Credit: Students in Nepal’s Chitlang. Both Nomads/Forus
NEW YORK, Mar 21 2024 (IPS) – At the half-way point of the 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) “are in deep trouble.” The need to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals has never been more urgent as only approximately 12% of targets are currently on track. “Planet” is equally at risk as “people”.
As civil society leader Mavalow Christelle Kalhoule, Forus Chair and President of SPONG, the Burkina Faso NGO network, puts it, “What unfolds in the Sahel and in so many other forgotten communities ripples across the globe, impacting us all even if we choose to look away. Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals is vital to unlock a different future.”
The new “Progressing National SDGs Implementation” report looks at how countries around the world are advancing in their efforts towards sustainable development. The 2023 edition of the report is particularly significant as it marks the midpoint towards the 2030 Agenda’s goals, and the “world is not delivering”.
The report, which has been published since 2017, looks at crucial aspects such as governance, civil society involvement and space, localization, the importance of policy coherence, and the principle of Leaving No One Behind.
To compile the analysis, the report combines official Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) submitted by member states with spotlight and alternative assessments, which aim to offer a more complete picture of national progress, particularly with respect to the fundamental 2030 Agenda principle to leave no one behind.
The report highlights that while more countries are engaging in ‘whole of government’ planning to implement the SDGs, at the same time many of the same countries do not ensure a wider ‘whole of society’ approach that involves civil society partners in delivery of the 2030 Agenda.
The report calls for a renewed global commitment to the SDGs, with a focus on:
• Increased ambition: Countries need to adopt more ambitious plans to achieve the SDGs and ensure policy coherence. • Leaving no one behind: Data collection and policy focus must ensure that everyone benefits from SDG progress pacitularly by considering the extra challenges faced in reaching historically marginalized groups. • Stronger partnerships: Governments, civil society, and the private sector need to work together more effectively. • Improved monitoring: More robust data, national statistical and monitoring systems are needed to track progress and identify areas lagging behind.
Oli Henman from Action for Sustainable Development said: “We need to ensure that SDG reviews are genuinely inclusive of all parts of society and that national plans are backed up with real steps towards financing implementation at the community level. This to the only way that the world can get back on track to deliver the transformative change that was promised in 2015.”
Wangu Mwangi, a seasoned environmental journalist and expert in sustainable development, has authored the Progressing National SDG Implementation Report 2023, drawing on her extensive experience in sustainable development, land governance, natural resources management, climate change adaptation, and African development.
This report was coordinated by A4SD, in collaboration with ANND, BOND, Cooperation Canada, CPDE, Forus, IISD, Save The Children UK, and Sightsavers.
On International Women’s Day on Mar. 8, thousands of Chilean women of all ages took to Santiago’s central Alameda avenue to demonstrate peacefully for several hours and turn the Chilean capital into a stage for protest and demands for their rights. Some of them were women caregivers accompanied by dependent women. CREDIT: Orlando Milesi / IPS
SANTIAGO , Mar 20 2024 (IPS) – In Chile, as in the rest of Latin America, the task of caring for people with disabilities, the elderly and children falls to women who, as a result, do not have access to paid jobs or time for themselves.
Unpaid domestic and care work is crucial to the economies of the region, accounting for around 20 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).
Ana Güezmes, director of ECLAC’s Division for Gender Affairs, told IPS that “in most countries women work longer total hours, but with a lower proportion of paid hours.”
“This work, which is fundamental for sustaining life and social well-being, is disproportionately assigned to women. This situation impacts women’s autonomy, economic opportunities, labor and political participation and their access to leisure activities and rest,” Güezmes said at ECLAC headquarters in Santiago.
The situation is far from changing as it is replicated in young women who devote up to 20 percent of their time to unpaid work.
Paloma Olivares, president for Santiago of the women’s organization Yo Cuido, works in her office in the working-class municipality of Estación Central, in the northeast of the Chilean capital. CREDIT: Orlando Milesi / IPS
Women left on their own as caregivers
Paloma Olivares, 43, chairs the Yo Cuido Association in Santiago, Chile, which brings together 120 members, only two of them men.
“Women caregivers are denied the right to participate on equal terms in society because we are forced to choose between exercising our rights or doing caregiving work. And we cannot choose because it is a job we do for a loved one, for a family member.” — Paloma Olivares
“Women caregivers are denied the right to participate on equal terms in society because we are forced to choose between exercising our rights or doing caregiving work. And we cannot choose because it is a job we do for a loved one, for a family member,” she told IPS.
“We are left in a position of inequality, of absolute vulnerability because you have to devote your life to supporting someone else at the expense of your personal life,” she said.
Olivares stopped working to care for Pascale, her granddaughter, who was born with cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus.
Three days after her birth, a bacterium became lodged in her central nervous system. She was hospitalized for almost a year and became severely dependent.
At the time, she was given a seven percent chance of survival. Today she is eight years old, goes to school and lives an almost normal life thanks to the work of her caregivers.
She is now cared for by her mother Valentina, who had her at the age of 15. Paloma was able to return to paid work, but her daughter abandoned her studies to take care of Pascale.
“When you start being a caregiver, friendships end, because no one can keep up. Even the family drifts away. That’s why most caregiving families are single-parent, the woman is left alone to care because the man can’t keep up with the pace and the emotional and economic burden,” she said.
Olivares participated from Mar. 12 to 14 in a public hearing, digital and in person, on the right to care and its interrelation with other rights, in a collective request of several social organizations and the governments of Chile and other Latin American countries before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR Court), based in San Jose, Costa Rica,
In the request for an opinion from the IACHR Court, “we asked the Court to take a stance on the right to care and how the rights of women in particular have been violated because there are no public policies in this regard. We want the Court to pronounce itself on the right to care and how the States should address it so that this right is guaranteed and so the rights of caregivers are no longer violated,” she explained.
It is expected that the Court’s pronouncement on the matter will come out in April and could establish minimum parameters regarding women caregivers for Chile and other Latin American countries.
Critical situation for women caregivers
Millaray Sáez, 59, told IPS by telephone from the southern Chilean city of Concepción that her son Mario Ignacio, 33, “is no longer the autonomous person he was. Since 2012 he has become a baby.”
She chairs the AML Bío Bío Corporación, an association of women in the Bío Bío region created in 2017 to address the question of female empowerment and today dedicated to the issue of caregivers.
“I have been a caregiver for 30 years for my son who has refractory epilepsy. He became prostrate in 2012 as a result of medical negligence,” said the international trade engineer who has become an expert in public policies on care with a gender perspective.
Sáez said “the situation of women caregivers is very bad, very precarious. There is a single cause, which is the work of caregiving, but the consequences are multidimensional…. from physical deterioration to the lack of legislation to protect against forms of violence, and ranging from the family to what society or the State adds.”
She also pointed to the economic consequences of dependent care.
She cited cases in which caregivers spend over 150 dollars a month on diapers alone for a person who needs them. And she pointed out that the government provides an economic aid stipend of just 33 dollars a month.
Teresa Valdés, head of the Gender and Equity Observatory of the Catholic University of Chile, praises the new registry of caregivers promoted by the Chilean government, but underlines the importance of municipal experiences and initiatives that promote homes and care centers to facilitate the lives of women caregivers. CREDIT: Orlando Milesi / IPS
The magnitude of the problem
It is a pending task to determine the number of women caregivers in Chile.
The government of leftist President Gabriel Boric created a system for caregivers to register and receive a credential that gives them access to public services.
“The credential is the gateway to the Chile Cuida System. With it we seek to make them visible in services and institutions and to reward them for their work by saving them waiting time in daily procedures,” the Minister of Women and Gender Equity, Antonia Orellana, explained to IPS.
So far, there are 85,817 people registered, of whom 74,650 are women, or 87 percent of the total, and 11,167 are men, according to data provided to IPS on Mar. 14 by the Undersecretariat of Social Services of the Ministry of Social Development and Family.
