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A glass of fruit juice inspired Maasai activist Edith Santiyian to put fruit trees to use in her fight against climate change. Seth Onyango, bird story agency A smoothie of fresh mango, avocado and banana was the rich and creamy fruit drink that not only excited Edith Santiyian’s taste buds but gave rise to an idea that is bringing tree cover to desolate communities in the Rift Valley. Santiyian, 29, remembers savouring the medley of fruit and pondering the deeper connection between nature’s bounty and the health of her home environment. What was to be a refreshing start to her day suddenly turned from sensory overload to a moment of epiphany, when she realised that in her community - devastated by years of charcoal burning, overgrazing and now, extremes of weather - fruit trees were seldom felled. That moment gave rise to the Nalala Tree Foundation, a Community-Based Organization (CBO) dedicated to planting fruit trees as a means of reforesting communities. "When you plant a fruit tree, it is very difficult for human beings to cut them compared to ordinary trees... we are bringing in sustainability because women can actually sell the fruits," she explained. "So, I do a lot of climate advocacy and sensitization so that we are able to create sustainable livelihoods amongst pastoralist women." Mango and avocado trees, once fully grown, provide shade and surplus fruit that can be sold for extra income. For Santiyian, however, it was only after she lost her job as a news anchor and volunteered at Kenya's National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) that she finally summoned up the will to launch her organization. "Based on the knowledge that I got when I volunteered as a communications officer...I gave birth to a new baby which was the foundation," she said with a chuckle. That was in 2021. She began with an initial distribution of 2,000 tree seedlings and soon after, another 3,000 were given to women in the community. The first batch of seedlings was intended to help rehabilitate community-owned wildlife habitats in her native Narok, renowned for the Maasai Mara National Park, while the latter was planted within the communities to enhance local ecosystems and livelihoods. She also provided education on the significance of her choice of species, to the community. Santiyian's approach is slowly but steadily transforming the landscape of Maasai indigenous communities in Narok, turning barren fields into flourishing orchards. She hopes to replicate this success in Kajiado, Marsabit, and Baringo counties. On the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, Santiyian's enthusiasm was palpable. Fitted out in Maasai garb, with a polka-dot dress overlaid with a vibrant red shawl adorned with delicate white patterns and an intricately beaded necklace serving as a statement piece reflecting cultural heritage and artisanal craftsmanship, she attracted plenty of attention. “I have worn our Maasai outfits since the conference commenced,” she said, asserting that she was able to redirect the attention she received towards the activities of indigenous communities working to combat climate change, in whatever way they could. The Nalala Tree Foundation has extended its impact through partnerships and educational programs tailored to cater to various groups, from schoolchildren to community leaders. By involving local communities in her organisation's activities, Santiyian said, she was ensuring that knowledge and understanding of climate issues was rooted in the culture and daily lives of the people, making it more sustainable and impactful. bird story agency

Zimbabwean psychologist turned climate activist, Lorraine Chiponda, issues a bold clarion call as a panacea to climate change, with her "Don't Gas Africa" movement. Seth Onyango, bird story agency A fervent chorus rings out louder and louder as the long queue snaking towards the main entrance of COP28 inches closer. The unrelenting chants of "Don't Gas Africa" fill the air. Lorraine Chiponda, accompanied by a battalion of young climate activists, is leading the movement. With placards held high, each emblazoned with compelling messages, their call is unmistakable – a collective stand against new fossil fuel investment. In the midst of the fray, Chiponda, a trained psychologist, emerges as a figure of resistance to the exploitation of Africa's natural resources at the expense of its citizens. "I am very positive about Africa's future, you see what was happening today... and if you look at what has been happening throughout the year, people are now building consciousness and awareness of climate justice issues of environmental issues," Chiponda noted. Born in the mining town of Kwekwe, Zimbabwe, she witnessed first-hand the impact of extractive activities on her community. The sight of school children arriving at school covered in maroon dust, their uniforms stained by the relentless fallout from nearby mining operations, was a stark reminder of the environmental and social costs of such industries. Early exposure to the realities of resource exploitation shaped Chiponda’s resolve to fight for environmental justice. “Growing up in Kwekwe, I saw the effects of mining on our town,” she recalled. “It wasn’t just the landscape that was altered, but the lives of the people, especially the children, who had to live with the consequences every day.” Chiponda's journey into activism began during her university days in Zimbabwe, a period marked by governance challenges and student activism. Her early experiences shaped her perspectives, leading her to join 'Youth for Democracy in Zimbabwe' and later 'Natural Justice,' an organization championing human rights and environmental stewardship. The campaign was born out of the 'Africa Movement Building Space', a collective focusing on climate and developmental issues in Africa. Chiponda and her team recognised the threats posed by the global energy crisis, especially during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which saw Europe turning to Africa as an alternative energy source. This realisation sparked the inception of 'Don't Gas Africa,' a movement dedicated to resisting the use of gas as a transitional fuel and instead advocating for renewable energy solutions. "Africa became a hotspot and became a fuel station for Europe. And so we saw our African leaders at COP 27 pushing for admitting gas as the transmission fuel and we managed to mobilise them to block that at COP27," she says. Chiponda's activism initially focused on coal, leading the Africa Core Network in mobilizing communities against coal mining and at the same time, advocating for a just transition. However, the shift in global energy dynamics led her to pivot towards addressing the challenges posed by the gas industry in Africa. According to her, Africa is in a unique and pivotal position, thanks to its abundant renewable energy resources. "Africa carries more than 40% of the minerals that are needed for a transition. So which means we can better position ourselves to look for data development, understand the arguments where our African leaders say that they need gas, but that is not the solution," she said. "Africa also if you look at the geography, we are very much blessed with adequate sunshine with adequate wind and other sources of energy that we can tap into and even be a global leader." Chiponda also brings a gender lens to the climate struggle, collaborating with organisations like FEMNET. She highlights the role of patriarchy in the current climate crisis and the importance of incorporating feminist perspectives in environmental campaigns. "In terms of gender, we cannot miss that lens because one of the contributing factors with regards to where we are in the world is a result of patriarchy, and patriarchy has led us to where we are with regard to how the economy has been structured around, patriarchy, extractivism and other forms that have affected us at this point," she asserted. "So we do work closely with feminist organisations as well as women's organisations and young people's organisations across Africa." Chiponda is also focusing on expanding the influence of her campaign beyond the African continent. "Don't Gas Africa was conceived in Africa by Africans and we also managed to scale up in other regions across the world. That's why we've got Don't Gas Asia, and hopefully, very soon, we will be having Don't Gas the Amazon and Don't Gas Latin America." bird story agency

