Her Media Diary

Zain Verjee is the founder and CEO of the Zain Verjee Group, a communications advisory firm transforming how organizations tell stories in Africa and beyond. As a former CNN anchor and correspondent, she covered major global events and interviewed world leaders. Today, she is also co-founder of The Rundownb Studio, where she helps storytellers and newsroom leaders leverage AI responsibly in modern communications. As an executive fellow at Harvard University's Tech for All Lab, her work centers inclusivity, innovation, and equitable narratives particularly for Africa. In this episode, Dr. Yemisi Akinbobola sits down with Zain to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping newsroom workflows, the ethical guardrails African media must establish now, and whether AI will democratize storytelling or deepen inequalities. Zain speaks passionately about the critical difference between misinformation and disinformation, emphasizing that every individual must become more responsible in what they share online. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the data sovereignty crisis facing the continent. Zain warns against digital colonization, where African data is extracted, repackaged, and sold back at premium prices, much like minerals were in the past. She argues that African women have a competitive advantage in this AI driven era because they possess cultural intelligence that no existing AI model has. She challenges women in media to build their own tools, learn prompt engineering and context engineering, and stop waiting for permission from institutions or developers. Zain closes with a powerful vision of 2036 Africa, where the continent has leveraged AI to solve agricultural and health challenges, where the first billion dollar company built by one person comes from Africa, and where African storytellers control their own narratives through data ownership and technological self sufficiency. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: AI, Misinformation, and the Future of African Journalism 00:00:40 Meet Zain Verjee: From CNN Anchor to AI-Powered Storytelling Pioneer 00:02:11 Early Memories and Growing Up in Kenya 00:03:54 What's Changed and What Remains: Journalism Then and Now 00:06:29 Understanding Misinformation vs Disinformation: Your Phone is Lying to You 00:09:07 The First AI War: Content Creation in the Middle East Conflict 00:12:23 Why Africa Needs Its Own Storytelling Infrastructure 00:14:32 The Data Set War: Who Controls Africa's Story in AI? 00:16:40 Forget Wikipedia: Build Your Own 00:17:55 The Opportunity for African Women in AI: Barriers Have Collapsed 00:19:37 Cultural Intelligence: Africa's Competitive Advantage 00:20:15 International Women's Day Message: Don't Wait for Permission 00:22:43 What African DNA Means in Communication and AI Strategy 00:26:12 The Rundown Studio: Training Storytellers for the AI Era 00:29:58 Data Sovereignty and Digital Colonization: Who Owns African Data? 00:34:19 Essential Skills for Young African Journalists: From Prompt Engineering to Vibe Coding 00:38:45 From Vibe Coding to Agentic Engineering: The Future of AI Newsrooms 00:40:19 2036 Vision: Africa's AI-Powered Future 00:42:30 Closing Reflections: AI as a Power Shift for African Narratives If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Interested in joining a future episode of Her Media Diary? Email: yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com Check out the free tool (Signal HQ) built by Zain and The Rundown Studio to aid public awareness and smart information sharing here: https://signal.therundown.studio/) Follow African Women in Media (AWiM): Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/1ARgsBptVC/) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/african-women-in-media/) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@realawim?_r=1&_t=ZS-93QVDxwCcv1) X (Twitter) (https://x.com/RealAWiM) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/africanwomeninmedia?igsh=MXA4NTc4NjF1NTFnbQ==)

