The BHR Group Digital Rights Careers Newsletter - Issue 18

Dec 20, 2023

Dear Colleagues:

As the year closes, I’d like to give thanks again to our guest practitioners for so generously sharing their hard-earned insights and wisdom on careers in the field of technology, policy, law, and human rights. I’ve learned a ton, and I hope you all have too. I’d also like to say thank you to trusted colleague Rebeca Joy West, senior policy associate at The BHR Group, who is the architect and builder of this newsletter with close to 3,000 subscribers (and nearly 3,000 internships, fellowships, and jobs posted in 2023). And thanks to you all, dear readers, for tuning-in to this pay-it-forward effort. The stakes are high and we need you in this field, working across civil society, academia, industry, government, media, international organizations, think tanks, multi-stakeholder initiatives, law firms, etc.

Our guest practitioner this month, Emilar Gandhi, continues the tradition of sharing brilliant insights, experiences, ideas, and suggestions on leadership, advocacy, mentorship, values, and more. Her first answer sets the scene for all that follows in her professional journey. She begins:

Raised by a single mother who was a veteran, I learned the importance of fighting for what you believe in, standing up against injustice, and speaking truth to power. When Nelson Mandela was released from prison, I was too young to understand the significance of the event entirely, but I still remember the excitement and joy in the streets as we chanted his name (and, honestly, the free non-school day did not hurt at all). Growing up in Zimbabwe and other frontline states, as young as I was, I could not ignore the struggles and history of our neighbouring countries. In school, we learned about the brutality of apartheid and, every Sunday, heard the Pastor's thundering calls for divine intervention to free South Africa. These experiences shaped my worldview and reinforced the importance of understanding the struggles of others.

Emilar also shares a lesson on being a mentee, mentor, and an ally when she says of one of her own mentors:

She generously gave her time (and continues to do so!), experiences to show me the way. She showed me that being an ally is not about what you will do. It is about what you have done. What you are doing. Allyship is a verb. It’s a doing word.

Her principled and practical insights on diversity, equity, and inclusion are also lessons for us all in this field. There is so much in all of Emilar’s replies, and you should take a read, put it down, think on it, and then go back and read it again. It takes time to absorb it all. Keep a copy for later too, it’s such a rich resource; without question, you’ll encounter times when you’ll need that reference point and guiding star. I’ll close with one last bit of wisdom that Emilar shares:

My guiding mantra is: Always move towards something rather than away from something.

I’ve been fortunate to have worked with Emilar in various capacities over the years, and she embodies in practice all the values she lists as the ones that guide her. She is true to her word, and the Internet is a better place thanks to her leadership. Thank you, Emilar!

Michael Samway
The Business and Human Rights Group
Website: www.thebhrgroup.com

Guest Spotlight: Emilar Gandhi

Emilar Gandhi is currently the Head of Stakeholder Engagement for global strategic policy initiatives within Meta's Trust and Safety Policy organization. Her primary responsibility in this role is establishing partnerships with external stakeholders, including international organizations, to integrate human rights principles into Meta's Community Standards. Previously, Emilar held several key positions at Meta. She was the Global Head for Inclusivity in Policy Development, leading a dedicated team that worked to make Meta more responsive to people's diverse and complex needs worldwide. She also led the Stakeholder Engagement pillar, which focused on hate speech, bullying, and harassment. Emilar also served as the company's Head of Public Policy, where she led the engagement of governments, civil society, and other policy influencers and shaped Facebook's policy agenda across sixteen countries in Southern Africa. Before joining Meta (Facebook) in 2016, Emilar spent over a decade holding senior policy roles with Civil Society Organizations at the intersection of human rights, technology, and internet governance. She is actively involved in global policy areas and previously served as Advisory Network Co-Chair of the Freedom Online Coalition. Emilar has a postgraduate degree in philosophy and politics, focusing on Governance and Political Transformation.

What are some of the most formative period or events in your life that shaped your work in technology and human rights?