An app developed by tech startup Vambo Technologies, co-founded by Chido Dzinotyiwei and Isheanesu Misi, stands as a pioneering language accessibility platform. It aims to empower users to seamlessly communicate, learn, and create content in various African languages, fostering cultural inclusivity and breaking linguistic barriers. Phendu Kuta, bird story agency When Chido Dzinotyiwei moved to South Africa from Zimbabwe as a child, language became both an obstacle and an opportunity for change. Her primary concern as an adult was children struggling with their mother tongue in new environments, facing challenges in pronouncing names, and finding it difficult to connect with the languages spoken in their surroundings. Fast forward to today, the entrepreneur and Mandela-Rhodes Scholar, now based in Johannesburg, is on a mission with her business, Vambo Academy and project, Vambo AI, to address the vital language needs of African communities. “Having moved to another country in my early schooling years, I had to learn a language in order to succeed at school and I had to learn other languages in order to make friends. I ended up having to repeat grade 4 because the only language I was fluent in at the time was my mother tongue [ChiShona] which was neither the local language nor the language of instruction”, she shared, detailing her own struggles with language barriers. Vambo Academy, created in 2019, was initially a private language tutoring service conducted in people's homes. It became a thriving endeavour until the pandemic abruptly halted the business. Faced with this challenge, Dzinotyiwei made a crucial decision for the continuity of the business by exploring the integration of technology into language education. The same year Vambo Academy was created, Dzinotyiwei met her now co-founder, Isheanesu Misi, when he participated in a business pitch competition which she was hosting, called YouthSolve, aimed at solving unemployment. Although they initially lost touch, they reconnected three years later through social media, where Misi engaged with Dzinotyiwei's content on language learning and technology. Their shared ambition to build language tech led them to join forces and create Vambo AI. Derived from the ChiShona language, Vambo means 'Origin' or 'Beginning. “Language is part of our origin story as Africans, which is why we decided to build the “Origin” Academy and now “Origin” AI,” Dzinotyiwei said. The shift towards technology was a natural progression for Vambo Academy, which promotes African languages through technical solutions. In 2023, Vambo AI emerged as an organic discovery for the co-founders while they were engaged in the development of a new app and feature, utilising the data from Vambo Academy. “It was important to create Vambo Academy to curate a space where people - young and old - could reconnect with their roots through language, culture and heritage,” Dzinotyiwei expressed. She then added, “the AI component allows us to do this in a different paradigm and reach more people through the use of technology that will ensure that Africa remains abreast with modern technology.” Vambo AI, a multilingual generative AI platform, works by understanding multiple languages, including uncommon pairs, and being generative for content creation. Its goal is to empower Africans to engage in their languages, fostering a connection with the continent's diverse linguistic landscape. For example, a user can type in a question in Zulu and have it translated into Amharic. With a strategic approach, the co-founders handpicked languages close to their hearts, starting with their mother tongue and broadening the spectrum based on valuable user feedback. Users can explore ten dynamic languages including Afrikaans, Amharic, ChiShona, English, French, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Kinyarwanda, kiSwahili, and Portuguese facilitated through www.app.vambo.ai. Beyond language exploration, the nature of their work necessitates collaboration with a diverse array of individuals, including native speakers, academics, translators, creatives, and more. This has not only broadened their horizons but also forged impactful collaborations, particularly with schools seeking knowledge and language support. However, the duo faced their fair share of challenges during the strategic planning and platform development phase. “First, we found that there are limited resources available in Africa for building AI solutions. This includes data, infrastructure, and funding opportunities. We also realised that AI was more of an abstract concept to some of the people we were looking to serve. As a result, we had to rethink our approach and cater to our target market, enabling them to access the innovative and leading aspects of our solution,” Dzinotyiwei elaborated. “Second, we had to apply our minds and think about how best to build the experience for our target users. One key lightbulb moment we had was when we realised that people are far better at recognizing languages within neighbouring communities or similar language groups than languages that were further removed,” she added. For instance, a person whose native language is IsiXhosa is better at deciphering and understanding IsiZulu or Sesotho than they would be at doing the same for languages in other regions. To address this, Dzinotyiwei and Misi made it easier for the Vambo system to recognize languages through a free language detection software called Lingoscan by Vambo AI. “Our model and any other models using that API can easily determine language and better cater to their users,” Dzinotyiwei said. The co-founders discovered that establishing a company in language tech demands meticulous attention to detail and a steadfast commitment to building supporting infrastructure, particularly when aiming for accuracy and excellence. Through feedback, users of Vambo AI, which is currently available for free, actively contribute to platform improvement. “With our initial release, users would share examples that didn’t meet their expectations, and we would actively improve it. Now, users are not only using the platform for its initial purpose, but they are also creating and sharing new use cases within tourism, finance, immigration, enhancing what they are building.” Dzinotyiwei shared an example of one user, Harvey Binamu, Director at Belenga Dev, a data researcher who utilised Vambo AI’s technology to integrate the plug-in to an SMS API allowing it to be used via text messages in the native language, unlocking another level of accessibility for the platform. Vambo AI is in its beta phase at the moment and undergoing improvements. However, to keep up with cutting-edge research in the field and actively address existing gaps, Dzinotyiwei and Misi consistently network with other stakeholders, forming a community to collaboratively solve common problems. Among them is their Responsible AI Advisor, Jonas Kgomo, who provides support and guidance, ensuring the development of AI that is safe for users and platforms while upholding the integrity of the languages offered by their business. As the landscape of AI in Africa continues to evolve, it becomes imperative to examine the potential and challenges facing the industry. Taking this into account, Jonas Kgomo, the Responsible AI Advisor for Vambo AI, shared his perspective. “Africa is home to a wealth of talent and innovation, and I believe that AI can be a powerful tool for solving some of the continent's most pressing challenges. There remain global deliberation and democratic challenges ahead. I see opportunities for AI to improve healthcare, education, agriculture, and financial inclusion. However, there are also challenges that need addressing, such as the lack of access to data, data sovereignty, and the need for oversight across AI applications.” “Vambo AI's focus on linguistic diversity and cultural inclusivity is essential for creating AI solutions that are relevant and useful to people across the continent. I'm excited to see what Vambo AI accomplishes in the years to come, especially in unearthing qualities of indigenous knowledge and reconciling the techno-linguistic gap,” Kgomo added. Dzinotyiwei and Misi might be innovative in their own right, however, they are part of a cohort of African youth who are looking to AI to change the language landscape on the continent. One example is that of Ghanaian Danny Manu, a serial entrepreneur, designer and manufacturer of live translation earbuds that help individuals and companies break language barriers with their inventions. Manu’s earbuds are available for purchase on Amazon and offer translation for 37+ languages. Looking ahead, Vambo AI aims to expand its features, making the platform multimodal with voice capabilities, Internet search, and additional languages. The journey of language tech, as outlined by the co-founders, is a testament to the potential of African-led AI solutions. bird story agency Useful links: https://www.app.vambo.ai/ https://kabodgroup.com/the-african-behind-the-worlds-first-live-translation-earbud/#:~:text=The%20man%20behind%20this%20ingenious,language%20barriers%20with%20its%20inventions.