Binaifer Nowrojee is the president of the Open Society Foundations, the world's largest private funder dedicated to advancing human rights, equity, and justice. She is an international human rights lawyer whose career spans strategic litigation, advocacy, research, and philanthropy across Africa and Asia Pacific. Earlier in her career, she investigated sexual violence during the Rwandan genocide with Human Rights Watch, contributing to the first convictions recognizing rape as a weapon of war. Today, she continues to influence global conversations on rights, accountability, and the redistribution of power. In this special International Women's Day 2025 episode, Dr. Yemisi Akinbobola sits down with Binaifer to explore the global theme Gift to Gain and what it truly means for African women, institutions, and the future of gender justice on the continent. A key focus of the episode is intergenerational collaboration. Binaifer speaks passionately about the moral imagination of Gen Z African women and how older feminists must remain humble enough to learn from new organizing strategies while also offering the institutional support and legal infrastructure built over decades. She closes with a vision of African women putting their heads and hands together across sectors, lifting the continent through passion, commitment, and a shared humanity that rejects single stories and celebrates multiplicity. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: Give to Gain and Gender Justice in Africa 00:00:56 Meet Benaifah Nauroji: First African Woman President of Open Society 00:02:24 Growing Up as a Minority: Identity and Early Awareness of Injustice 00:03:32 From Dictatorship to Democracy: The Pro-Democracy Movement in Kenya 00:05:17 Books, Writers and Awakening: Shaping a Feminist Consciousness 00:06:24 College in America: Finding Her Voice Through Anti-Apartheid Activism 00:07:35 Audre Lorde and Feminist Identity: When I Dare to Be Powerful 00:08:35 Human Rights Watch and Rwanda: Documenting Sexual Violence as a War Crime 00:10:54 What Give to Gain Means: Standing With Women on the Front Lines 00:12:42 Leadership at Open Society: A Different Kind of Philanthropy 00:14:35 Charlotte Maxeke's Legacy: If You Rise, Bring Someone With You 00:15:42 Glass Cliffs and Backlash: The Reality for Women in Power 00:18:31 Beyond Funding: What Meaningful Giving to African Women Really Requires 00:20:30 Gen Z Leadership and Moral Imagination for a New World 00:21:49 The Kigali Declaration: Addressing Gender Violence in Media 00:23:01 From Recipients to Shapers: African Women and Philanthropic Power 00:24:30 What Governments Must Give: Access, Opportunity and Getting Out of the Way 00:26:21 The Danger of a Single Story: Why Who Tells the Story Matters 00:27:37 Intergenerational Collaboration: What Each Generation Brings 00:30:05 A Vision for African Women: Passion, Commitment and Shared Humanity 00:31:28 What Philanthropy Must Give Up: Humility and the Power of Listening 00:32:25 Closing Reflections: Demanding Structural Change, Not Just Celebration If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps amplify conversations that strengthen media ecosystems across Africa. Interested in joining a future episode of Her Media Diary? Email: yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com (mailto:yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com) You can also listen via our partner radio stations across Africa, and join the ongoing conversation using #HerMediaDiary. Her Media Diary is produced by African Women in Media (AWiM). Follow African Women in Media (AWiM): Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/1ARgsBptVC/) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/african-women-in-media/) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@realawim?_r=1&_t=ZS-93QVDxwCcv1) X (Twitter) (https://x.com/RealAWiM) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/africanwomeninmedia?igsh=MXA4NTc4NjF1NTFnbQ==)

Charity Nafula is a queer feminist, certified accountant, podcaster, and passionate advocate for digital dignity. As the Executive Director of Queer Prism 256, Charity uses podcasting and art to amplify the everyday lives of marginalized women in Uganda, creating intentional safe spaces for queer women to share their stories without fear of judgment or exposure. In this episode, Dr Yemisi Akinbobola sits down with Charity to explore her journey from growing up in a religious home in Uganda to discovering her sexuality in secondary school, and eventually joining the LGBTQ community in 2015. Charity opens up about the moment she first saw pride coverage in the news and her deep desire to be part of it, even when she couldn't physically attend. She reflects on how she never saw her identity as something negative, which gave her the courage to step fully into advocacy work that now spans accounting, activism, and storytelling. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the intersection of technology, AI, and gender-based violence within queer communities. Charity shares harrowing examples of tech-facilitated GBV—from being outed on TikTok alongside other queer activists, to the fear of being blackmailed, doxxed, or having her home vandalized. She describes the anxiety of relocating for safety, and the devastating impact on friends who risked losing their marriages and children due to online exposure. Charity calls out how social media platforms and AI tools are weaponized against marginalized communities, and challenges tech companies to prioritize ethical design, survivor-centered surveys, and proactive safety measures before launching new platforms. Charity also envisions what a queer feminist AI tool could look like—one rooted in storytelling support, mental health resources, counter-misinformation capabilities, and radical inclusivity. Charity's message is clear: queer people are not defined by their sexuality; they are parents, taxpayers, contributors to the economy, and deserving of dignity, safety, and representation. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: Amplifying Marginalized Voices Through Media 00:01:14 Growing Up and Discovering Identity in a Religious Home 00:03:58 Wearing Many Hats: Activism Meets Accounting 00:05:18 Being Visible as a Queer Woman in Uganda 00:06:19 Creating Queer Prison 256: A Safe Space for Women 00:07:44 What a Safe Space Really Means: Trust and Accountability 00:09:29 Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence: The Daily Reality 00:13:19 The TikTok Outing: A Personal Story of Fear and Survival 00:16:57 Source Her: Connecting Journalists with African Female Experts 00:18:13 AI, Deepfakes, and Digital Surveillance: Weaponizing Technology 00:18:48 What Tech Companies Must Do: Centering Survivors and Safety 00:26:37 Algorithmic Erasure and Hate Speech Amplification 00:27:10 Media's Role: Reporting for Change, Not Just Clicks 00:31:23 Designing a Queer Feminist AI Tool: Healing and Storytelling 00:35:12 Final Message: Be Kind, Be Human, Report with Empathy 00:38:27 Closing Reflections: Designing Differently for Joy and Care If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps amplify conversations that strengthen media ecosystems across Africa. Interested in joining a future episode of Her Media Diary? Email: yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com (mailto:yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com) You can also listen via our partner radio stations across Africa, and join the ongoing conversation using #HerMediaDiary. Her Media Diary is produced by African Women in Media (AWiM). Follow African Women in Media (AWiM): Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/1ARgsBptVC/) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/african-women-in-media/) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@realawim?_r=1&_t=ZS-93QVDxwCcv1) X (Twitter) (https://x.com/RealAWiM) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/africanwomeninmedia?igsh=MXA4NTc4NjF1NTFnbQ==)

