Previously in Africa, women were traditionally relegated to the background. But today, things are changing. Women in Africa are now taking charge of their lives and doing a lot to improve their lives and the lives of others in the Continent.
Women in Africa are now active in various sectors, and they are taking challenging and tough positions in organizations. There are some women that stand out among others, and these women have been recognized all over the world for their efforts to make life better for others. World bank research shows that women empowerment is vital to poverty alleviation in Africa. Africa is known as the poorest continent, but these women are changing things.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some women and the steps they have taken to improve life for all.
1. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola:
Adebiyi-Abiola is the founder and CEO of WeCyclers. WeCyclers is a company based in Lagos, Nigeria that collects waste from low-income communities in Lagos and recycles the waste. A lot of ghettos in Lagos and other parts of Africa are dirtier than other areas with high-income earners. The refuse in these areas are often ignored, and a lot of people get diseases from the refuse. But thanks to WeCyclers, the waste is cleared away, the waste is recycled to productive things, and people are healthier. Thanks to this initiative, a lot of previously unemployed people are now gainfully employed, and a lot of lives have been improved.
2. Thato Kgatlhanye:
Kgatlhanye is the founder of Repurpose School Bags. A lot of schoolchildren in Africa travel through dangerous, dark paths and roads to get to school every day. Also, when they get back home, they do not have any electricity to do homework and study at home. They often resort to using bad lanterns and dull lamps that affect their eyesight. Repurpose School Bags creates school bags from recycled plastic bags and integrate solar technology to these bags, so that these bags can charge during the day. These bags then transform to light for school kids to study at night after dark. The light the bag produces is bright and won’t spoil the eyesight like other bags. The bags are also made with reflective light material that provides enough light for them to see on their way home from school. Thanks to Repurpose School Bags, children are now safer, and they can now study well at home and get excellent results. The eyes of these kids will also be protected thanks to this initiative. Kgatlhanye has really improved the lives of a lot of people.
3. Sonya Kuhnel:
Sonya Kuhnel is the founder of the Blockchain Academy. This academy was created to educate people in South Africa about blockchain technology, cryptocurrency and how it can revolutionize the world. Kuhnel believes that blockchain technology can help to end corruption and fraud in Africa due to its transparency. Kuhnel is one of the few African women in bitcoin. Kuhnel understands that a lot of women are underrepresented in technology. So, she is doing a lot to educate women about technology. She creates events, conferences, and meetups where women can network and learn more about blockchain and other technology. Thanks to Kuhnel, more projects can be accomplished, fewer funds will be misappropriated, and more lives will be transformed in Africa.
4. Victoria Kisyombe:
Kisyombe is the founder of SELFINA, an organization that has provided funding to thousands of Tanzanian women to start businesses. It is difficult for women to get funds for businesses but thanks to SELFINA, things are changing. Since its inception, SELFINA has raised $22 million and distributed the money to a lot of people. At least 25,000 Tanzanian women have released leases more (440,000) have received funding for businesses. Now, there are a lot of enterprises owned by women. SELFINA also leases equipment to women. This equipment includes sewing machines, catering equipment, shoe making equipment, oil extraction machines, farm equipment, etc. Women in various fields have been supported, and a lot of innovation has come out of these efforts. Kisyombe has transformed a lot of lives through SELFINA, and more lives are changed every day.
Conclusion
This list is not exhaustive. But it is a testament to the fact that several African women are taking charge and improving lives. Thanks to these great women, the world is becoming a better place.