But Chile has 19.5 million inhabitants, and “17.6 percent of the adult population has some degree of disability and, therefore, requires the daily care and support of other people in the home,” the minister said.
That means 3.4 million Chileans depend on a caregiver.
According to Orellana, facing the care scenario projected by the aging of the population will require the collaboration of everyone to “create and sustain an economic and productive system that generates decent work and formal employment, leaving no one behind.”
Other urgent demands by women
Sociologist Teresa Valdés, head of the Gender and Equity Observatory, told IPS that there are many social problems facing Chilean women today, “especially those related to access to health care, social security, unequal pay and access to different goods and services.”
Valdés regretted that the term “women caregivers” is used to refer to the role that women play and the tasks that are culturally assigned to them as a priority.
“We are all caregivers, all women work double shifts. The time-use survey shows that we work an additional 41 hours per week of so-called unpaid reproductive care work,” she said.
According to Valdés, the main advance in this problem is to include it in the debate because these are policies that require a lot of resources and extensive development, since they have to do with the structure of the labor market.
“Part of the proposal should be how to ‘de-genderize’, how care becomes a task of shared responsibility and not only that women have more time to take on the care tasks,” she said.
“When we call women caregivers, we are referring to the group most affected by the conditions of sexual division of labor and family reproduction,” she added.
The expert proposes progressively identifying ways to support women caregivers in order to provide them with available time and take care of their mental health.
She praised the programs promoted by some municipalities to free up time for these women to enjoy leisure and self-care.
“We have to move towards a cultural conception that we are all dependent. Today I depend on you, tomorrow you depend on me. Care is a social task in which I take care of you today so that you can take care of me tomorrow. And that is something that has to start from the earliest childhood,” she argued.
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, Mar 19 2024 (IPS) – This year more than half the world’s population has the chance to go to the polls. That might make it look like the most democratic year ever, but the reality is more troubling. Too many of those elections won’t give people a real say and won’t offer any opportunity for change.
2024’s bumper election year comes as a record number of countries are sliding towards authoritarianism, and global advances in democratisation achieved over more than three decades have been all but wiped out. In 2023, no authoritarian state became a democracy, and while some countries made marginal improvements in the quality of their democracies – by improving civic space, making inroads on corruption or strengthening institutions – many more experienced often serious declines.
Nearly three quarters of humanity now live under authoritarian regimes. Defending democracy and holding political leaders to account is becoming harder as civic space is shutting down. The proportion of people living in countries with closed civic space, 30.6 per cent, is the highest in years.
The latest State of Civil Society Report, from global civil society alliance CIVICUS, shows how conflict is exacerbating this regressive trend. In war-torn Sudan, hopes for democracy, repeatedly denied since the 2019 overthrow of dictator Omar al-Bashir, receded further as elections were made impossible by the civil war between the military and militia that erupted last April. Russia’s sustained assault on Ukraine brought intensified repression of domestic dissent, and there were no surprises in the recent non-competitive vote that maintained Vladimir Putin’s grip on power.
The ineffectiveness of civilian governments in dealing with jihadist insurgencies has also been the justification used by military leaders to take or retain power in Central and West Africa. As a result, rule by junta is in danger of becoming normalised after decades in which it appeared on the verge of extinction. A ‘coup belt’ now stretches coast to coast across Africa. None of the states that fell victim to military rule in recent years have returned to civilian government, and two more – Gabon and Niger –joined their ranks last year.
Authoritarian regimes that experienced mass protest movements in recent years, including Iran, Nicaragua and Venezuela, have regained their footing and hardened their grip. In states long characterised by autocratic rule, many civil society activists, journalists and political dissidents have sought safety in exile to continue their work. But they often didn’t find it, with repressive states – China, Turkey, Tajikistan, Egypt and Russia are the worst five abusers –increasingly using transnational repression against them.
Many elections are held with no competition. Last year several non-democratic states of various kinds – including Cambodia, the Central African Republic, Cuba, Eswatini, Uzbekistan and Zimbabwe – held votes in which autocratic power was never in question. Voting was ceremonial, its purpose to add a veneer of legitimacy to domination.
Many more regimes that combine democratic and authoritarian traits have been home to recent elections with less predetermined results, where there was at least some chance of the ruling party being defeated. But incumbent advantage was reflected in the fact that change rarely materialised, as seen in Nigeria, Paraguay, Sierra Leone and Turkey. The outlier was Maldives, where voters have a history of rejecting sitting presidents.
Some hybrid regimes, notably El Salvador, experienced further democratic backsliding through the erosion of freedoms and institutional checks and balances – a road typically travelled by populist authoritarians who claim to speak in the name of the people and insist they need to concentrate power to deal with crises.
When voters do have a genuine say, in free and fair elections, they’re increasingly rejecting mainstream parties and politicians. In a time of economic uncertainty and insecurity, many express disappointment with what democracy is offering them. Anti-rights political entrepreneurs are successfully exploiting their anxieties by scapegoating migrants and attacking women’s and LGBTQI+ people’s rights. Right-wing populists using such tactics recently took control of Argentina, came first in elections in the Netherlands and Switzerland and entered government in Finland. Even where they don’t take office, far-right forces often succeed in shifting the political centre by forcing others to compete on their terms. They’re expected to make big gains in the European Parliament elections in June 2024.
Polarisation is on the rise, fuelled by disinformation, conspiracy theories and hate speech. These are made so much easier by AI-powered technologies that are spreading and evolving faster than they can be regulated. The first elections of 2024, including those in Bangladesh and Indonesia, offered cautionary tales of the unprecedented levels of manipulation that AI can enable. We’re likely to see a lot more of this in 2024.
But our research findings support our hope, because they show movement isn’t all in one direction. In Guatemala, a new party born from mass anti-corruption protests was the unlikely 2023 election winner, and people mobilised in numbers to defend the result in the face of powerful political and economic elites. Despite China’s concerted attempts to derail Taiwan’s election, including through cyberattacks, people vindicated their right to have a say in their own future. In Poland, a unity government pledging to restore civic freedoms came to power after eight years of right-wing nationalist rule, offering new potential for civil society to partner in retrieving democratic values and respecting human rights. In Mexico, which is among the many countries going to the polls in 2024, people mobilised in numbers against the threat posed by a democratically elected leader seeking to override checks and balances. Given the dangers it may entail, civil society is pushing for transnational regulation of AI.
Things would be much worse were it not for civil society, which continues to mobilise against restrictions on freedoms, counter divisive rhetoric and strive for the integrity of electoral processes. Throughout 2024, civil society will keep pushing for elections to take place in free and fair conditions, for people to have the information they need, for votes to be properly counted, for losers to accept defeat and for winners to govern in the common good.
‘Global Africa” is a term popularised by the late Kenyan scholar Ali Mazrui and used to refer to African diasporas of enslavement and colonialism, covering the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and the Indian Ocean.
My recently publishedGlobal Africa: Profiles in Courage, Creativity and Cruelty (Jacana) consists of 100 essays, written over the past three post-apartheid decades. They cover historical and political figures, technocrats, activists, writers, public intellectuals, music and film artists and sporting figures.
The essays seek to capture the zeitgeist of the post-apartheid era, arguing that Africa’s liberation struggles were mirrored by similar anti-colonial battles in the Caribbean as well as the American civil rights movement.
The book examines three historical figures: Cecil Rhodes, Mahatma Gandhi and Woodrow Wilson.
Rhodes was the greatest symbol of imperialism during the late 19th century, plundering Africa’s riches by often brutal means while expanding British colonial territory.
Wilson was the US president from 1913 to 1921. His supposedly “liberal” foreign policy entailed imperial “gunboat diplomacy” in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Gandhi has been widely lauded for his role in the liberation of the colonial world. His many racist utterances during his 21 years in South Africa (1893-1914) have, however, recently tarnished his legacy in Africa and beyond.
