International Women's Day; Celebrating Trailblazing Women Using Technology for Change

Stories of Joyce Bazira, Noreen Asekenye, and Lalaina Randriarimanana

International Women’s Day is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is also a day to raise awareness about gender inequality and advocate for women's rights.

In honour of this day and year's theme, "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality," which highlights the importance of leveraging technology to empower women and bridge the gender gap, we're excited to share the inspiring stories of three remarkable women who have shattered glass ceilings in Tanzania, Uganda, and Madagascar. These women have shown tremendous courage and resilience in the face of adversity, and their stories remind us that women can achieve greatness when given the chance to do so. So join us on this journey as we pay tribute to these trailblazers and continue the fight for gender equality.

Joyce Bazira: A Trailblazer for Women in Media

Tenda wema uende zako, usingojee malipo

Meet Joyce Bazira, a woman on a mission to empower and uplift other women in the media industry. With over 20 years of experience as a communication expert, media trainer, and mentor, Joyce has made an indelible mark in Tanzania and beyond.

Joyce's passion for media and journalism started early in life, and she worked her way up the ladder to become one of the few female senior editors in Tanzania. Along the way, she mentored and coached many young women journalists, helping them unlock their full potential and achieve their career goals.

But Joyce's work hasn't been without its challenges. She's faced the ongoing issue of female journalists leaving the industry, which threatens to reduce women's perspectives in the news content. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and many media organizations were forced to lay off their employees, most of the victims were women. It was a devastating blow, but Joyce didn't give up.

Instead, she leveraged technology to help some of the women who were laid off to continue working as correspondents. She created an online portal and attached them to retired editors who provided professional guidance as they worked on their stories. All the interactions between journalists and editors were held online, and the results were impressive. Joyce's efforts helped these women to produce high-quality, comprehensive, and well-researched stories and programs, which were marketable to any mainstream media outlet in the country.

Joyce's impact on the community is undeniable. She's supported over 100 female journalists, and many of them have gone on to secure employment in prestigious media organizations. Joyce introduced mentorship and coaching sessions for young women journalists, and her network has grown to include senior editors who offer guidance and experience sharing.

Joyce is also an advocate of women's rights and has influenced editors to change their negative perceptions of women, especially in assignment allocation. She's defended the rights of women journalists and trained journalists in several African countries on sexual harassment, gender balance in content, and gender-sensitive reporting.

Joyce's remarkable contribution to uplifting other women in the industry has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, she won The Woman of Achievement in Media Award, a testament to her dedication and hard work.

I challenge women to ask themselves what they can do to make a difference in other women's lives, to take that action now, no matter how large or how small their contribution may be

Joyce Bazira

For Joyce, making a difference in other women's lives starts with taking action, no matter how large or small the contribution may be. Her tireless efforts to empower women in the media industry are an inspiration, and she's a true champion for women's rights and equality.

Changing Lives through Storytelling: The Inspiring Work of Noreen Asekenye

Ekoto osiana bala Edeke (You need to be kind like God)

Meet Noreen Asekenye, the passionate Ugandan social entrepreneur who believes in the power of storytelling to drive social good. As the founder and team leader of the Tell a Story Foundation, she has dedicated her life to nurturing individual and community narratives to contribute to a more humane world.

Noreen's passion for philanthropy through storytelling has earned her recognition from various organizations, including the United Nations Mission to the African Union, Lioness of Africa, HerGenuity Afrika, Imaginact, Women of Rubies, Glim Uganda, Civic Source Africa, and the New Vision. She was acknowledged among the top 40 under 40 women making an impact in Uganda.

But what inspired Noreen to pursue her work? "I believe that everyone deserves to be loved and that irrespective of who they are, where they come from, and what they do, they matter and so do their stories," she says. "The Tell a Story Foundation nurtures individual and community narratives. We aim to preserve and share authentic stories that are told by real people to contribute to a more humane world."

"I believe that everyone deserves to be loved and that irrespective of who they are, where they come from, and what they do, they matter and so do their stories,"

Noreen Asekenye

Of course, no work comes without its challenges, and for Noreen and her team, it's often about sourcing out stories from people who are far away. But with the help of technology, they've been able to connect with people from different parts of the world who are willing to share their stories. Social media posts have been instrumental in making this happen.