A love of drawing led Omotunde Akiode to architecture. Then she discovered film. Now she does what she always dreamed of. Gbemisola Esho, bird story agency Omotunde Akiode sits at her workstation in Lagos, appearing to doodle. To the occasional visitor, this may look like play but the result of the creative session will be a very real cartoon character, possibly for an acclaimed African cartoon series -- like Supa4. “I grew up watching Sesame Street, the Muppet show animations on television. I saw the vibrant colours, fluid movement, and captivating storytelling. It intrigued me, and I could not help but wonder how these enhancing worlds were created and dreaming of one day I could be the writer of those shows,” Akiode said. Akiode has always had a desire to bring people, especially children, joy. Using her drawing talents she found herself studying architecture and then designing beautiful homes that would bring joy to their owners. But as the years went by in architecture, Akiode felt an unfulfilled void growing inside. Then came an unexpected turn. Through a drama group, Akiode met the award-winning screenwriter, Kehinde Joseph. “When I met Omotunde, she had an unquenching thirst for knowledge about storytelling for the screen. She was already smart, had interesting ideas, and loved books and films. Whenever I shared screenwriting books with her, she read them at record time and would visit me every Sunday to discuss the concepts she learnt,” Joseph recalled. Joseph found in Akiode more than a willing learner, She was also someone who craved new outlets for her creativity. Film was an easy fit. “Truth be told, Omotunde Akiode already knew storytelling by her vast exposure to films. My conversations and the books she read were just the science to the art of storytelling," Joseph added. Not long after that first meeting, Akiode's name appeared as a screenwriter in the credits of a TV show. The show was Tinsel, described as the most successful drama to run on Nigerian TV. In 2022 it won the Africa Viewer Choice Award for the longest-running TV show in Africa. Today, Akiode has 15 years of screenwriting experience under her belt. Known particularly for her work on Tinsel (she wrote on 11 episodes of the show), she has also written for other successful dramas, like MTV's award-winning Sugar. Locally, she has written for a number of Nigerian TV series including Dear Mother, Spider, Ajoche, and Lasigidi Cops. "She is highly imaginative. The most remarkable thing about her is that she has no borders, you can't define her, underlining all of her work is boundless creativity and much-desired freshness and originality,” said Tope Oshin, an accomplished television and film director, who has worked with Akiode on several films. “She is an outstanding, unique, and very imaginative storyteller with the proven skills to create engaging, relevant, and relatable stories and characters," Oshin said. Those skills would soon find their way into a new outlet for Akiode's creativity. With her Sesame-filled dreams still knocking at the door and a desire to write for children -- writing in a way any child could understand the world around them better -- still unfulfilled, another opportunity came her way. It presented itself in the form of a training course for animators, offered by Storyteller Pod, a Johannesburg-based screenwriting school 'where screenwriters come to grow'. Akiode jumped at it. Intrigued and inspired, Akiode embarked on a new journey of self-discovery. She spent countless nights delving into the art of animation, studying techniques, and experimenting with software. As she honed her craft, Akiode discovered that her background in architecture provided her with a unique advantage. Her keen eye for detail, combined with her understanding of spatial relationships allowed her to create stunning and immersive animated environments. This, combined with her love and skill for storytelling, got her and her craft noticed. In 2017, Akiode got her first animation writing gig fresh from her training school with the Storyteller Pod team. Together, they worked on Princess Sissi and then Bino and Fino, which premiered on YouTube. Her venture into children's writing using animation has produced pieces like Boy, Girl, Dog, Cat, Mouse, Cheese by Watch Next Media, Kiya by E-One/Frogbox, Jungle Book Preschool series by Baboon Animation, Mini Beat Power Rockers by Mundolocco Studios Argentina - and Supa4. Supa4 was a game changer for her new path in animation. A futuristic tale of Lusaka, Zambia, the cartoon series is about four teenagers who are brought into a new world by a former spy who makes them realise that they are heroes. Supa4 has the distinction of being the first African animated series to appear on Netflix. Akiode wrote for the Kiya and Kimonja characters in the series, which has been nominated for Best International Series in BAA (British Animation Awards) 2024. With the accolades rolling in, Akiode is becoming an established figure in children's entertainment. Over the past eight years she has worked with global entertainment powerhouses including MTV, Netflix and Disney. "It came as no surprise again, that she is holding her own in animation. She is able to conceptualise abstract things and juxtapose them. She is a lifelong learner,” Joseph said. While the animation sector in Africa is still in its infancy, it is beginning to resound with the exploits of African animators like Akiode who are winning awards -- even if many in new markets like Nigeria still need to run side hustles to pay the bills. “The space is growing gradually into an industry in Nigeria but lacking funding. Unlike in South Africa who have schools, those here are mostly self-taught but still pushing. We've got what it takes but opportunities are not abundant and distribution platforms are still few,” explained Adebimpe Adebambo, a creative director, filmmaker, and animator. Even with these challenges, Akiode believes in the industry’s potential; she also trains and hosts workshops where she seeks to raise a new generation of African storytellers who can use animation to tell authentic African stories. Her next goal is to get African investors excited about the opportunity, too. “My challenge so far is to get Africans to see the need to invest in children's content for Africa. Hopefully, this will change in the future as more investors start showing interest,” she said. “My mantra is: 'do what you love and get paid for it',” she concluded. bird story agency

Orphaned at 13, dancer Moesha Tajiri is on a crusade to provide what adults failed to give her as a child. Ann Mbuthia, bird story agency On any given day, Moesha Kibibi Tajiri's house, located in the heart of scenic Madaraka Estate in Nairobi, can be home to as many as 30 children, all eager to welcome visitors with the greeting, “feel at home.” It may be a crowd, Tajiri is quick to explain, but these are just some of the over a thousand she has "adopted", country-wide. “I have four types of kids: orphans, children from mentally unstable parents, special needs children and those coming from vulnerable spaces. I pay rent to 14 different houses in different ghettos in the country. And despite all challenges, we are a happy family, I try to make sure that my children glow,” Tajiri shared. Tajiri sponsors the housing of 142 vulnerable children in Nairobi and 1,644 people across Kenya. That includes not only children but also vulnerable young women, mothers and men. Tajiri is best known in Kenya as an award-winning dancer and the only female member of the FBI Dance Crew - a successful dance group. However, the dancer was raised in Majengo, an informal settlement in the Pumwani area of Nairobi. Passionate about both learning and dance, she was struck by tragedy at the age of 13 when both of her parents passed away, and she was left in the care of relatives. Her relatives demanded that she choose between dance and education. Refusing to make that