Research on online censorship of SRHR contents in Iraq

Background

Oxfam is an international confederation counting 17 organizations working together with partners and local communities in more than 90 countries.

Oxfam has been working in Iraq since the 1990s with both an expanding and contracting presence. In 2014, Oxfam established its first office in Mosul when the conflict with ISIS began and the country was thrown into a new humanitarian crisis, in an already fragile context. In 2021, Oxfam is amongst the largest NGOs operating in the country, with nine offices and almost 200 employees.

Oxfam in Iraq’s strategy is shaped around 3 key pillars 1) Humanitarian response 2) Governance and 3) Equality. Within each of these pillars, intervention covers the following sectors: Emergency Food Security and Vulnerable Livelihoods, Water and Sanitation and Hygiene, Gender and Protection, Emergency lifesaving support, and Local Humanitarian Leadership.

In this framework, Oxfam in Iraq has recently launched a new project, Masarouna, aiming at supporting young people’s voice to achieve their Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Alongside partners from RNW Media, Iraq Response Innovation Lab in Oxfam is launching a digital platform in December 2022. The platforms will enable young people to access inclusive SRHR information, to be able to interact and discuss SRHR topics in a safe online space, and as needed, be referred to SRH services in Iraq. Also, the platform will contribute to the civil society’s efforts to raise public awareness, advocate, and work towards more adequate and comprehensive SRHR services in Iraq.

Objectives of the Research

The research’s main objective is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the framework of censorship that affects access to online SRHR information in Iraq, with a focus on sexual health. The research will inform the work of Oxfam in Iraq and RNW Media in setting up the online SRHR platform. Furthermore, the findings of the study will be used to advocate for greater access to SRHR information for young people and for reducing the stigma around SRHR, especially regarding sexual health.

The research should provide an overview of the following aspects:

• The availability and ease of access to online contents on SRHR in Iraq in Kurdish and Arabic languages.
• The censorship (including self-censorship) that experts, journalists, activists, influencers and members of the civil society in general, face when disseminating information and content on SRHR, especially sexual health, in Iraq in online settings.
• The censorship trends that exist on social media platforms in Iraq, as a consequence of algorithms, community guidelines, or users’ behavior. Including, the analysis of at least 3 SRHR related censorship case studies.
• The implication of online censorship of the SRHR information on sexual and reproductive health, with specific focus on young people

Methodology

The Consultant is expected to develop the study through the following methodology:

• Study the already available documentation on SRHR online access within the context of Iraq. Documentation consists of Masarouna baseline documents, the Masarouna SRHR information mapping in Kurdish and Arabic, RNW Media digital context analysis and the platform’s feasibility study (to be provided by Oxfam).

• Conduct an additional comprehensive and extensive desk review on censorship around SRHR contents in the region and in Iraq, including a detailed analysis of the existing online SRHR content platforms and creators from Iraq especially youth led platforms;

• Conduct consultation meetings with different stakeholders, including:

• Members of national civil society,

• members of the international community,

• Oxfam and RNW Media team,

• Journalists,

  • • Online content creators,
      – Activists (especially SRHR ones),
      – SRHR experts and health professionals,

• The consultant/ team of consultants will present the findings to the project team before finalizing the final version of the study.

The main findings should be drawn from the primary sources of this research.

The consultant/team of consultants can propose additional research methods as appropriate and needed.

Deliverables of the research

The consultant/ team of consultants will submit a technical and financial offer including a detailed description of the methodology to be used for the research and the outline of the study. Data collection tools will be developed in close collaboration with RNW Media and Oxfam Iraq staff. An agreed-upon comprehensive work plan will guide the process.

• • Deliverables include:

A discovery meeting with the project team to set the research objectives, timeline and clarify deliverables.

Research Draft Review Presentation with Project Team and RNW Media

Final report that includes a comprehensive narrative report and annexes that cover quantitative and qualitative data collected, and conclusions based on the findings. The final report should include recommendations for the project team.

Reporting Line:

The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Innovation Lab Manager, in collaboration with the Masarouna Project Manager.

REQUIRED EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in the field of sociology, research, media studies, or other related fields;
• Good knowledge of the Iraqi context and relevant network within Iraq;
• Experience in conducting similar research focused on youth and digital behavior and online censorship.
• A profile of conducting research independently or in a part of a research team.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate detailed concepts clearly and concisely both in writing and verbally;
• Excellent time management and coordination skills;
• Research companies or teams are encouraged to apply.

Language:

• Fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English.
• Knowledge of Iraqi Kurdish is an asset.

The ownership of the research will be under Oxfam Iraq and consultant will not share the research without the permission of Oxfam.

Payment will be divided to tranches linked to the reception and approval of the deliverables.

Reception and approval of research outline

30% of the payment

First draft of the research findings and the review workshop

40% of the payment

Approval of the final version of the research

30% of the payment