Main take-aways of Mayra's research
- This doctoral research was conducted in Colombia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Colombia represents a distinctive case in Latin America and the Caribbean, marked by overlapping economic, social, and political crises, as well as a recent shift toward a progressive government.
- The study pays particular attention to the digital boost that emerged in response to lock-downs and mobility restrictions implemented across the country.
- This research focuses on Colombian non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which are key actors at the forefront of crises and central to processes of public policy, peace-building, and development.
- During the pandemic, NGOs faced significant challenges in continuing their work in both rural and urban areas, particularly due to communication barriers that limited contact between organizations and with their target populations.
- To address these disruptions, NGOs intensified their use of information and communication technologies.
- This research examines online mobilization and online capacity building as examples of communication developments that emerged during this period.
- These communication processes, enabled by information and communication technologies, contribute to shaping transformative action at both individual and collective levels.
- In doing so, this research contributes to ongoing debates on development and digitalization by highlighting both the opportunities and pitfalls of online communication for fostering transformative action.
- The results point to the importance of a hybrid mode of mobilization and capacity building that facilitates the creation of horizontal communication networks while maintaining a strong connection to local territorial contexts, where transformative action ultimately takes place.
Acknowledgments
"My special thanks go to the participants of this research, NGO directors and coordinators, community members, and capacity-building facilitators, as well as to professors, family members, friends, colleagues, and institutions for their constant and valuable academic, financial, technical, logistical, and emotional support throughout this doctoral journey".
