Inclusivity^[1] focuses on ensuring that data practices and policies consider the experiences, needs, and perspectives of diverse individuals and communities. It aims to address power imbalances, challenge systemic biases, and promote equity in the collection, use, and protection of personal data.

^[1] Inclusive Data Charter

Intersectional Analysis: Highlighting the importance of adopting an intersectional lens when analysing data and its implications. Intersectionality recognizes that individuals have multiple social identities (e.g., gender, race, class, sexuality) that interact and shape their experiences. It aims to avoid one-size-fits-all approaches and acknowledges the unique challenges faced by marginalised communities.

Data Justice:^[1] Inclusivity ensures the promotion of data justice, which seeks to challenge and address power imbalances in data practices. It aims to ensure that the benefits and risks associated with data collection and use are distributed equitably. This involves considering the potential harms and implications of data practices on marginalised communities, such as surveillance, discrimination, and exclusion. The principle of Inclusivity calls for data governance frameworks that prioritise social justice, fairness, and the promotion of human rights.

^[1] Data Justice Archives

Afrofeminist^[1] and feminist principles of the internet emphasise the importance of consent as a fundamental aspect of privacy and autonomy.^[2] Consent, in this context, is understood as a voluntary, informed, and ongoing agreement between individuals and organisations regarding the collection, use, and sharing of personal data.

^[1] Principles of Afro-feminist AI Data

^[2] Feminist Principle on Consent

Informed consent recognises that consent must be freely given without coercion or pressure. Individuals should have the ability to make choices about their data without facing negative consequences or discrimination.^[1] Power imbalances, such as those based on gender, race, or socioeconomic status, must be acknowledged and addressed to ensure that consent is truly voluntary.

Data subjects to have access to clear and understandable information about how their data will be used. This emphasises the need for transparency and accountability in data governance. This includes providing comprehensive explanations of data collection practices, purposes, potential risks, and any third parties involved. It also involves ensuring that individuals have the necessary knowledge and digital literacy to make informed decisions about their data

^[1]Informed consent — Said who? A feminist perspective on principles of consent in the age of embodied data — A policy brief

Privacy and data anchored on Afrofeminist data principles on data governance and data protection, are viewed through the lens of autonomy, agency, and challenging power imbalances.^[1]

^[1] Feminist Principle on Privacy and Data

The principle of privacy and data emphasises individuals’ autonomy and agency over their personal data. Privacy is seen as a fundamental right^[1] that allows individuals to control how their personal information is collected, used, and shared. Recognizing that privacy is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It acknowledges that privacy expectations and needs vary across different individuals and communities. Privacy considerations should be sensitive to cultural, social, and historical contexts, taking into account diverse perspectives and experiences.

Data collection and use can perpetuate harm and violence, particularly against marginalised communities. Privacy protections should respond to the potential for data-driven discrimination, surveillance, and re-victimisation.

^[1] Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Governance and trust focus on promoting inclusivity, and fostering accountability to build trust between individuals, communities, and organisations.

Governance and trust involves challenging power structures by questioning and transforming the dominant narratives and structures that perpetuate inequality and marginalisation. It requires recognizing and addressing the ways in which gender, race, class, and other social categories intersect to shape data practices and their impacts.^[1] It requires inclusive decision-making to create more robust and responsive data governance frameworks. Providing women and marginalised communities with the necessary knowledge, tools, and resources to understand and exercise control over their data.

Transparency is an essential component of building trust. It includes clear communication about data collection, use, and sharing, as well as the purposes and potential risks involved.^[2] Responsibility and accountability ensure that organisations are held responsible for their data practices and that mechanisms are in place to address privacy breaches, discrimination, and other harms.^[3]

^[1] Data Feminism

^[2] Responsible AI in Africa

^[3] 3 Core Principles for a Feminist Global Digital Compact

Access to information is a fundamental right and freedom refers to the equitable and just availability, control, and use of data that upholds and advances the rights and interests of individuals and communities

Access and more specifically, equitable access, should not be limited to a privileged few but should be available to all individuals, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, class, ability, or other social identities. Equitable access calls for efforts be made to bridge the digital divide and address barriers that prevent marginalised communities from accessing and benefiting from data.

The principle of access emphasises the importance of inclusive design in data access. This involves considering the diverse needs and preferences of users when designing data systems, platforms, and interfaces. Accessible design principles should be employed to ensure that women and marginalised communities can access and navigate data resources effectively. This includes providing alternative formats, contextualised language use, accommodating different sensory and cognitive abilities, and removing barriers to access.