The book also provides kaleidoscopic profiles of 18 African and eight Western political figures: Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah and two of South Africa’s Nobel peace laureates, Albert Luthuli and Nelson Mandela, as well as Thabo Mbeki, were all actively involved in Africa’s liberation movement as Prophets of the Pan-African Pantheon.
Mbeki was the heir of Nkrumah, with both acting as philosopher-kings seeking to craft a visionary pan-African foreign policy. Zambia’s Kenneth Kaunda and Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe both contributed greatly to the liberation of southern Africa, but instituted autocratic rule and oversaw catastrophic economic policies. FW de Klerk ruled an undemocratic apartheid state, but embarked on peacemaking with fellow Nobel laureate, Mandela, to usher in democratic rule.
Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo and Ghana’s Jerry Rawlings were autocratic military rulers before becoming elected civilians, though Rawlings remained more popular among his citizens.
South Africa’s Jacob Zuma – dogged by allegations of graft – had a similar cunning “native intelligence” to Obasanjo’s, while controversial Nobel peace laureate, Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (who had funded Liberian warlord Charles Taylor during the country’s civil war in the 1990s), was a technocrat politician.
Ethiopia’s Meles Zenawi and Nobel peace laureate Abiy Ahmed both ruled as strong-fisted, intellectual freedom fighters. Zaire’s Western-backed Mobutu Sese Seko’s 31-year rule brought about the very chaos he had repeatedly argued that only he could prevent.
Uganda’s Idi Amin and Kenya’s Daniel arap Moi oversaw tyrannical regimes, mirrored by Rwanda’s Paul Kagame. Libya’s mercurial Muammar Gaddafi suffered from monarchical delusions of grandeur, while promoting a quixotic pan-Africanism.
US Democratic presidents – Bill Clinton and Kenyan-Kansan Nobel peace laureate Barack Obama – were both intelligent, charismatic but ultimately cynical leaders who, respectively, oversaw the forced withdrawal of UN peacekeepers from Rwanda at the height of the 1994 genocide, and the extended militarisation of Africa by the US military in the 2010s.
American president Donald Trump, British prime ministers Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, and French president Nicolas Sarkozy all expressed prejudiced thinking towards Africa. The legacies of two US secretaries of state – Colin Powell and Madeleine Albright – are also assessed.
The perspectives, personalities and performance of 14 global technocrats are then examined: Egypt’s Boutros Boutros-Ghali; Ghana’s Nobel peace laureate Kofi Annan; Nigeria’s Adebayo Adedeji, Ibrahim Gambari, Margaret Vogt, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Eloho Otobo; Algeria’s Lakhdar Brahimi; Tanzania’s Augustine Mahiga; South Africa’s Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Naledi Pandor and Mamphela Ramphele; Argentina’s Raúl Prebisch; and France’s Jean Monnet.
I then turn to the legacies of seven activists from Global Africa: American civil rights stalwarts, Nobel peace laureate Martin Luther King Jr and John Lewis; Kenyan environmental campaigner Wangari Maathai and her Congolese fellow Nobel laureate, anti-sexual violence campaigner Denis Mukwege (who unsuccessfully ran for his country’s presidency last year); martyred Nigerian environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa; and two martyred South Africans, Ruth First and Solomon Mahlangu.
Two Europeans are highlighted who contributed to Africa’s political (Tor Sellström) and journalistic (Kaye Whiteman) struggles.
I then analyse the rich diversity of African literature, starting with the influence of 19th-century British writer Charles Dickens on the continent’s writers, before profiling Nigeria’s Chinua Achebe, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, Buchi Emecheta and John Pepper Clark, as well as America’s James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, Nobel laureate Toni Morrison and bell hooks.
Ten public intellectuals are then showcased who pioneered Africa’s Triple Heritage (Kenya’s Ali Mazrui); Post-Colonial Studies (Palestinian American Edward Said); Négritude Literary Criticism (Nigeria’s Abiola Irele); Post-Colonial African Literary Criticism (Kenya’s Chris Wanjala); the Political Economy of Rebel Movements in Africa (Malawian-Swede Thandika Mkandawire); the Politics of Rural Societies in Africa (Nigeria’s Raufu Mustapha); America’s Prison Industrial Complex (African-American Angela Davis); and the Struggles for Global Reparations (America’s Randall Robinson, Barbadian Hilary Beckles and Nigeria’s Ade Ajayi).
I examine the legacies of seven artistes: Iconoclastic, anti-establishment rebels, Nigeria’s Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti and Jamaica’s Bob Marley; American multiple Grammy-winning superstar Michael Jackson; Bahamian American Oscar-winning actor Sidney Poitier; Nigerian-British Oscar-nominated actress Cynthia Erivo; and Nigerian Grammy-winning Burna Boy and his songbird compatriot, Asa.
I conclude by assessing the legacies of 21 of the greatest sporting figures in history: Three-time African-American world boxing heavyweight champion and civil rights campaigner Muhammad Ali; Afro-Brazilian three-time World Cup winner Pelé; Mozambican-born European footballer of the year Eusébio; Argentinian World Cup-winning captain Diego Maradona; Africa’s only Ballon d’Or winner, Liberia’s George Weah; five African players of the year: Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o, Ivorian Didier Drogba, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Senegal’s Sadio Mané and Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang; the all-conquering anti-apartheid West Indian cricket team of Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, Michael Holding and Joel Garner; American quadruple Olympic gold medal sprinter Jesse Owens; rugby’s first global superstar, New Zealand’s Jonah Lomu; Spanish tennis phenomenon Rafael Nadal; Nigerian American two-time NBA (National Basketball Association) champion Hakeem Olajuwon; and my late businessman father and sports administrator Israel Adebajo.
With negative stereotyping and widespread Afrophobic views of the continent and its diaspora still so rife in the Western imagination and media, it is critical to counter these views through these giants of Global Africa. DM
A Myanmar girl, displaced by war, sells cigarettes through the razor-wired border with Thailand near the frontier town of Mae Sot. Thailand is bracing for another influx of refugees. Credit: William Webb/lPS
MAE SOT, Thailand, Mar 13 2024 (IPS) – The Maung family is rebuilding their lives in a foreign land. A freshly painted signboard with a play on the word Revolution declares their small restaurant is open for business, and breakfast features traditional Myanmar mohinga—rice noodles and fish soup.
Three years ago, the family of four was prospering in the central Myanmar city of Mandalay but suddenly everything changed. The military seized back power from the newly elected government, and thousands of people took to the streets in protest, including the Maungs. A brutal crackdown ensued across Myanmar, the father was arrested and their two restaurants seized.
Since the 2021 coup, the UN estimates some 2.4 million more people have been displaced by conflict across Myanmar, while 78,000 civilian properties, including homes, hospitals, schools, and places of worship, have been burnt or destroyed by the military.
The Maung family was wise to leave Myanmar when they could, and fortunate to survive the hazardous journey eastwards towards the border with Thailand. After spending a year in a border camp for IDPs run by the military wing of the Karen National Union (KNU) in eastern Kayin State, the family managed to cross into the Thai frontier town of Mae Sot to start afresh, even if they exist in a grey zone of legality alongside tens of thousands of others.
More waves of refugees are following in their footsteps.
“We have 750,000 IDPs in our territory,” said a senior official of the KNU, which has been waging the world’s longest civil war against successive Myanmar regimes since 1949. “A year ago, there were 500,000 to 600,000. Numbers are rising because the military is deliberately targeting civilians,” he told IPS in Mae Sot, asking not to be named.
Myanmar refugees in Thailand pick out clothes piled in the street that have been donated in the border town of Mae Sot. Credit: William Webb/IPS
Against this background and wanting to preempt an influx, Thailand’s new coalition government announced its intention last month to open up a ‘humanitarian corridor’ into Myanmar to funnel aid to IDPs and keep them well away from the border.