I have had several experiences and events in my life that have influenced how I approach my work. Raised by a single mother who was a veteran, I learned the importance of fighting for what you believe in, standing up against injustice, and speaking truth to power. When Nelson Mandela was released from prison, I was too young to understand the significance of the event entirely, but I still remember the excitement and joy in the streets as we chanted his name (and, honestly, the free non-school day did not hurt at all). Growing up in Zimbabwe and other frontline states, as young as I was, I could not ignore the struggles and history of our neighbouring countries. In school, we learned about the brutality of apartheid and, every Sunday, heard the Pastor’s thundering calls for divine intervention to free South Africa. These experiences shaped my worldview and reinforced the importance of understanding the struggles of others.
However, if I were to pick one, the most formative period in my life was during the 2005 election year in Zimbabwe when I worked for a local human rights organization. My job was researching and documenting human rights violations and developing advocacy strategies to address these challenges and influence policy. Unfortunately, our work was significantly hindered by a lack of technology resources. We had only one computer with a dial-up internet connection, and frequent power outages made it difficult to get work done. This experience made me realize the potential of technology in helping organizations like ours to document violations and lobby for policy changes. One of our funding partners introduced us to Human Rights Information and Documentation Systems (HURIDOCS). Through their search engine, HuriSearch, we could access detailed human rights information, refine our work, and get the needed training and resources. We also learned from other organizations globally, which was a great help. This experience made me understand the power of technology in advancing social justice and human rights. It inspired me to pursue a career in this field, and since then, I have been privileged to work in roles that focus primarily on technology policy, driving equity, and advancing human rights.

How do you continue doing what you do, pushing and advocating for digital rights, and human rights more broadly?

To be honest, it is not easy! I owe it to my family. I was not raised to be intimidated. I was raised to believe that I can accomplish anything - and I believe that. I also prioritize self-care and try to pursue work-life balance to avoid burnout, collaborate with other advocates and organizations in this field like the Kenya ICT Network and CIPESA . Seeing their impact fills me with pride and motivates me to keep going.

Who are some people or an individual you’ve met during your work in this field who have had profound influence on your work? And in what way?

I have had mentors and other leaders pour into me - their wisdom, networks, support. I work with so many amazing colleagues at Meta. This is probably why I have been there for so long! I have also been fortunate to meet many people who have had a profound influence on my work in the field of technology and human rights. One such individual is Anriette Esterhuysen, who introduced me to her extensive global networks, and provided valuable guidance during my time at the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) where I led policy work in Africa. She generously gave her time (and continues to do so!), experiences to show me the way. She showed me that being an ally is not about what you will do. It is about what you have done. What you are doing. Allyship is a verb. It’s a doing word. Chat Garcia Ramilo and Karen Banks also played a significant role in shaping my approach to strategic governance issues, while Claire Sibthorpe helped me refine my skills in building multi-country projects from the ground up. Dr. Towela Nyirenda Jere and Dr. Rosemary Okello showed me the power of authenticity in navigating global policy dynamics as an African woman.
In addition to these individuals, there are others who gave me a launchpad and have influenced my work even though I have not met them personally. Tony Roberts, the founder of Computer Aid International, is one such person whose organization's work made it easier for me to complete my undergraduate studies. I also remain inspired by the emerging generation of technology and human rights policy leaders.

What are some of the values, broadly speaking, that guide you in this field or in life more broadly?

This question struck me! It is a great question that we should all ask ourselves more often. Some values that guide me in my work and life include social justice, equality, family, freedom, and human dignity. These values inspire the way I live my life and how I approach my work. Additionally, I value empathy, compassion, humility, and respect for diversity, which shape my approach to working with stakeholders and collaborating with other organizations.

What’s a specific event when you feel like your team’s or organization’s work (or your own work) was able to make a significant impact in the field of digital rights?