What does it take for African women to thrive in media, cultural, and creative industries? What happens behind the cameras, beyond the lights, and outside the spotlight? Who protects female journalists, authors, and filmmakers when their stories come with consequences? Who decides how African women are represented in media content, and how can we collectively be part of the solution? These are the uncomfortable but absolutely necessary questions that drive Her Media Diary. Hosted by Dr. Yemisi Akinbobola, a media development expert, academic, journalist, and leader with decades of experience inside the very systems that shape how our stories are told and who gets to tell them, this podcast is a space where critical conversations about women in media take center stage. Dr. Yemisi understands how women's labor is often invisible, how our power, safety, and influence are frequently undermined, and why these realities must be interrogated. In each episode, she brings these questions to the forefront, not alone, but alongside successful African women, advocates, and experts who are shaping media policy, public life, and creative industries. These are women who understand the industry from the inside, question it from a critical distance, and push for media that does better for women and for society. This official trailer invites you into a podcast where uncomfortable questions lead to powerful insights. By listening, you'll walk away with tangible tools, better orientation, and a clearer understanding of yourself, your work, and the media environments you navigate. You'll learn how to level up, advocate more effectively, and contribute to building more inclusive, accountable, and equitable media ecosystems across Africa. Subscribe and follow Her Media Diary on all your favorite podcast platforms. Tune in via our partner radio stations across Africa, and join the ongoing conversation using #HerMediaDiary. If you'd like to join a future episode of this podcast, send an email to yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com (mailto:yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com). Or visit our website at www.hermediadiary.com Her Media Diary is produced by African Women in Media (AWiM). Follow African Women in Media (AWiM): Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/1ARgsBptVC/) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/african-women-in-media/) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@realawim?_r=1&_t=ZS-93QVDxwCcv1) X (Twitter) (https://x.com/RealAWiM) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/africanwomeninmedia?igsh=MXA4NTc4NjF1NTFnbQ==)