choice, she was ostracised. “I was chased from home. I was supposed to join Form One,” she narrated. Now homeless, Tajiri met a couple of boys who loved dancing as much as she did. They regularly visited a community hall where they would watch dancers perform. Inspired by the passion and skill of these older dancers, the friends started the FBI Dance Crew in 2007. “We formed a team... just young boys and one girl." Shortly thereafter, Kenyan free-to-air channel Citizen TV started a dance show, called Sakata. The team entered. Although Tajiri was not able to perform during that first season because she was still in school and too young, the team did well, coming second. Disappointed at not winning, they were advised to join the show again for Season 2. “When Season 2 started, I was able to participate. We practised so hard and we won that season," Tajiri shared. It was during this time that Tajiri's star started to rise as the only female member of a big dance group. She received a flood of messages of support and requests to teach people how to dance as well as requests to motivate and inspire young, upcoming dancers. “That’s where I started a project called ‘Come to Your Hood’ where I would go to hoods and ghettos and talk to people,” Tajiri said. With Coming to Your Hood, Tajiri travelled throughout Nairobi, motivating young people. She also channelled the vast majority of her earnings into the project. She used the money to buy food and basic commodities to help the families she visited. “I would go there and teach them dancing and have personal conversations with them. Then I realised, 'These kids are going through what I went through'.” She expanded her work, going from county to county. She noted that most of the children in the communities she visited needed help, so she decided to knock on governmental and parastatal doors to seek help. “But I noticed, some of the government officials did not care and were using the children for publicity," she said. So she turned to her dance crew to make a difference. Whenever the FBI Dance Crew danced in a new county, she would approach the heads of schools in the area. For every 50 schools she visited, she recounted, around 5 or 6 schools would agree to take care of the education of some of the needy children she was caring for. Usually, a school would agree to take care of three to five children. With Tajiri already channelling around 80% of her earnings to the welfare of her extended "family" occasional assistance from well-wishers and donors became more and more important. “Social media has also played a big role. Sometimes when we go live on TikTok, a person can gift you a lion,” she explained. A TikTok lion is an online gift of US$400. Tajiri has 449.9 thousand followers on TikTok and her account has 9.3 million likes. “I am very rich in positivity and prayers, and I don’t give up. That is how all my kids are in school, some of my kids have finished school, some are in university, and some are even older than me," she shared. Erick Kamau. 16, is one of Tajiri’s children. He has been living with her for the last two years. “Mum is the best. I hope she never lacks. In the future, I would love to be an engineer and help people as mom does,” he said, as he lit a charcoal stove to prepare lunch in the home. At the end of every month, Tajiri bulk shops and then repackages the groceries, sending them all over the country to care for "family members". Here welfare work has meant that Tajiri has been unable to participate in several high-profile competitions or take jobs outside of the country. “At first, I used to leave well-wishers to take care of the children, but they would beat the children and abuse them. So I always want to be present so that I can protect and live with them,” she explained. Some of the children suffer from chronic conditions. By being present, she can ensure that they take their medicine and receive regular check-ups. According to 2022 research by The University Of Nairobi, some 60,000 children live on the streets of Nairobi. Commending Tajiri for her work, Sifa Favour, the CEO of an NGO that represents street children, explained that far more needs to be done for the city's tens of thousands of street children. “Feeding children in the street is not enough. Most importantly, children need to be in a happy home where they are taken care of and loved," Favour said. Meanwhile, Tajiri is determined to do whatever she can to ensure the children she helps get the kind of home she was only able to dream about. With one of her early childhood passions now a means of ensuring that she can, she is also on the cusp of pursuing her other passion - education. Offered a scholarship by Nairobi's Strathmore University beginning January 2024, she is pursuing a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. “I have always wanted to continue my studies. This came true, as I was offered a scholarship,” she shared. bird story agency BEHIND THE SCENES From brainstorming to the published visuals, sounds, and narratives; go behind the scenes with bird's Ann Mbuthia. DISCOVER MORE COVERAGE: Explore how our story has been featured in other media outlets:

Facing discrimination, young diasporans are using organizations and institutionalized formations to help connect more with Africa while advancing economic opportunities for the continent. bird story agency The desire for knowledge about Africa and a growing sense of African pride among African youths living in an increasingly discriminatory diaspora has fueled a surge in institutions promoting African identity. A new Africa No Filter report, "Being African: How African Youth Experience the Diaspora," finds that African diaspora youth maintain their African identity and seek cultural exchange and information from Africa and fellow Africans even while abroad. “Speaking or knowing an African language, learning about African history and current affairs, eating African food, wearing African clothes and hairstyles, and enjoying the cultural and sporting achievements of the continent are the key ways young African diasporans identify with the continent,” the report highlights. The trend is fueled by discriminatory environments marked by exoticisation in France, microaggressions in the UK and surveillance and profiling in the US. At a recent webinar on February 16, experts and Africans in the diaspora unpacked the report, highlighting the vital role diaspora institutions and organizations play in promoting African diaspora engagement and togetherness. According to Almaz Negash, founder of the African Diaspora Network, these organisations facilitate diasporans to go beyond being transactional and instead move towards creating legacy initiatives that promote their shared identity while fostering socio-economic development on the continent. "We can move towards transformation and reduce the need for remittances by creating a vibrant economy. Remittances are not the answer,” she explained during the webinar. The African Diaspora Network is a US-based nonprofit that harnesses the global intellectual capacity of Africans in the diaspora to promote business and economic development across the continent. According to the ADN website, the organization, founded in 2010, has convened more than 10,000 Africans in the diaspora from 89 countries. Builders of Africa, an enterprise support wing of the organization, has supported the development of 62 enterprises that contribute to Africa’s economic development through NGOs and social enterprises. Other diaspora institutions, such as the Diaspora Academy, focus on providing “customized, nuanced training, education, and support” for African diasporans. Other institutions that have been created to advance similar agendas among African diasporans include the Young Africa Centre, the 3E’s 4 Africa, among others. Besides their socio-economic value, these institutions are also advocating for more accurate representations of Africa among