Privacy and Cookie Policy (Ubuntu-inspired)

This privacy policy explains how the Africa Social Work and Development Network (ASWDNet) (Mtandao) manages your personal information. Our approach is guided by the principles of Ubuntu and Ukama (relationality), recognising that our community thrives through mutual respect, shared responsibility, and the ethical treatment of every individual’s data within our interconnected network.

1. Our commitment to privacy

We treat your data as an extension of your personhood. Through the lens of Ubuntu we ensure that your information is handled with dignity and transparency, focusing on the collective well-being (ujamaa) and relational (ukama) harmony of our network members, researchers, and practitioners.

2. Information we collect

To support our mission of promoting African social work, we collect data when you engage with our platform. This includes:

• Personal identifiers such as your name and email address when subscribing to updates.
• Professional details provided during network registration or journal submissions.
• Technical information, including IP addresses and site usage patterns, to help us improve our digital resources.

3. How we use your information

We process your data to foster a collaborative environment and share decolonised social work knowledge. Specifically, we use it to:

• Distribute newsletters and updates regarding African social work research.
• Facilitate membership and networking opportunities.
• Manage submissions for our journals and academic publications.
• Ensure the security and functional integrity of our website.

4. Data sharing and security

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We only share data with service providers who assist in our operations, such as website hosting and email distribution. We maintain physical and digital safeguards to protect your data from unauthorised access, reflecting our duty of care to the community and our Ukama (relational) obligations.

5. Your rights

Consistent with Ubuntu, we respect your right to control your information. You may:

• Request a copy of the data we hold about you.
• Ask us to correct any inaccuracies in your records.
• Request the deletion of your personal data from our systems.
• Opt out of marketing or community communications at any time.

6. International data transfers

As ASWDNet (Mtandao) is a global network, your information may be processed in different countries. We take steps to ensure that your data receives a high level of protection regardless of its location, adhering to both ethical standards and relevant data laws.

7. Contact us

For any enquiries regarding this policy or your personal data, please reach out via our contact page.

Last updated: February 2026