I am proud of my work leading two initiatives in civil society. The first was the African Internet Governance School (AfriSIG), and the second was the African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms. These multi-stakeholder initiatives had a significant impact on influencing regulations and policy at national and regional levels. The AfriSIG won the UN’s World Summit on the Information Society award for regional and international collaboration in 2017! Now, in my current role at Meta, I am proud of my work on making the stakeholder engagement process more inclusive in content policy development. For two years, I led a team that aimed to open up the policy development process to gather outside views on our policies from minority and underrepresented communities. We balanced freedom of expression and safety, maximized equity, included global, diverse voices in policy making, and integrated human rights principles into the Community Standards. To achieve this, we developed an Inclusivity Framework that provided actionable guidance towards embedding inclusivity values into the stakeholder engagement process. The Framework was used by members of the Stakeholder Engagement Team in developing and implementing stakeholder engagement strategies. While diversity is important, it alone cannot achieve inclusivity. Through the Framework, we engaged underrepresented communities and gathered their insights for policy development, as outlined in our second annual Human Rights Report. We have made progress in creating a more inclusive and diverse approach to policy development, but there is always more work to be done.

What are some ways you think the technology, policy, and human rights fields can become more diverse, inclusive, and equitable in composition, policy topics, learning, and advocacy?

I am glad you are asking this question. There are several crucial steps we can take to achieve this goal. First and foremost, we must acknowledge that marginalized and underrepresented communities are already making a significant impact in advocating for human rights online. We must find ways to amplify and support their efforts to be effective. While the Internet has the potential to empower these groups, it can also exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities, especially for the most vulnerable. Therefore, promoting inclusion must go hand in hand with addressing these disparities to ensure everyone benefits from the Internet.
To achieve inclusivity, we must focus on both structural and systemic changes as well as individual actions and behaviours. We need policies and frameworks that actively promote inclusivity and equity while fostering a culture of respect and openness. Diverse representation alone isn’t enough; ensuring that these often unheard voices have a meaningful impact is crucial. This is true in policy topics and outcomes, learning and advocacy, and the composition of our field. To make a real difference, we must also collaborate with local organizations that work directly with marginalized groups. These organizations often deeply understand these communities’ unique challenges and needs. We can leverage their expertise to design and implement initiatives that make a difference by partnering with them.
I have said this before in my previous response and will repeat it here because it is relevant. It is critical to understand that diversity alone cannot guarantee inclusivity. Inclusivity requires acknowledging power differentials, actively dismantling barriers, addressing biases, and eliminating systemic obstacles. How can we create an environment where everyone can participate fully and meaningfully, regardless of their background or identity? This is a critical question we must ask ourselves and work towards answering as we strive towards a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable field.

For undergraduate or graduate students reading this, what type course (e.g., computer science, human rights, language) or activities (e.g., internships, summer jobs) do you think might be most helpful as they contemplate careers in technology, public policy, and human rights?

I genuinely believe that to gain a broad understanding of this field, one has to undertake multidisciplinary courses - and continue to learn in various ways, especially informally. Also, knowing what you want to do is important - and I acknowledge this may take time. Don't feel like you have to pursue all your education “in one go.” I finished my postgrad studies well into my career! Connect with people already in the field to gain valuable insights into career journeys. Most tech companies have university recruiting teams that can organize career talks - follow their LinkedIn pages. To build practical experience and professional networks, attend conferences and follow people in the field on social media. Taking opportunities in the sector, even if it's just a summer job or an internship, can be helpful. Write a blog, share insights on your favourite tech-related policy topic, and participate in conversations such as the Internet Governance Forum, RightsCon, and Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum - all of which have a hybrid option. Combining academic coursework with hands-on experience allows you to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

For current practitioners in this field, and given your own career experience, what are some considerations you think are worth taking into account when deciding whether to change sectors, say from civil society or academia to the private sector? Or from the private sector to government or civil society?

