Kosovans are increasingly using the internet, however, like many internet users, they are becoming an easy target for cyber attacks. Some 50 women in a Bicec village in Kacanik municipality participated in a USAID supported training to learn about safe use practices on social media and how to protect themselves online.
TechOda, implemented by USAID Up to Youth activity, is an information session platform advising citizens on the negative sides of the internet, such as cyberbullying, misuse of information, fake news, as well as positive aspects of the internet, such as accessing and sharing information for business development, employment opportunities, or general news in their communities.
According to the Dataportal, the largest internet data collection platform, by January 2021, Kosovo, a country of approximately 1.9 million inhabitants counted 1.76 million internet users. This high rate of internet penetration in a country where the majority of the population is under 30 years old is a huge asset, but also poses significant risks as a large percentage of users have little to no information about how to protect themselves from cyber threats.
“The training and information has helped me understand how not to become a victim of cyber-attacks, ”said Turkijane Mezini from Kaçanik, one of the participants. For many of the participants this is the first opportunity to raise awareness about the risks posed by social media.
TechOda was organized by youth-led initiatives of the Youth Support Network in Kaçanik, Hani i Elezit and Viti to help women and young girls use social media with heightened awareness and improved security measures.
Global Communities for USAID Kosovo