diasporans, given the inherent misrepresentations of Africa in global news outlets. In the ANF report, for instance, youths in the three countries of study (France, the US, and the UK) considered global news coverage of Africa to be biased, based on stereotypes. “The media always tell a story of poor governance in Nigeria, and other African countries in general. I don't think that's an Africa problem alone,” one participant expressed during the survey. “With Africa, the media always talks about things like corruption, lack of infrastructure, and governments not working in the interests of the people,” Participant 13 added. Notably, the surge in information sharing about the continent among diasporans is bearing fruit, with more expats returning to the continent to reconnect with their origins and experience their African identity while catalyzing economic development. According to Jidenna Mobisson, a Nigerian-American singer, diasporan institutions can be vital in facilitating travel to Africa, and helping build trust in Africa among diasporans, which can open up opportunities in trade. “I was one of the full circle committee members that created the Year of Return which we started in 2016/17,” he stated during the live webinar. The Year of Return Ghana is a program launched in 2019 that seeks to encourage African diasporans to travel to Ghana and invest in the country. According to the Ghana Tourism Authority, an additional 237,000 visitors - a rise of 45% compared with the same period the previous year - was recorded due to this initiative at the launch edition. According to Moky Makura, Executive Director at Africa No Filter, “The unique, first-hand accounts of life in the diaspora are an opportunity for African governments and host countries to think about how to turn young Africans in the diaspora into an economic, social and cultural asset for their host and home countries.” bird story agency Useful link: https://africanofilter.org/discrimination-against-young-african-diasporans-in-france-u.k.-and-u.s.-is-driving-interest-and-connection-towards-africa-a-new-report https://www.facebook.com/Africanofilter/videos/721054053494064/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

With the film industry worldwide roiled by revelations of exclusion, neglect or abuse of women, African women filmmakers like Amanda Marufu, are turning to film festivals as a safe space for growth and learning. Takunda Aaron Chimutashu, bird story agency For award-winning Zimbabwean film producer, feminist activist, author and film festival organiser, Amanda Marufu, also known as Amanda Tayte-Tait, media revelations regarding the abuse of women in the industry come as no surprise. “People make snide comments almost implying you can't be good enough, you know, and then there's the whole boys club aspect where you meet a co-worker and suddenly they're hitting on you. You also get excluded from opportunities. There's one man who literally told me I can’t have a job if I have a baby, which led me to wonder if he would say anything of that sort to a man,” Marufu said. Marufu got her start in the creative industry through fellowships such as the Better Tomorrow Movement in 2019. She educated herself on how to create films and utilized creative residencies and programs such as the Digital Spaces Lab to enhance her knowledge. Her first experience in the industry came in the form of mini-documentaries on the Eat Out movement, a movement dedicated to improving the livelihoods of the homeless. Marufu has since produced a TV show called #NoFilter featuring a panel of Zimbabwean celebrities including Chido Musasiwa, Patience Musa and Zandile Zaza Ndlovu discussing issues that are often labelled taboo or unspeakable in Zimbabwe. She facilitated the Let Them Festival in 2020, featuring over 25 films in different genres. Her most recent accolade is the documentary “CreateZim” which won best documentary at the European Film Festival Zimbabwe (EuroFilmFestZW). According to veteran filmmaker and co-organiser of the European Film Festival, Mercy Mangwana, gender-based discrimination is an issue faced by women at all levels of the industry, worldwide. “Some things that affect women the most are the sexist environment, the gender imbalance as well as sexual harassment. And these are things that have been there since time immemorial. These issues have been persistent and despite recent progress such as the MeToo movement, institutional barriers to gender equality and empowerment remain,” Mangwana stated. Marufu pointed out the statistical disparity between men and women involved in the media industry in Zimbabwe reflects a worldwide trend. “The Global Media Monitoring Project investigated how many women are covered by the media as a whole and found that only 18% of all people covered by media are women; this is across print, radio and TV. Just 18 percent of women are present. That means roughly 82 percent of the time we're getting one viewpoint, a very male-centred viewpoint, and that's especially harmful for younger girls because they won't know what's possible,” Marufu shared. Needing a place that provided a safe environment in which she could learn and grow, Marufu turned to film festivals. "Film festivals that have a fellowship aspect to them break down barriers because they create a safe environment for women to learn. I think the whole ecosystem helps because you get access to the resources and mentors, and you have a place to start, instead of just starting from zero," she shared. After submitting work to the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA), Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (ZAFTA) and the European Film Festival, Marufu was nominated for the ZAFTAs. She credits that success, along with her EuroFilmFestZW win, to her participation in film festivals as a contributor and organiser. “Women’s participation in film festivals goes beyond career building as it allows women to finally tell stories from their own perspective. It's no secret that most films are created from the male point of view and thus fall prey to pitfalls like playing to the male gaze and the portrayal of women as simple plot devices or objects of sexual fantasy. Women’s involvement in the film industry is a massive asset in the struggle to depict stories and social issues from a fresh and varied angle,” she explained. Film festivals such as the International Images Film Festival For Women (IIFF) are working to amplify the voices of women and showcase the depiction of women in more varied and nuanced media. Instituting festival rules such as gender quotas and requiring the presence of women in at least one leading role in a film has also been an effective tool used to promote women’s participation in projects such as the Accountability Lab Zimbabwe (ALZ) Film Fellowship, according to many in the industry. Dexter Fundire, the Project Officer for the ALZ Film Fellowship and the organiser of the Bokola Film Festival pointed out the importance of actively promoting women’s participation in training programs such as the one he runs. “Within the (ALZ) Film Fellowship, we have a 60-40 split, with 60% being women and 40% being men. Competitions within the festival arena that are just for women or that have a 60-40 split ensure that there is equality and equity. Yes, some people might argue that it's not fair on the men who get the 40 percent split, but the reason why we do that is because historically, more men have had an opportunity than women," Fundire said. Silicon Valley African Film Festival best documentary winner and film industry legend, Tsitsi Madoda, said that though there is light at the end of the tunnel, further effort is required to address disparities. “It's so easy to give up, especially when you are in place or in an environment that has quite a number of challenges. But we all have a unique story to tell. I do feel that the African narrative, or the unique female, women perspective on things has not yet been fully tapped into. If we really came together and held each other's hands and said we will push and drive towards this, I think our children and grandchildren will thank us for it,” Madoda said. bird story agency Useful links: https://www.thebettertomorrowmovement.com/ https://whomakesthenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Zimbabwe-Report-GMMP.pdf https://www.icapatrust.org/iiff_harare/