Moky Makura is the Executive Director of Africa No Filter, a donor collaborative working to shift stereotypical narratives about Africa through storytelling, research, and advocacy. With a rich career spanning media, philanthropy, and narrative change, Moky has dedicated decades to challenging the single story told about the continent. In this episode, Dr. Yemisi Akinbobola sits down with Moky to explore her personal journey from growing up in Lagos to becoming a leading voice in the fight against African stereotypes. Moky traces her awakening back to the 1985 Live Aid concert, a moment that crystallized how Africa was being depicted to the world—not as a diverse continent of 54 countries, but as a monolithic place defined solely by poverty and crisis. The conversation delves into how African newsrooms themselves perpetuate harmful narratives, with research showing that 81% of stories about other African countries are event-driven coverage of crises, elections, and conflict—often sourced from Western news agencies. Moky challenges journalists to look back at their body of work and ask: what single story have I been telling about my country? A significant portion of the discussion focuses on artificial intelligence and its implications for African journalism. Moky introduces the Africa Bias Buster, an AI tool developed by Africa No Filter that doesn't write stories for journalists, but instead identifies biases in their reporting—flagging missing voices, problematic framing, and stereotypical language. She explains the journey of building this tool, the challenges of training AI with better narratives about Africa, and why existing AI platforms still perpetuate limited, stereotypical views of the continent. Moky also addresses the changing philanthropic landscape and how Africa No Filter is adapting by seeking African funding and launching Opportunity Africa—a brand campaign positioning the continent through the lens of opportunity, progress, and innovation rather than dependency and crisis. She argues passionately that narrative change is not PR, but a platform on which all development work must stand, because unless Africans believe in their own continent, no intervention will truly succeed. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: AI, African Newsrooms & Narrative Change 00:01:25 Meet Moky Makura: From Lagos to Global Narrative Change 00:03:03 The Live Aid Moment: When Stereotypes Took Hold 00:06:06 The Power of Narrative: How Stories Shape Beliefs and Actions 00:10:11 Moky's Personal Mission: From Living It to Africa No Filter 00:12:48 African Newsrooms as Part of the Problem 00:16:02 AI Readiness in African Newsrooms: Challenges and Opportunities 00:17:56 The Africa Bias Buster: Building an AI Tool for Better Journalism 00:19:18 Training Journalists: The Story Telling Skills Gap 00:23:41 Building the Bias Buster: The Technical Journey 00:29:57 Whose Perspective? Defining Bias from an African Lens 00:33:35 The Funding Landscape: Philanthropy, Politics & African Media 00:35:49 Opportunity Africa: Branding the Continent for Young People 00:38:11 Closing Reflections: The Journey Continues If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps amplify conversations that strengthen media ecosystems across Africa. Interested in joining a future episode of Her Media Diary? Email: yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com (mailto:yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com) You can also listen via our partner radio stations across Africa, and join the ongoing conversation using #HerMediaDiary. Her Media Diary is produced by African Women in Media (AWiM), and this episode is sponsored by Luminate Follow African Women in Media (AWiM): Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/1ARgsBptVC/) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/african-women-in-media/) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@realawim?_r=1&_t=ZS-93QVDxwCcv1) X (Twitter) (https://x.com/RealAWiM) Instagram...

Recorded live at the African Women in Media 2025 Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this special episode explores the critical theme of investing in local media and journalism, with a particular focus on the MacArthur Foundation's On Nigeria Programme. Dr. Yemisi Akinbobola is joined by three remarkable women whose work spans policy, community accountability, and local journalism: Fatima Mohammed Ahmed, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists in Gombe State; Dr. Adaobi Obiabumuo, Programme Manager and founding member of the Progressive Impact Organisation for Community Development (PRIMORG); and Oluwadara Ajala, Programme Manager of Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) for West and East Africa. The conversation delves into why local journalism matters, particularly in conflict-affected regions where women journalists work with extraordinary courage despite facing cultural barriers, safety risks, and limited resources. Fatima speaks powerfully about the need for trust-building between journalists and communities recovering from trauma, while Adaobi emphasizes how local journalism holds duty bearers accountable and gives voice to marginalized communities. One of the key discussions revolves around sustainability beyond donor funding. The panel explores alternative revenue models for media organizations, with Dara challenging the notion that audiences won't pay for quality journalism. She argues that media organizations need to move beyond advertising dependency and embrace audience revenue, citing examples like Daily Maverick's successful membership model. The episode also addresses the role of philanthropy in strengthening local journalism without compromising editorial independence, the importance of community engagement strategies, and how investigative journalism has led to tangible policy changes and government accountability in Nigeria. Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. If you'd like to join an episode of this podcast, send an email to yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com (mailto:yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com). Or visit our website at www.hermediadiary.com Subscribe and follow Her Media Diary on all your favourite podcast platforms. Also, tune in to our partner radio stations from anywhere across Africa. And don't forget to join the conversation using the hashtag #hermediadiary. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: Live from African Women in Media 2025 00:00:43 Meet the Panel: Three Voices from Nigeria's Media Ecosystem 00:02:00 Why Local Journalism Matters: Personal Perspectives 00:06:07 The Role of Philanthropy in Strengthening Local Media 00:07:39 Real Change on the Ground: Impact Stories 00:10:29 Journalism in Conflict Zones: The Borno State Experience 00:13:42 Critical Skills and Resources for Local Journalists 00:19:58 The Kigali Declaration: Addressing Gender Violence in Media 00:21:11 Tools and Training That Make a Difference 00:23:08 Measuring Impact: Does Media Support Actually Work? 00:25:07 MacArthur Foundation's Impact in Northern Nigeria 00:28:42 Challenges Despite Support: Sustainability and Government Restrictions 00:30:30 Media Revenue Models: Beyond Advertising 00:41:27 Collaboration Without Compromising Independence 00:45:04 Radio vs Social Media for Accountability Campaigns 00:46:50 Advice for Young Journalists Driving Accountability 00:48:20 What Donors Underestimate in Northern Nigeria 00:49:30 Future Opportunities: Community-Centered Journalism 00:50:41 What Gives Us Hope: Closing Reflections 00:52:27 Closing Remarks: Investing in Nation-Building Her Media Diary is a product of African Women in Media (AWiM), and this episode is sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation. Follow AWiM: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ARgsBptVC/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/african-women-in-media/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realawim?_r=1&_t=ZS-93QVDxwCcv1 X (Twitter): https://x.com/RealAWiM Instagram:...