Thailand’s military—the real arbiter of power in these border regions and holding sway over two parties in the coalition—is haunted by the spectre of past and present examples of chaos through conflict. In the 1980s, Thailand reluctantly hosted several hundred thousand Cambodian refugees, including remnants of the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime, on its eastern borders. Today it looks west and sees Bangladesh struggling to contain in camps some one million Rohingya refugees forced out of Myanmar in what the UN special rapporteur on human rights called a genocidal campaign by the Myanmar military.
But beyond the ‘humanitarian’ aspect, what has caused anger within the various groups fighting the Myanmar military as well as rights activists, is Thailand’s own admission that its humanitarian corridor proposal is aimed at drawing the regime’s State Administration Council (SAC) into a dialogue that would lead to a negotiated settlement with Myanmar’s diverse resistance forces.
Neither the KNU nor the parallel National Unity Government set up by ousted Myanmar lawmakers after the coup were consulted by Thailand, which received a green light from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Under Thailand’s initiative, aid would be delivered initially to 20,000 IDPs by the Thai Red Cross and the Myanmar Red Cross (whose senior administrators are former military officers) and monitored by ASEAN’s Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management, where the Myanmar junta also has a presence.
“Aid is used everywhere in the world as a political entry point,” the KNU official commented. “This is not a pure humanitarian issue. They want to bring the SAC out of isolation. This is very problematic for us.”
A senior NUG official, also based in Thailand, was similarly concerned by the political intentions behind the proposal. “It’s a desperate measure by ASEAN seeking a semblance of negotiated peace and dialogue,” he told IPS.
The official doubted it would get off the ground in its present form without the support of the Karen forces that control large areas of Kayin State, nor without the full backing of the US.
The US values its long-held strategic ties with Thailand and its military, and Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara returned from Washington last month, declaring that he had secured complete US support for the initiative, although the US public statement appeared more cautious.
Human rights activists and humanitarian workers on the Thai-Myanmar border remain highly sceptical of the initiative, denouncing it as a “weaponization of aid”.
Thailand, they note, has never officially recognized the refugee status of nearly 100,000 people living in nine UNHCR camps along the Thai-Myanmar border since the 1990s.
“This is not about providing humanitarian aid to the people of Myanmar. It is about giving a new lifeline to the junta to re-engage with ASEAN and everybody else,” commented Paul Greening, a former UN senior staff officer and now independent consultant in Mae Sot.
“Neighbours and other international actors, including the US and China, do not want the junta to fall. They do not want the junta to win but they do not want it to fall either. This is why they all want a ‘negotiated settlement’,” he said.
Igor Blazevic, a senior adviser at the Prague Civil Society Centre who previously worked in Myanmar, said a “carrot” was being held out to the Myanmar regime at a time when it was “seriously weakened and shaken” after losing large areas of territory to resistance forces both in Rakhine State in the west and in Shan State close to China.
“A political aim behind the ‘humanitarian initiative’ is the intention to treat genocidal power-usurpers in uniform as the inevitable and unavoidable key factor in Myanmar’s ‘stability’ and with combination of soft pressure and humanitarian incentives, try to force everybody else to surrender, in a soft way, to ongoing military dominance in politics and the economy,” Blazevic wrote in a commentary.
With the UN warning that nearly two million people in Myanmar are expected to fall into the “highest category of needs severity (catastrophic)” this year, the resistance is aware that they will come under intense international pressure not to reject the Thai initiative.
Recent developments indicate Thailand may rethink its proposal, however. It has opened channels with the KNU and the NUG to discuss their involvement in facilitating aid deliveries through Myanmar civil society organisations independent of the regime. Word has it that the Myanmar Red Cross is not that keen to be directly involved, knowing it is too close to the regime to be able to safely deliver aid to those who have suffered atrocities at its hands.
For the Maung family and their small eatery in Mae Sot, a dream would be to return to Mandalay and Myanmar in peace. But they have little hope of such an outcome, nor do they really want to remain in Thailand, along with over two million other Myanmar workers, classified as migrants, not refugees.
For the moment, life revolves around navigating Thailand’s complex and often corrupt system to secure papers that would give them a degree of legitimacy and enable them to move beyond Mae Sot and surrounding Tak Province. A possible lifeline is an ethnic Chinese branch of their family with members in Taiwan.
“Taiwan could be our future,” says the elder of two daughters, who still dreams of going to university. “I can learn Chinese,” she says, in excellent English.
ABCD Africa is proud to announce the release of the 2nd edition of the 100 Most Impactful Voices List to mark 2024 International Women’s Day. This list recognizes African female coaches, content creators, and community builders who leverage their voices and digital content as tools for impact.
In a world grappling with unprecedented challenges ranging from climate crises to systemic injustices, the voices of women are more crucial than ever.
Through the 100 Most Impactful Voices list, we shine a spotlight on women who harness the power of digital platforms to address these pressing issues head-on.
They are the architects of transformation, leveraging their voices to dismantle barriers, challenge norms, and uplift communities across various digital platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, Netflix, Podcasts and Blogs.
“We are thrilled to unveil the 100 Most Impactful Voices in Africa and amplify their contribution. We hope that this list inspires other women to use their voices, create impactful content, and shape conversations that contribute to the development of a more equitable and inclusive society,’’ says Joke Pearl Oyebamiji, Founder of ABCD Africa.
The selection process was rigorous and thorough, with nominations received from digital experts and the general public. The finalists were evaluated based on their creativity, impact, authenticity, and engagement.
Here they are (This list is in no particular order):
Economic and Human Capital Policy Expert, Good Governance Champion
Dr. Oby Ezekwesili is an eminent figure in Nigeria, renowned for her expertise in economic policy, advocacy for transparency, and commitment to good governance and human capital development. A former vice president at the World Bank, she has championed initiatives like #BringBackOurGirls, lending her voice to pressing issues and driving crucial conversations through her social media platforms where she has over 1.4 million followers.
Yemisi Adegoke, a former CNN Africa journalist and current BBC Africa reporter, has garnered acclaim for her incisive journalism. With a focus on addressing misinformation, she engages audiences with thought-provoking storytelling that raises awareness and sparks dialogue about pressing issues in Africa.
Dr. Addy Olubamiji, is the CEO of D-Tech Centric Ltd. and Founder of STEMHub Foundation Canada, where she champions STEM education and empowerment for youths and immigrants through training programs and digital content.
A Nigerian-American technologist and pioneer in metal and plastic additive manufacturing, she broke barriers by becoming the first Black person to obtain a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan.
Nozipho Tshabalala, a renowned conversation strategist and award-winning financial markets broadcaster, excels in moderating global conversations for measurable outcomes. With courage and insight, she navigates difficult discussions for leading global institutions, listed multinational corporations, and civil society organizations.
As an executive director at LRMG and a faculty member for Duke Corporate Education, Nozipho is committed to leveraging conversations for transformative change in Africa and beyond.
Stella Ndekile, a visionary serial entrepreneur, host of « Walk with Stella » show, and author of “Success Uncharted,” leads Nuban Beauty Ltd, a premier cosmetic brand catering to African skin tones.
With over a decade of experience in business development and cosmetics, Stella empowers individuals to feel confident through her premium beauty products and impactful digital content.
Chinyere Okorocha, Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum, is a distinguished IP and medico-legal lawyer.
Passionate about empowering female professionals, she founded the Heels & Ladders Career Mentorship Club, providing invaluable guidance for career advancement through her digital content and programs.
Fatma Said Kauga is the visionary Founder and Executive Director of Doyenne Organization, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of female leaders in Tanzania.
Recognized as a Gratitude Network Fellow and a Perennial Leadership Fellow, Fatma is committed to empowering youth and women to drive sustainable change through various initiatives and digital content.
Esther Ijewere, a renowned media strategist and author, is the Founder of Women of Rubies, championing women’s rights and empowerment. Recognized for her impactful advocacy, Esther’s work has earned prestigious awards and accolades, including the Women Enterprise Award from Vital Voices International.