If you’re thinking of transitioning from working in civil society to the private sector or vice versa, it’s important to evaluate several factors before making the move. Firstly, you need to assess your values and goals and determine if they align with the mission and culture of the new sector. You should also evaluate the move’s potential impact on your career trajectory and professional network. It’s also important to consider practical aspects such as salary expectations, benefits packages, and work-life balance. When I moved from civil society to the private sector, I was worried about losing my networks and credibility in the field. However, I was fortunate to have a supportive manager who allowed me to continue working on issues I cared about and encouraged me to pursue complex topics and speak truth to power. If you’re considering a similar move, speak with individuals who have made similar transitions or seek guidance from mentors or career coaches. My guiding mantra is: Always move towards something rather than away from something. Gather as much information as possible about the team you will join, its leadership, and some of the initiatives they are working on. Most titles in the private tech sector are non-descriptive and do not say much about someone’s actual role, so ask for more information from the team or recruiting manager. Speak to someone in the team to gather further information before deciding. Ultimately, the decision should be based on carefully evaluating both personal and professional factors.

What are some of the non-mainstream sources you turn to when building knowledge or keeping informed on tech, policy, and human rights related issues? And what sources do you follow to keep current on the latest happenings in technology and politics today?

I love reading newsletters! I always look forward to Global Digital Partners’ monthly newsletter, which provides a round-up of what’s happening in the world of tech policy. I also enjoy reading the AI and Human Rights newsletter, which takes a light approach to the issues. Recently, a new newsletter called On the Horizon, run by a former colleague, caught my attention. It takes an in-depth look at the hot topics in the Trust and Safety Policy world. Michael, I also appreciate your newsletter and look forward to it every month. I like how it introduces me to a practitioner and lets me get to know them beyond the glitz and glamour. I believe in face-to-face chats and try to network whenever possible. However, I wonder if face-to-face chats are still non-mainstream these days?

What are some obstacles you’ve faced in the digital rights field? And what are some unconventional strategies you find helpful when responding?

As a black woman working in policy, I have faced various obstacles related to gender and racial representation. Often, I find myself as the only woman or the only black person in the room, which can be intimidating. However, I have learned not to compromise my identity to make others feel comfortable. If you are a leader in this space, look inward at your team and organization. Ask yourself what roadblocks and challenges the underrepresented members of your team are facing and how you can remove those barriers. Are certain people getting all of the exciting projects? Is one person dominating meetings? Face these questions directly, and work with your team to resolve them.

What’s something you didn’t expect in work in this field?

Working in this field has been a fulfilling experience, with one of the most unexpected aspects being the strong sense of community and camaraderie. Despite the challenges and complexities of the job, I have formed deep and lasting friendships with many of my colleagues and peers. These relationships have enriched both my personal life and my professional network, and have enabled me to collaborate more effectively on projects and initiatives. Another aspect that has caught me off guard is the realization that some organizations and movements might be working against the very values and rights they claim to promote. This can be discouraging for those new to the field, but it’s important to stay committed to the cause and continue advocating for what’s right - even if it means working with a different organization.

What are some ideas on how to find and engage regularly with mentors in this sector?

Finding a mentor can be challenging, but it’s an important step in career development. In the past, I used to be direct and ask someone if they wanted to be my mentor - with no context at all, but I’ve since learned that this approach is not very effective. People are often busy, and organizations are usually under-resourced, so mentorship must be reciprocal. To find a mentor, I suggest attending conferences and events related to your field of interest. You can network with experienced professionals who share your values and goals. Another option is to reach out to individuals or organizations that you admire and ask if they would be willing to mentor you or if you can attend some of their meetings. You can also check with professional associations or organizations related to your field for more formal mentorship programs. Social media platforms like LinkedIn can also be used to connect with potential mentors, and engaging in online discussions or forums related to your field can help you learn from others. Ultimately, finding and engaging with mentors requires a proactive and intentional approach.

What are two or three books, podcasts, albums, poems, works of art, etc. that inspire you or that you’d recommend to people interested in working in this field?

The BHR Group Digital Rights Careers Newsletter

The BHR Group Digital Rights Careers Newsletter - Issue 18

Guest Spotlight: Emilar Gandhi

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