessed to connect communities for positive change and fight hostility towards marginalised groups. Using digital data in ethical ways can provide insight into manipulative discourse, provide evidence for effective advocacy and amplify the voices of excluded and marginalised communities.
Data driven
We are developing a state-of-the-art data strategy to help us analyse online conversations in a more systematic way, so we can provide the highest quality tailored content and moderation. Text mining and analysing textual data through machine learning algorithms offer a way to do that. Specifically, we use Natural Language Processing methods to analyse discussions on our platforms in depth. This provides insights into how the online dialogue is developing over time. Based on this information, we can also measure the impact of our efforts and continuously improve our platforms.
Data as evidence for advocacy
The data we collect is used both to increase our engagement with young people by improving our content and engagement strategies and also to engage change makers and influence decision makers to respond to the needs of young people. The data can provide effective evidence to advocate for young people’s needs. This year we will run multiple proofs of concept using data as evidence for advocacy. The first will focus on LGBT rights in four countries as part of our ‘Rights, Evidence, Action – Amplifying Youth Voices’ programme which is funded by Amplify Change. We are working with youth-led advocacy groups to create powerful data stories which support advocacy at national, regional and international forums.
An introduction to RNW Media
Connect with us
RNW Media has an ambitious vision and is always looking for ways to partner with like-minded organisations. We already have a great network of partners and donors. Be sure to contact us if you want to be a part of it.
Certification