Through her platforms and initiatives, Esther inspires positive change and celebrates individuals making a difference.
Nana Agyemang is a multimedia journalist, creative strategist, and writer known for her impactful work with The Cut, Refinery29, ELLE Magazine, New York Times, and BBC News.
As the founder of EveryStylishGirl, she champions diversity and empowerment in fashion and media, creating a vibrant community that amplifies the voices of women of color and advances opportunities in the industry.
Int’l Board Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician
Dr. Chinasa Amadi, a Russian-trained Medical Doctor and Board Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician, champions holistic healthcare in Africa.
Founder of Ariella Health and Fitness Ltd, she empowers communities through Africa’s first Digital Lifestyle Medicine Practice, offering CPD accredited health coaching courses and reaching thousands worldwide with her digital content.
Producer & Documentary Filmmaker at StoryTeller Media Global
Toyin Poju-Oyemade is a seasoned media professional with over 16 years of experience spanning radio, television, and documentary filmmaking.
As the founder of StoryTeller Media, she is dedicated to curating powerful conversations and showcasing the journeys of everyday people. With a passion for storytelling, Toyin has collaborated with various organizations, producing qualitative documentaries that inspire and resonate.
Founder – Northern Hibiscus Community, Chairperson – Falke Group of Companies
Aisha Falke is a serial entrepreneur and visionary leader dedicated to empowering Northern Nigerian women and youth. As the Founder of Northern Hibiscus Community which has over half a million followers, she leverages her passion for storytelling and community building to drive positive change.
Through initiatives like the Northern Youth Summit and Edu-Kids Academy, she strives to tackle poverty and educational challenges in Northern Nigeria.
Lynn Ngugi, an award-winning journalist and YouTuber, is renowned for her captivating coverage of human interest and societal issues.
Transitioning from her role at Tuko to her self-titled YouTube show which has amassed over 850,000 subscribers, Lynn has garnered international acclaim for her impactful storytelling.
Recognized with prestigious awards like the BEFFTA Best International Media Personality and the Gender Justice Champion Award, she continues to inspire change through her advocacy.
Adedayo Tosin Olufemi, the visionary founder of Newmumshub.com, passionately advocates for new mothers through her online platform which boasts of over 130,000 followers.
New Mums Hub serves as a nurturing community, offering support and guidance to mothers embarking on the journey of motherhood.
Reni Odetoyinbo, a Canadian-Nigerian blogger, empowers women worldwide through her transformative resources on financial literacy and lifestyle tips.
Recognized by YouTube as part of the prestigious #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2022, Reni’s engaging video content inspires women to take control of their financial futures and pursue their professional aspirations.
Iquo Ukoh, a Nigerian food expert, consultant, and podcaster, celebrates the richness of Nigerian cuisine through her blog, 1Q Food Platter. Her cookbook, “Memories on a Platter,” documents her culinary journey and promotes Nigerian identity through food.
Iquo’s irresistible presentations and delicious recipes educate and inspire food lovers while reflecting her commitment to preserving Nigerian culture.
Founder – Afrique Femme, Founder – Yelenba Women in Action
Aissata Sidibe N’Dia is the President and founding member of Yelenba-Women in Action, an NGO dedicated to empowering women and raising awareness among young girls in Ivory Coast.
With over 18 years of experience in communications and an MBA from the University of Maryland, USA, she founded the Afrique Femme platform, which has over 150,000 followers. Aissata champions African women leaders through her show, African Woman 2.0.
Chinny Ononuju-McErnest is the Founder of The Women International (TWI), where she leads a global movement empowering women through various initiatives and digital content across multiple countries.
Chinny’s marketing expertise, showcased at W Agency, is utilized to amplify the impact of renowned foundations and NGOs, driving societal change.
Ogheneyonreme Karika is a Networking and People Strategy Expert. Karika educates thousands of entrepreneurs and professionals globally through her social media platforms on personal branding and networking, accelerating their careers and business visibility.
Ife Durosinmi-Etti, founder of Herconomy, is dedicated to empowering women in business through funding, mentorship, training programs, and impactful digital content.
Herconomy provides a platform for women to connect, save money, and access opportunities, aiming to address the challenges of funding and self-development faced by women.
Ife’s passion for women’s empowerment has led to impactful initiatives and partnerships with global organizations like Amazon and Google.
Arian Simone is the Co-Founder and General Partner of Fearless Fund, the first VC fund by women of colour for women of colour. With over 17 years of entrepreneurial experience, she pioneers initiatives supporting Black women entrepreneurs.
Despite legal opposition, her work in economic empowerment and advocacy uplifts underrepresented founders, challenging systemic barriers to diversity, inclusion and economic empowerment.
Victoria James, known as Veekee James, is an award-winning fashion designer, content creator, and social media influencer. Her brand, Veekee James, inspires creativity and elegance globally with unique, custom-crafted pieces.
With over 1 million Instagram followers, she shares her faith through her gospel podcast – Bible Stories With VJ.
Recipe Developer, Founder – Atarefoods, Lose It Nigerian, Jollof Code
Ronke Edoho, a Nigerian-born Chartered Accountant and certified nutritionist, is the culinary genius behind 9jafoodie. Through her platform, Ronke celebrates Nigerian cuisine while promoting wellness through nutrition.
Her blog offers authentic recipes, cooking tips, and nutritional insights, empowering her audience to make healthier food choices and embrace the richness of Nigerian food culture.
Joycee Awosika is a visionary entrepreneur known for building impactful global companies in wellness, manufacturing, and tech sectors. As Founder of ORiKi Group, she has expanded wellness spas across Africa.
Leveraging her expertise, impactful digital content, and transformative programs, she empowers entrepreneurs with systems, structure and faith-based advisory.
Featured in CNN, CNBC, and Ebony Magazine, Joycee’s leadership inspires women worldwide.
Hayet Rida, a Ghanaian-born entrepreneur and influencer, is known for her resilience and creativity in the fashion and lifestyle industry. From founding luxury candle brand AÏYA CANDLE CO to launching her jewelry line, KHOI Studio, she’s a master of pivoting failures into success.
With a passion for empowering others, Hayet shares her life experiences openly, inspiring her followers to embrace confidence and self-love.
Haoma Worgwu is an award-winning thought leader and LinkedIn expert, renowned for helping business owners and professionals maximize opportunities on the platform. Her impactful digital programs, including the “20 Days LinkedIn Growth Program,” have impacted thousands globally.
Recognized as one of the top LinkedIn creators in Nigeria, Haoma’s influence extends to global forums, earning her accolades from the United Nations and Goldman Sachs.
Dr. Tewa Onasanya, a British-Nigerian philanthropist, publisher and mindset stylist, is the visionary behind Exquisite Magazine and the ELOY Awards.
Through her platforms, initiatives and digital content, she celebrates excellence in fashion, beauty, and entertainment while promoting empowerment and self-confidence.
Claudia Lumor, founder and editor-in-chief of Glitz Africa, has transformed the fashion landscape in West Africa through her influential lifestyle publication. As a UN (UNFPA) Ambassador for Ghana, Claudia is dedicated to promoting and telling inspiring African stories. Her innovative work has earned her numerous awards and accolades.
Sola Adesakin is a seasoned finance coach and chartered accountant. Through Smart Stewards Financial Advisory Limited in Nigeria and the USA, she has transformed lives financially across 40 countries, guiding people from financial stress to rest, from debt to wealth, and from mediocrity to an extraordinary life.
Claire Idera Nnani is a versatile artist known for her delicate portrayals of the transformative journey of young black women. Her work, inspired by personal journals and introspection, explores themes of identity and growth through whimsical elements and vibrant colors.
With a background in architecture and fashion design, Claire also shares her creative expertise through teaching and authentic lifestyle content on her YouTube channel where she has amassed over 52,000 subscribers.
Candy Olatunji, a Certified Health Coach and Weight Management Expert, transforms lives by providing tailored guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
With over half a million followers across digital platforms, Candy educates on calories, metabolism, and simple fitness routines through ebooks and personalized coaching sessions.