Frustrated by language constraints in the climate space, a Congolese activist embarked on a mission to learn English without taking any formal language classes. Two years later, he is the heart and soul of many a COP28 conversation - in his newly adopted language - as he passes on messages from women in the communities he represents. by Kate Okorie, bird story agency Stepping into the vibrant atmosphere of the youth pavilion at the venue of the United Nations conference in Dubai, chances are high that you will meet the charismatic Guillaume Kalonjii. Always wearing a warm smile, he welcomes everyone to conversations, speaking English—a feat that was once impossible for the young activist from the French-speaking Democratic Republic of Congo. Kalonjii's journey to learning - and speaking - a new language was borne out of a need to make an impact as a climate activist. Around two years ago, he left a comment on a Twitter post by Uganda climate justice activist, Joshua Omonuk. Kalonjii had commented under the Ugandan's post: "Hi dear, I would like to do the same things you do but in my country, Congo." Even though he did not know a word of English at the time and had used Google to translate his message, he was still able to get the attention of Omonuk. Omonuk's post showed him holding up an improvised placard made from carton paper with a message calling for climate action, a style of protest that Kalonjii was keen to amplify. Learning English was difficult, but Omonuk introduced him to many Ugandans in the Rise Up Movement. Leveraging these new English-speaking contacts and watching speeches related to climate change aided his learning. "I didn't have any formal English teaching. But I downloaded lots of speeches by climate activists and watched them morning, midday, and night—any time I was free," he said. Kalonjii has now perfected his online messaging, amassing tens of thousands of views on Twitter each time he posts. "When I started posting climate content, it was in French. But most climate activists operate in English; even here at COP28, everything is in English. So, I needed to learn English," Kalonjii explained. Kalonjii has also built strong relationships with some of the activists after he watched their videos and engaged with them in his newly adopted language. That includes activists like Vanessa Nakate, founder of the Rise Up Movement. Learning another language, he said, has been transformational. "This is my second COP; I was at COP27 in Egypt and it was impossible for me to talk to people. But now I can talk to people, connect, and speak on panels. That is something positive for my activism," he said. Now working with Congolese Action for Nature, Kaloniji's expanded communication capacity also means he can reach more people when messaging about Congolese local communities battling the climate crisis, including women and girls. "In Congo, we say education begins at home, which means women and girls are the first teachers of our community. That is why Congolese Action for Nature is working on climate education to empower women and girls so they can continue to teach children," he said. bird story agency

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr: We Should Think Creatively About Climate Financing for African Women Kate Okorie, bird story agency Approval and funding for the eagerly anticipated Loss and Damage Fund on the first day of the United Nations climate change conference, or COP28, in Dubai, was widely lauded. The Fund will assist developing countries battling climate crises. Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Sierra Leonean politician and finance professional currently serving as Freetown's mayor and Co-Chair of C40 cities, called for the fund to be distributed in a collaborative manner, with emphasis on African women who bear a disproportionate burden in the face of the climate crisis. bird story agency caught up with Aki-Sawyerr, in Dubai, to hear more. What is the significance of the Loss and Damage Fund in addressing climate challenges in Africa? The Loss and Damage fund just got a major boost here at COP28. We have actual funding pledges, and we're talking close to $500 million from several countries. This funding will eventually go to those hit hardest by the effects of climate change. The most important objective, of course, is to secure the necessary funding. The loss and damage fund is just in its infancy. There's still a lot of work regarding its design and the distribution of funds. And when the time comes, we'll join our voices for women to be major beneficiaries. In what ways do you see the fund addressing the needs and concerns of African women? After floods, fires, or landslides, the women are left to piece things back together; they also have to figure out what will happen to the children. Beyond their roles as caregivers at home, many African women work as traders in markets, sitting under the heat all day long, making them vulnerable to rising temperatures. And a lack of access to water compounds that. The fund is crucial in addressing African women's specific needs and concerns by recognising and mitigating the multifaceted challenges they face due to climate change. So when we talk about the cost, it's the cost of livelihood, homes, employment, and health; it's also the cost of the future generation we are investing in. The Loss and Damage Fund is expected to recognize and address these costs, ensuring that its application naturally reaches those who bear the brunt of the challenges and women, many of them in Africa. How can the Loss and Damage fund address the multiple vulnerabilities faced by African women, ensuring an inclusive and equitable approach? Something we've been discussing in my network, especially as it concerns women, is that there is no insurance. The vast majority of African women aren't insured for anything. Climate vulnerability represents a risk that may or may not happen. It is similar to the uncertainty associated with having an accident where you may or may not need to claim your insurance premium. In this scenario, you may not require it, but someone else might. Now, we've got this Loss and Damage fund kickstarting with around $500 million, but you can easily identify one billion low-income, badly affected climate-vulnerable people. Does that mean we have 50 cents per person? That doesn't add up. We need to be thinking about how the Loss and Damage Fund can be leveraged to access more capital and effectively insure women. Also, we need to explore creative approaches to the concept of loss and damage, creating opportunities for women to come together and be supported. In Sierra Leone, we call it "Osusu," which involves pooling money and distributing it among the participants. The critical question becomes: how can we implement a model of "Osusu" for Loss and Damage? Lastly, could you share insights on the leadership role, particularly emphasising gender-inclusive leadership, in driving successful climate initiatives like the Loss and Damage fund on both local and international levels? History has shown us that when women are at the table, we end up with the best solutions, and I say this not because I am a woman. It's encouraging that this conference recognised gender as an important element of the climate debate. I participated in a panel during the gender day, where I highlighted the Women4Climate initiative in Freetown supported by C40 Cities. These sort of interventions and platforms for women amplify their voices and contribute to better solutions. This is particularly vital because, as we know, women are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. If you're the most impacted, you're almost certainly going to be the one who comes up with the best solutions because 'she who feels it knows it'. bird story agency