Through the Tell a Story Foundation, Noreen and her team have made a significant impact in their community. They've connected over 200 people to join bonfire storytelling nights, sowing hope, making a difference in the lives of others, and raising $500 to support the education and meals of vulnerable children.

They've also given a voice to unsung changemakers, with 70 of them sharing their stories to remind us that ordinary people can do extraordinary things too. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noreen and a group of youths in her Kiwanga community distributed homemade sanitizers to 50 families who couldn't afford pieces of soap. They launched a t-shirt fundraiser called "Together for Good" that provided meals to these homes as well.

Through a charity walk, they raised $300 to renovate a school structure at the Dorna Center for Autism. They also raised money for 30 pairs of sandals for the children.

"You have been born with a seed of greatness in you, you must believe it and you have the responsibility to call it out. If your heart beats for change, start from where you are, with what you have and what you can do.

Noreen Asekenye

Noreen's work is undoubtedly inspiring, and when asked what advice she would give to other women who want to make a difference, she says, "You have been born with a seed of greatness in you, you must believe it and you have the responsibility to call it out. If your heart beats for change, start from where you are, with what you have and what you can do. If you wait to have all the money or human resource you need, you will not begin. You have got to start somewhere.

Empowering Youth and Women for Political Participation: A Journey of Determination and Technology

Tsy misy manana ny ampy fa sambatra izay mifanampy

Meet Lalaina Randriarimanana, She is a strong believer in people power and a passion-driven non-formal education practitioner committed to fostering an inclusive society. Citizen empowerment, peace & development, democracy & election, natural resources and mental health awareness are key areas of her interest. Her volunteer and professional engagement include uplifting young people, advocating for social justice and community development. Lalaina is a co-founder of Liberty 32, a Malagasy volunteer-based organization that works towards citizens’ civic and political participation.

Lalaina's motivation stems from her personal experience. Growing up in poverty, her parents taught her that education was the key to breaking out of the cycle. She has seen their hard work and sacrifice pay off in her own success and feels grateful for the opportunity to serve her community and help others achieve their dreams. Lalaina believes that being a leader means having the privilege to bring your ideas into the world and serve others.

I believe in youth power based on my personal experience. I have developed a high sense of determination that poverty is not a destiny.

Lalaina Randriarimanana

One of Lalaina's biggest challenges was founding Liberty 32 while juggling work, study, and volunteer activities. Thanks to technology, she was able to stay connected and engaged in the organization's implementation process while working abroad. Lalaina has also leveraged technology to build a network of global friends who offer support, advice, and encouragement, particularly during challenging times.

Lalaina's impact on her community is significant. Through Liberty 32's Women and Youth’s League for Democracy program, she has worked tirelessly to build a movement of young people and women, advocating for fair and credible elections, voters' rights and duties, rights to expression, and civic engagement. The program includes election observations, voter turnout campaigns, citizen debates, and essay contests. Lalaina has made a milestone to have young people in the sphere of political participation, which is rare in Madagascar.

Currently, Lalaina mentors a young woman colleague who leads an initiative called ‘Zaho viavy Mahaefa’ (Malagasy words meaning ‘I am a woman who does amazing things’). The initiative aims to build capacity on civil and political rights, political leadership, civic tech, engage young women in non-violent actions to improve the political participation of women in Madagascar and fight against violence in women in politics.

Lalaina's advice to other women who want to make a difference is to believe in themselves, surround themselves with people who believe in them, and recognize that they are extraordinary individuals who can make a difference in the world. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and community building.

The stories of Joyce Bazira, Noreen Asekenye, and Lalaina Randriarimanana remind us that women have played a vital role in shaping our world. Their achievements are a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and hard work. Their stories also serve as a reminder of the progress we have made, as well as the work that still needs to be done. 

As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, let us honour these women and all the other women who have made a difference in our world. Let us also continue to support and empower women, so that they can continue to make remarkable contributions to our society.

By supporting and empowering women, we can build a more just and equitable world for all.