Hannah Kupoluyi, founder and CEO of All Women’s Network, is a multi-award-winning business coach and advocate for women’s empowerment.
Through transformative initiatives like Discover Your Business Spark workshops, she empowers women to overcome challenges and thrive in business.
Hannah’s strategic use of impactful content, coupled with her dedication to women’s advancement, has earned her recognition as a UN Women delegate and numerous prestigious awards.
Social Entrepreneur, Founder – Africa Creative Market Global
Inya Lawal is a social entrepreneur and founder of Ascend Studios Foundation and the Africa Children’s Creative Network, dedicated to empowering women, youth, and nurturing creative skills in children.
She leads Ascend Studios, producing impactful TV and feature content while consulting for brands. Inya’s leadership extends to international programs, board memberships, and receiving honors for her contributions to women’s leadership and global trade development.
Olabisi Adamu, founder of Ignite Nations Ministry, is a Prophet, Intercessor, and seasoned teacher of God’s word. With a passion for spiritual growth and business empowerment, she leads thousands in prayer daily and owns Pro Thirty One Designs, an interior design showroom in Abuja.
Through her ministry, businesses, digital content, and philanthropic initiatives, Olabisi ignites individuals to excel spiritually and prosper in all aspects of life.
Solafunmi Oyeneye is a seasoned Media, Tech, and Entertainment Executive with over 15 years of experience. Passionate about financial empowerment, Solafunmi runs Wealth Motley, a platform dedicated to teaching financial literacy and wealth creation, reaching over 75,000 individuals.
As the VP of Business & Strategic Partnerships at Circo, she drives innovation in African storytelling.
Titoluwa Sam-Oladapo, known as Titothewriter, is a writer, culture shaper, and advocate breaking the silence on vaginismus through her book “Pop My Cherry Now.” She shares her journey of living with and overcoming vaginismus, addressing stigma and sexual assault.
Through her Instagram and YouTube, Tito discusses faith-led Christianity, emphasizing grace over condemnation and shattering sexual stigma in the gospel and society.
Pretty Amagbakhen, a licensed mental health therapist and ADHD coach, courageously addresses mental health issues and dismantles stigma. With empathy and intuition, she offers invaluable support through her social media content, fostering a safe space for her audience to thrive.
Yacine Diop Djibo, Founder of Speak Up Africa, is a leading voice in Africa’s public health landscape. Since 2011, her organization has tackled issues like malaria and sanitation, fostering collaboration with African leaders.
Yacine’s influence extends to multiple boards, including the RBM Partnership to End Malaria.
Sola Allyson-Obaniyi, known as Shola Allyson, is a renowned Nigerian soul and folk singer-songwriter. She’s a voice coach and consultant, sharing her vulnerability and soulful storytelling to inspire personal growth and spiritual reflection.
Her music, including hits like “Eji Owuro” and “Obinrin Ni Mi,” blends traditional Yoruba folk with contemporary gospel.
Bolatito Bez-Idakula, known as Tito, is the Founder of My Lighthouse, a faith-based blog. With a background in banking and a passion for sharing God’s love, she writes on self-identity, self-love, and honest motherhood stories.
Through vulnerable narratives on social media, Tito aims to inspire healing, encourage deeper spiritual connections, and empower others to live their best lives.
Adetoke Oluwo is a dynamic TV producer, screenwriter, and Creative Director of the renowned Ankara ready-to-wear fashion brand, Sgtcclothing. From covering international fashion events to training entrepreneurs, Adetoke’s journey reflects her passion for both fashion and business.
Through her Instagram page where she reaches over 67,000 followers, she shares daily tips to uplift and empower others, while unashamedly expressing her love for Jesus.
High-Performance Coach, Founder & CEO – DCG Consulting Group
Dizigbordi Kwaku is a seasoned Business Leader with nearly three decades of experience in corporate America and Africa. As the Founder and Chief Strategist of The DCG Consulting Group, she specializes in personal development, professional growth, and talent development.
Through her professional work, training programs, and digital content, Dizigbordi is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential.
Maryam O. Belgore is a dedicated advocate for Youth & Girls Empowerment in Nigeria. Through her NGO, the Maryam Onikijipa Belgore Foundation, she tirelessly works to improve the lives of underprivileged youths & girls by providing access to education and essential supplies.
Through her talk-show, “Unraveling with Maryam,” she shares insights on life and gratitude.
Hauwa Ojeifo is a trailblazing advocate for mental health awareness and women’s rights in Nigeria. As the Executive Director of She Writes Woman, she empowers individuals with lived mental health experiences to share their stories, co-create solutions, and advocate for their rights.
Hauwa’s groundbreaking work has garnered international recognition, including prestigious awards from organizations like the Queen’s Young Leaders and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Oluseye Yemisi Aderonke, fondly called DIBIA, is a Certified Holistic Nutrition Practitioner, Health Coach, and Naturopath. As the founder and CEO of FD Naturales & Essential Oils Ltd, she inspires wholeness in individuals through holistic health and wellness practices.
With a passion for natural alternatives, she has helped thousands regain their health through educational posts, holistic programs, and her authored books.
Speaker, Founder – Nala Feminist Collective, I Am Nala Podcast
Aya Chebbi, a Tunisian diplomat and passionate pan-African feminist activist, made history as the youngest senior official in the African Union’s history.
Through various initiatives, storytelling and her podcast – I am Nala, she advocates for youth empowerment and the advancement of women’s rights.
Commercial Director, Founder – Uncommon Woman Movement
Ifeoma Chuks-Adizue is a seasoned leader with over 18 years of experience driving growth in people and organizations across Africa.
As the Founder of the Uncommon Woman Movement, she empowers black career women to unleash their potential, achieve career success, and create impactful businesses through her transformative programs and digital content.
Habibah Waziri, a seasoned Human Capital Strategist and Business Solutions expert with nearly a decade of experience regularly shares her expertise through digital content, panels, keynotes, and workshops globally.
As the Managing Director/CEO of BGR Consulting Ltd, she implements human capital development programs and business growth strategies across Africa.
Irene Kiwia is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience in media, marketing communications, and technology. As the Founder of Adanian Labs, Twaa, eCOBbA, and The Africa Blockchain Center, she is dedicated to empowering women and youth across Africa.
Irene’s innovative digital content & impact tech platforms aim to provide access to finance, communities, and capacity building, driving wealth creation for women in Africa.
Blessing Oyeleye Adesiyan is a leading voice, recognized for her pioneering work in building robust care infrastructure for today’s workforce. As the Founder & CEO of Mother Honestly and Caring Africa, she leads initiatives aimed at advancing workplace equity globally through her programs, offerings, and digital content.
Yeside Olayinka-Agbola, also known as ‘Olori Coitus,’ is a certified sexual and reproductive health educator and intimacy expert. Through her enterprise, Olori Coitus, she challenges taboos around sex in Nigeria, providing sexual health education and coaching to individuals and couples.
As the host of the Olori Coitus Podcast, she explores relationships, sex, pleasure, and intimacy, empowering listeners with knowledge they wish they had growing up.
Mariéme Jamme, a Senegalese-born French-British Technologist and Young Global Leader, is the CEO of Spotone Global Solutions and founder of iamtheCODE.
Through iamtheCODE, she mobilizes global support to empower 1 million girls in STEAMD education by 2030.
Mariéme’s inspirational podcast and Instagram series blend Japanese and African philosophies to bring joy and purpose to her audience, while her advocacy for marginalized communities resonates worldwide.
Ndidi Nwuneli is an expert on African agriculture, entrepreneurship, and youth development. As the co-founder of AACE Foods & Sahel Consulting, she works to improve nutrition in Africa. Recognized globally, she serves on several boards and is committed to changing narratives about Africa through food.