Madagascar, known to many through the celluloid fantasies of Hollywood, finds an authentic voice in Marie Kolo Seth Onyango, bird story agency “Our national anthem is not, I like to move it,” declared Marie Kolo, her words echoing a deep-seated desire to uplift the true image of her country, a far cry from the animated jungles and dancing lemurs of Hollywood's creation. In the island nation, Kolo's name has become emblematic of climate activism, social entrepreneurship and ecofeminism. Her fight for years now has been for the identity of Madagascar and its people as part of the diverse and rich tapestry of Africa. "When I talk about my country, some people don't even know where it is," she lamented. "They ask if Madagascar is an island, or if it's even a real country." Kolo also challenges the narrative of what it means to be African, confronting stereotypes and ignorance surrounding the continent's island states. "What it is to be African, actually, because I'm very proud to be a part of the continent," she said of one of her key challenges. "But we African island states, we're not even on the map. When you see the the African map, I'm sure that most people don't know where is Cape Verde, where is Mauritius, Seychelles, etc. so we are kind of isolated. So I've been participating in discussing this since COP21. And I'm trying to advocate for not only my population, and the local communities, but also for other African island states." Included on BBC's top 100 inspiring and influential women in 2022, her journey into activism began in her childhood, spurred on by a direct encounter with environmental degradation in her once-pristine neighbourhood. "My journey into climate activism," she reflected, "began when I was just eight years old." She recounts how a factory's arrival in a neighbourhood surrounded by forests and rivers sparked her first environmental protest. It polluted the local river, changing its colours and alarming the young Kolo. Miffed by inaction from local authorities, she vowed to do something. With the support of her parents and younger sister, she organised a protest and petition that successfully halted the factory's harmful practices. This early victory sowed the seeds of a lifelong commitment to environmental advocacy. "My voice is exhausted," Kolo admitted, reflecting on her relentless advocacy at COP28. "I think I lost my voice because of frustration." This frustration stems from Madagascar's struggle for visibility and recognition in international climate negotiations. Despite being among the 10 nations most vulnerable to climate change, Madagascar often remains overlooked, with most people only referencing it to animation film. But Kolo's dedication to her cause eventually led to a pivotal moment at COP25 in Madrid, a conference dedicated to oceanic issues, crucial for island nations like Madagascar. Despite the thematic focus, her country’s delegation had no pavilion and was relegated to sitting on the floor during meetings. This physical manifestation of invisibility in global discussions deeply affected her. The situation escalated when she confronted her country’s Minister of Environment about the lack of visibility and participation of civil society in these crucial discussions. The encounter was tense and charged with emotion. "He was violent," Kolo recalled. "He grabbed my hand, shouted at me, and tried to put me on the floor in front of everyone." This public humiliation, instead of silencing her, only fuelled her resolve. In response, she wrote an open letter to the President of Madagascar, voicing her frustrations and the need for meaningful participation of youth and civil society in climate dialogues. This bold move had a significant impact, leading to the resignation of the minister and the establishment of a new directorate within the ministry to engage with youth and feminist organisations on climate negotiations. Today, Kolo's work is multifaceted, addressing climate justice and gender equity on various fronts and thanks in part to her activism, Madagascar has for the first time a pavilion at this COP28. She currently serves as the Indian Ocean Regional Director of the NGO, People Power Inclusion, focusing on economic inclusion through the green and blue economies. Her social business, Green N Kool, is now a leading outfit in the circular economy and spearheads the national platform on Gender and Climate Justice. As a co-founder of the Indian Ocean Climate Network and the Aika movement, Kolo empowers youth CSOs working on climate and biodiversity issues. Her personal experiences as a survivor of violence led her to establish "Women Break the Silence," a national movement fighting against rape culture. Her tireless work in climate justice and gender equity has garnered numerous accolades, including the Martine Anstett International Prize for Human Rights and the Brote Activismo Medioambiental from FICMEC among others. Kolo has been instrumental in promoting economic inclusion through green and blue economy initiatives and Green N Kool is just one of the tools she uses to drive sustainable development and the circular economy. At the same time, Kolo works tirelessly to amply the voices of women, especially in her homeland where it is still stifled. "In my country, we say that a woman is a 'Fanaka Malemy'. It means 'weak furniture'. We're not even an animal, we are less than animals, we are 'weak and fragile furniture'. But I am not weak at all, come on," she proclaimed. bird story agency

Paying it forward: Kenyan coastal doctor Bashrahil Mohammed Mafudh has made it his life’s work to care for the most vulnerable in his community, at no cost. Velma Pamela, bird story agency The first thing that the new arrivals at Kairat Medical Centre receive is breakfast. “We start by giving them Uji because most of them have travelled a long distance and haven't had breakfast, so they need the energy,” explained Amina Omar, project manager at a groundbreaking medical scheme hosted by the medical centre. The other thing the new arrivals tend to notice is the man in the white coat chatting with other patients. Whether at the centre or out on the streets, Dr Bashrahil Mohammed Mafudh is an easily recognisable figure, not only for his white medical coat but also thanks to his easy way with people and the many greetings he receives from passers-by. Mafudh, who is the centre's director and CEO, had always wanted to be a doctor. But running a hospital and a regional health initiative was not something he had planned for, he told a bird story agency reporter who lives in the area. “The hospital began around the year 2000 as a community hospital, with the primary goal of assisting the vulnerable in the community. But in 2010, they ran into complications because the personnel working in the hospital at the time were not registered medics,” he said. At the time, Mafudh was employed by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). He decided he needed to step in and assist the struggling hospital. From 2010 until 2013, he would work at KEMRI from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, then help with the medical needs of the community at the hospital, from 5:00 pm until well into the evening. "At this point, I realized it was too hectic for me to juggle both. I chose to leave KEMRI and devote my complete attention to the community. I only had one nurse and one pharmacist by then.” The nudge that Mafudh needed to choose caring for the elderly and vulnerable as his life's work came from a life-or-death situation. “There were three elderly people who were living around Kilifi. They were very sick, I remember one had diabetes, the lady had very chronic