Uche Pedro is the visionary founder of BellaNaija, Africa’s foremost lifestyle and advocacy digital media company. With over 12 million active users, BellaNaija has revolutionized creative industries across Africa.
Uche’s influence extends beyond media, as she champions positive change through initiatives like #BNDoGood. Recognized as one of Africa’s most powerful women by Forbes, Uche is dedicated to fostering progress for Africa’s emerging generations.
Rorisang “Rori” Thandekiso is a versatile South African talent, renowned as an actress, musician, and presenter. As the lead vocalist of MuzArt and a former YOTV presenter, she has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s entertainment landscape.
With acting roles in popular TV shows, hosting gigs on prominent platforms like Mzansi Insider, and her digital content, Rori engages her over 400,000 followers with her bubbly personality and unwavering dedication to youth advocacy.
Temilade Salami Olanrewaju is a Climate Education and Communications Expert, dedicated to driving environmental change in Nigeria. As the Executive Director of “EcoChampions”, she leads initiatives in climate education, tree planting, and plastic waste management.
Through her digital content, books and poetry, she creatively advocates for environmental consciousness and self realization.
Bola Matel-Okoh is a seasoned attorney and Non-Executive Director with over 30 years of legal experience. As the Lead Coach and Founder of BMO Advisory Services and The Women’s Lifestyle Hub, she empowers executive women to achieve personal and professional excellence.
Through her transformational programs and digital content, she guides women to unlock their full potential.
Entle Mmipi is the founder of Finpowerment Botswana, which aims to impact the youth with financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills through age-appropriate and interactive methods, as a way to assist in alleviating poverty and unemployment in Botswana.
Banke Fasominu is the CEO and Creative Director of Oludidit, a renowned creative enterprise specializing in arts and crafts. With a passion for blending African and Western elements, she transforms imaginations into tangible products, from interior decor accessories to stationeries.
Banke also shares her wisdom through her video series “Dear Young Lady,” offering authentic life advice distilled from her own experiences.
Dr. Yetunde A. Omede, Ph.D., is a professor at Farmingdale State College and Director of Community and Civic Engagement. A Fulbright Specialist Scholar, she champions good governance and global ethics.
Her work spans academia, policymaking, and humanitarian efforts, earning her numerous awards, including induction into Rutgers University’s African-American Hall of Fame. As a global speaker and author, Dr. Yetunde empowers youth and women worldwide to effect positive change.
Hilary Rodriguez-Taiwo, a Nigerian Cosmetic Scientist, brings science to skincare. With a BSc in Cosmetic Science, she’s formulated for Procter and Gamble and consulted for brands like Lancôme and Chanel.
As founder of Hilary Says, she champions quality beauty products for all skin types. Her platform offers research-driven advice, empowering individuals to make informed skin care choices.
Mariama Khai Fornah is a seasoned journalist, gender activist, and visionary leader. With over 18 years of experience, she has reported on significant events, including the trials of former President Charles Taylor in The Hague.
As CEO of Hands of Hope Radio 100.5 FM, Sierra Leone’s first woman-owned radio station, she addresses critical issues such as livelihood, gender, governance, and education, aiming to inspire hope and resilience in communities.
Culinary Expert, Founder – Diary of a Northern Cook
Rajaatu Muhammed Ibrahim, popularly known as Chef Rajah, is the culinary genius behind the « Diary of a northern cook » brand which has amassed an impressive following of over 190,000 on instagram.
Chef Rajah shares her passion for cooking, lifestyle, and culture, providing a glimpse into her world through tantalizing recipes and engaging storytelling.
Amanda Chenai Makombe is a versatile professional excelling in creative design, research, and project management. As the founder of Kumbekumbe Arts Trust, she utilizes various art forms to engage, facilitate, and advocate for community issues, amplifying the voices of young people.
Amanda’s dedication to storytelling and creative expression empowers others and drives positive change in Zimbabwe.
Ada Ujaligwa is a Nigerian-born digital creator, community builder, and lifestyle influencer. Through her Facebook platform where she reaches over 167,000 followers, she shares insights and tips on health, style, fashion, beauty, skincare, and travel.
Her engaging posts and authentic approach make her a trusted voice in the fashion and lifestyle community, impacting lives and fostering a sense of empowerment among her followers.
Angella Summer Namubiru, East Africa’s most-followed TickToker with over 6.2 million followers, engages her audience with her vibrant personality and empowering content. Proud of her dark skin, she uses her platform to advocate for social issues like the dangers of skin bleaching and equal rights for women and children.
Marriage Coach, Founder – Secret Place Wife Community
Bisi Ola Soetan is on a mission to help couples achieve beautiful marriages, God’s way. With expertise in pre-marital and marital counseling, she shares invaluable insights and practical tips for building healthy relationships via her Instagram platform where she reaches over 165,000 followers.
MD- Zetile Oil and Gas, Founder – 360 Woman Africa
Yvonne Ofodile, MD of Zetile Oil and Gas and Founder of 360 Woman Africa, is a leading advocate for women’s entrepreneurship in Nigeria. With over a decade of experience in oil and gas, she empowers women through her digital content and transformational coaching programs.
Yvonne’s impact extends beyond business as she mentors aspiring women entrepreneurs through platforms like the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs.
CEO – ECAir, President of The African Education Foundation (AEF)
Fatima Beyina-Moussa is a trailblazing leader in African aviation, renowned as the CEO of ECAir, the national airline of the Republic of Congo.
Additionally, Beyina-Moussa serves as President of the African Education Foundation, demonstrating her commitment to advancing education and socioeconomic development in Africa.
General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs.
Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal is a multifaceted professional, radio host, lawyer, and life coach. As the founder of Amputees United Initiative and The Gratitude Hub, she empowers persons with disabilities and fosters gratitude through her initiatives and digital content.
She currently serves as the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs.
Lulu Limbikani, co-founder of Cumacatu, champions girls’ and women’s empowerment in Zambia. Through education and training sessions, Cumacatu provides back-to-school support and fosters basic financial literacy and farming skills.
Lulu’s commitment to education and technology integration in the classroom drives her advocacy for lifelong learning and gender empowerment.
Ella Chioma Ezeadilieje, a seasoned storyteller, helps businesses craft compelling narratives to enhance brand engagement. Through her digital content, ebooks, and live training, she empowers brands to connect with their audience on a deeper level, impacting lives and forging stronger connections in the process.
Rebecca Enonchong, a pioneering tech entrepreneur from Cameroon, founded AppsTech, a global enterprise applications provider. Recognized by the World Economic Forum and Forbes, she’s celebrated for her advocacy in promoting technology in Africa.
Enonchong’s Twitter presence as @Africatechie has garnered over 200,000 followers, establishing her as a leading voice in African tech circles.
Founder – 100 Women @Davos, Global Women’s Leadership Expert
Dr. Anino Emuwa, an internationally recognized management consultant, leads the innovative Avandis Consulting, shaping entrepreneurial ecosystems at the nexus of innovation, finance, and human capital development.
A fervent advocate for gender balance, she spearheads global initiatives like Women@Davos and the African Women CEOs Network.
Ivy Wanjiru Mugo, known as ‘Just Ivy Africa,’ is an acclaimed Digital Creator and Financial Literacy Champion. With her expertise as an Award-Winning Marketer, Ivy empowers individuals through her captivating content and investment insights.
Through ‘The Movers Society,’ she cultivates a vibrant community dedicated to financial enlightenment, personal growth, and enjoyment.
Folake Kehinde, popularly known as Folake Aya Akanni, is a serial entrepreneur and business coach, specializing in marketing and sponsored ads. Through her digital content and innovative training programs, she empowers business owners with the skills and tools to elevate their visibility and drive sales.
Her unique ability to break down complex business concepts into actionable ideas makes her platform stand out.