ulcers and the last one had hypertension.” Realising that medication for such conditions was too expensive for them or their children to afford, he made the decision to treat them for free. "When they returned home, they began spreading the word about how they were treated for free. One by one, they just kept pouring in, unnoticed, and they all wanted to be treated for free.” The number of people seeking free assistance swelled from 3 to 50 to 100. He realised he needed a solution. The answer was the Khairat Elderly Medical Scheme (KEMSE). KEMSE, also known as the Khairat Health Strategy, was established in 2013 by Mafudh. The aim of the project was to reach the elderly and provide medical support in areas deemed "medical deserts." “The project started and, in the process, we also got more doctors. So, from 2013-2018, we had almost 150 elderly people in this programme. As we talk, we are having around 600 elderly people registered,” Mafudh said. Since its inception, the non-profit has assisted over 500 elderly persons in the area with free medical checks. It has also facilitated six successful procedures with the assistance of skilled surgeons. While the Kairat Medical Centre administers to the general population on a commercial basis, Wednesday mornings are when the KEMSE are encouraged to visit. “We place them in groups of twenty and have them come to the hospital every Wednesday,” Omar, who helped pioneer the KEMSE scheme, explained. The scheme provides only to those who are 65 and older. Mafudh's Wednesday routine begins early. He holds a regular morning meeting with his staff, where he is kept up to date, while the elderly patients begin to arrive and are offered porridge, made in the facility's kitchen and served hot, in metal trays. “Wednesdays are really chaotic. We have the normal patients, the special clinics and the elderly who are all waiting to be treated,” Mafudh explained. With the hospital being so small, space is put aside to serve the elderly and make the process seamless. Aside from the weekly check-ups, they also hold a workshop on Thursdays to raise awareness among the elderly about their health. "With the start of this program, we have managed to reach many people around the community who would have otherwise not come to the hospital,“ explained Dorcas Hassan, one of the clinical nurses assigned to the elderly. Free medical services are now also being extended to the young patients. "We have been able to carry out medical camps and free circumcisions for our young generation. In 2018, we had 600 successful circumcisions and in 2020 we had 1200 successful circumcisions,” Mafudh shared. Georgina Monica's son is another beneficiary. Born at the centre in March 2022, he suffered from breathing difficulties after being discharged. Monica returned with the infant to Khairat. "I never had to pay a single shilling when I took my son for a check-up. I was taken aback because I didn't have any health insurance. After numerous trips, I decided to inquire, and that is when I learned all about the Khairat initiative to give back to the community,” Monica said. Mafudh's initiative comes at a time when medical expenses are skyrocketing. “Generally, healthcare has become expensive. Majority of the senior citizens receive inadequate care, and this is a problem that exists in many parts of Kenya. This may be because their children are employed in towns and most of them come from low-income settings,” Caroline Ngetsa, the clinical trials laboratory manager at KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, said. “This program has come at a perfect time, considering the current status of the economy. It would be great if we could persuade donors to support such initiatives that change the fate of the elderly. We also need working policies that support the elderly on healthcare,” Ngetsa added. Mafudh’s work is increasingly being recognized by the community, which has pushed for him to be nominated for a prestigious 2023 Person of the Year Award. bird story agency

'I am a nuisance for a good cause,' says Faustina Boakye. Of an age where many people are slowing down, Boakye is in the process of revving up as the former journalist-turned-climate activist gets busy plugging women into the energy value chain across the continent. Seth Onyango, bird story agency At 67, Faustina Boakye's youthful vigour belies her age, a detail she casually brushes off with a smile, accustomed as she is to such compliments. But beyond her age-defying appearance and schedule, Boakye is clearly driven by a mission. In her case, that mission is to push for women’s active participation in the African energy sector. "It's crucial to involve women in energy, their potential remains largely untapped," Faustina stated emphatically. Boakye, often labelled a 'nuisance' by her critics, embraces the title as a badge of honour, asserting her commitment to fighting for women's access to affordable energy, opportunities, and technologies along the energy value chain. "I am a nuisance whenever I go, but for a good course. I'll continue to make noise until the powers that be succumb to this issue of gender equality, involvement of women in the energy and climate sectors," she vowed, speaking at COP28, in Dubai. Her advocacy is rooted in the conviction that women, traditionally seen only as caregivers and excluded from major decision-making roles in energy, have much more to offer. "They're not just caregivers. They're innovators, leaders, engineers," she said. Faustina's journey into advocacy began with a stark realisation during her extensive career as a journalist that more needed to be done to cast the spotlight on women. "Covering conflict zones like Darfur (Sudan), I saw the dire struggles of women. It was heartbreaking but eye-opening," she recalled. These experiences laid the groundwork for her transition from journalism to activism, having also worked at World Vision. At one point, upon seeing women's involvement in the Arab Spring, she wanted to protest at the embassies of those nations in Accra, Ghana in solidarity with them. At COP28's gender pavilion, she spoke passionately about the tangible changes she's witnessed through women-led initiatives in the energy sector. "One of our entrepreneurs developed LPG stoves tailored for African pots, transforming cooking in local restaurants. Another is revolutionizing fuel with bamboo briquettes," she explained with pride. But her efforts go beyond advocating for local entrepreneurship. At international forums, Faustina has become a vocal advocate for direct financial support to women in the energy sector. This is a hot issue at COP28, where an announcement of funding for a Loss and Damage Fund was made on the event's opening day. "We need to channel climate finance directly to these women, not just through governments or large organizations," she argued. Despite the challenges, including a failed bid for a parliamentary seat due to entrenched gender biases, Faustina remains undeterred. "I'm not going to stop making noise until the issues of gender equality and involvement of women in the energy and climate sectors are adequately addressed," she declared. Her message, she stated is clear: women must be given fair access to energy resources and decision-making processes, especially in climate change and energy transitions. One focus of Boakye's advocacy is the funding of micro-enterprises through microloans and the training of female entrepreneurs. Her efforts have led to the creation of workshops and training programs that not only educate but also inspire women to pursue careers in energy. Her approach to advocacy now includes leveraging her journalism background to highlight issues related to women and energy. She believes that by documenting stories of women affected by energy policies, or those making a difference in this field, she brings much-needed attention to the issues and to the women who are driving change. bird story agency