Eunice Kisiwaa Gyan is a multifaceted young professional, blending her diverse experiences in Human Resources, Diplomacy, compliance, and Media Relations with a strong social media presence, reaching audiences passionate about professional development and cultural enrichment. Notably, she holds a Masters degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from the University of Ghana and a degree in Political Science from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Chioma Ifeanyi-Eze, a Chartered Accountant and entrepreneur, is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth in African SMEs. With over 11 years of experience in finance and business consulting, she founded AccountingHub in 2015 to provide virtual and retail tech-accounting services tailored to SMEs’ needs.
Through her digital content and training programs, she has supported hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs in Nigeria, reaching over 160,000 followers via Facebook.
Chief Executive Officer, Strategic Communications Africa Limited
Esther A.N. Cobbah is the CEO and Lead Communication Strategist of Stratcomm Africa Ltd., a top-tier marketing communication agency she founded. With over 35 years of experience in both local and international communications, Esther excels in developing comprehensive strategies utilizing diverse media channels.
Her pioneering work in establishing communication departments for organizations like GNPC and Chevron has left an indelible mark on Ghana’s corporate landscape.
Social Reformer, Leadership Coach, CEO – Meadow Hall Group
Dr. Kehinde Nwani, CEO of Meadow Hall Group and astute educationist, is driven by her passion for leadership excellence.
With over 30 years of experience in building sustainable businesses, she empowers individuals and organizations with proven strategies to build a leadership pipeline for organizational continuity through her digital content and transformational programs.
Associate Director of Africa at the World Economic ForumAbir Ibrahim, a Sudanese-American development practitioner, serves as the Associate Director of Africa at the World Economic Forum in Geneva, Switzerland. With a background in public health and psychology, she has spearheaded impactful initiatives in social and economic development, gender mainstreaming, and global health.
Abir’s mission-driven approach has led to significant contributions, from heading the Private Sector portfolio at UNICEF in Sudan to founding Inua Naturals Inc., empowering marginalized women farmers and artisans.
Toyosi Etim-Effiong, a distinguished media entrepreneur, spearheads That Good Media, promoting authentic African narratives globally. Recognized as one of Nigeria’s inspiring women by Leading Ladies Africa, she empowers aspiring media professionals through workshops, demonstrating her commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s creative sector.
Through her Instagram platform, she reaches over 200,000 followers, sharing inspiring faith-based narratives.
Elizabeth Wanjiru Wathuti, a Kenyan environmentalist and climate activist, founded the Green Generation Initiative to nurture young people’s love for nature and environmental consciousness. Through her initiative, she has planted 30,000 tree seedlings in Kenya, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability and raising awareness about climate change through her digital campaigns.
Madame Joyce, a charismatic media influencer and podcast host of Nigerian descent, captivates audiences with her wit and humor. Co-hosting the podcast “Cocktails and Takeaways” on Apple and Spotify, she delves into human stories while sharing her love for cocktails.
With engaging content on Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube, where she has a combined following of over half a million, she entertains and inspires her followers.
Danièle Sassou Nguesso, Founder of the SOUNGA Foundation, champions education and gender equality through initiatives like Le Petit Samaritain. Her impactful work resonates across Africa, earning her prestigious awards for fostering inclusivity and empowerment.
Media & Social Entrepreneur, Host – Women’s World Show
Clara Chizoba Kronborg is an international media & social entrepreneur, talk show host and creative director. As the host of Women’s World Show and a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Clara has long championed the power of storytelling across various media platforms.
From captivating talk show episodes to visionary content creation and aspiring film productions, her commitment to sparking inspiration and fostering societal change shines through.
Clara Chizoba Kronborg is set to make history with a Guinness World Record attempt for the Longest Interviewing Marathon. The attempt will hold between March 8 and 10 2024, in Marbella, Spain.
Omolabake Matthew, a Social Entrepreneur and Tech Opportunities Advocate, is the founder of Working Mums Diary, and co-founder of Nutrition4kidsng and MumsNTech. She has cultivated a supportive space where mothers can connect, share experiences, and seek guidance on their journey through parenthood.
Through her digital content and innovative programs, she empowers moms to upskill and advance their careers.
Ineza Umuhoza Grace is an eco-feminist and climate activist. As the CEO of The Green Protector and co-founder of the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition, Ineza spearheads transformative efforts to combat climate crisis effects and empower vulnerable communities.
Through advocacy, education, and storytelling, she amplifies youth voices and demands justice for those affected by climate-related loss and damage.
Toyin Onigbanjo is an award-winning child nutrition advocate and founder of August Secrets, a pioneering child nutrition company in Nigeria. Through her innovative cereals, best selling recipe book, and digital content, she aims to combat malnutrition and promote healthy eating habits among African children.
Toyin’s dedication to improving child nutrition has earned her recognition, including the prestigious Graca Machel Gender Lens Award.
Jessica Ufuoma, a Nigerian travel creator and influencer, shares her adventures with her dedicated community of over 200K followers. Through compelling content, she not only inspires others to explore the world. Passionate about travel representation, she aims to empower more people, especially women of color, to embark on their own journeys.
Iyore, a prominent Nigerian-born fashion influencer, captivates audiences with her impeccable sense of style and beauty. Through her vibrant and trend-setting content, she inspires her followers to embrace their individuality and express themselves confidently through fashion.
Rhodaline Nana Animah, Founder and Leader of African YouTubers Hub, is a visionary empowering content creators across Africa. Committed to nurturing creativity and fostering community, she offers vital resources, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities to YouTubers at every stage of their journey.
Vanessa Nakate, a climate justice activist from Uganda, gained prominence in 2018 for raising awareness about the alarming rise in temperatures in her country. Her tireless activism and advocacy, and impactful digital content aim to combat climate change and promote environmental justice on a global scale.
Itiayo Ogunsanwo is a talented photographer renowned for her expertise in concert, event, and portrait photography. As the Head Photographer at BOJ Studios, she leads a team of creatives in producing captivating imagery that tells compelling stories.
Through her Instagram platform, she regularly shares content creation tips to the delight of over 129,000 enthusiasts who currently follow her.
Pelumi Nubi, is a travel content creator, and first Black woman to embark on a solo trip from London to Lagos. On Saturday, January 30th 2024, she embarked on a 2-month solo trip from London to Lagos. Starting from England, Ms Nubi will traverse 17 countries in two months and explore every city and country.
If successful, Ms Nubi will set a record and become the first black woman to drive from London to Lagos, but she said ‘the journey is not about breaking records.’
According to her, it is about showing the world that ‘impossible’ is just a word, especially when someone has enough grit and determination.
Dr. Joy Isa, a seasoned educator and counselor, is dedicated to shaping the future of education in Africa. With extensive experience in international schools and educational leadership roles, she founded the Isa School of Education (ISED) to empower educational leaders across the continent.
As a sought-after facilitator and mentor, Dr. Isa also drives change through her counseling programs and digital content.
Kate Kallot, CEO and Founder of Amini, is pioneering innovative solutions to address the critical issue of data scarcity in Africa. Through her Nairobi-based startup, she harnesses satellite imaging and AI technology to collect and analyze environmental data at a granular level.
Her groundbreaking approach coupled with impactful storytelling empowers communities with actionable insights to tackle pressing environmental challenges, driving positive change for a sustainable future.
Zim Flores, born in Minnesota to Nigerian immigrants, is a serial entrepreneur known for founding the travel company – Travel Noire, which has been acquired by Blavity. As the author of “Dare to Bloom,” she inspires new beginnings. Zim hosts “The Bloom Podcast” and offers faith-based advice through her Instagram platform where she has amassed a following of over 73,000.
Innocencia Ndembara, a software engineer and Director of Women in Tech Malawi, is dedicated to empowering women in technology by providing platforms for skill development and job opportunities.
Through collaborative networks and impactful storytelling, she advocates for equal recognition and opportunities for women in the tech industry
Abcd Africa is a growth marketing and education company that offers world-class online education programs, coaching, and agency services to growth-focused coaches and experts.
We are on a mission to make the voice of the wise be heard.