Neema Iyer is the founder of Pollicy, an innovative feminist civic technology collective in Kampala that combines data, design, and digital rights. Under her leadership, Pollicy has led 100+ projects, trained 5,000+ individuals in data skills, and created playful civic tools like “Digital Safe‑tea” and “Choose Your Own Fake News”. In 2021, she was appointed to Facebook/Meta’s Global Women’s Safety Advisory Board. One of the key discussions in this episode with Neema revolves around the necessity of centering African women's voices in technology. She emphasizes that digital tools should be designed with the needs of African women in mind, rather than being an afterthought. This perspective is crucial in a world where technology often perpetuates existing inequalities. The conversation also touches on the importance of play and creativity in learning. Neema argues that traditional educational methods can be restrictive, especially for girls. She believes that incorporating play into learning not only makes it more engaging but also fosters a deeper understanding of complex issues like digital safety and gender-based violence. This innovative approach is reflected in her work with Policy, where they utilize games and interactive tools to educate communities about digital safety in a way that feels accessible and relatable. Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. If you’d like to join an episode of this podcast, send an email to yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com. Or visit our website at www.hermediadiary.com Subscribe and follow Her Media Diary on all your favourite podcast platforms. Also, tune in to our partner radio stations from anywhere across Africa. And don’t forget to join the conversation using the hashtag #hermediadiary.

Farah Fortune is the founder & Managing Director of African Star Communications, a full-service PR agency, focusing on customized strategic public relations campaigns. Farah, dubbed ‘The Pitbull in Heels’, established her PR agency in 2008 with just R1,000, a laptop, and a phone, and is the brain behind some of the continent’s most iconic brand and celebrity campaigns. In this episode, Farah talks about starting from scratch, managing public crises, mentoring young women in PR, and vital tips every communications professional should have. She also talks about the benefits of building and maintaining a strong relationship with the media as a PR manager, being authentic and giving genuine, relevant information at all times. Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. If you’d like to join an episode of this podcast, send an email to yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com. Or visit our website at www.hermediadiary.com Subscribe and follow Her Media Diary on all your favourite podcast platforms. Also, tune in to our partner radio stations from anywhere across Africa. And don’t forget to join the conversation using the hashtag #hermediadiary.

Fatima Jones is the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. With a career spanning over 20 years in public relations, marketing, and communications, predominantly in the nonprofit and arts sectors, her specialty lies in positioning cultural institutions in ways that not only increase visibility but also ensure they are culturally relevant, inclusive, and reflective of diverse audiences. In this episode, Fatima speaks on age-old strategies and principles for effective corporate communication that are still relevant today despite technological advancements. She cited times when she was asked to be seen and not heard; to just be the ‘black face’ in the room whose opinion is not needed. She also talks about some of the things that keep her going as a black female in the corporate communications sector, regardless of the many barriers that come with it. Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. If you’d like to join an episode of this podcast, send an email to yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com. Or visit our website at www.hermediadiary.com Subscribe and follow Her Media Diary on all your favourite podcast platforms. Also, tune in to our partner radio stations from anywhere across Africa. And don’t forget to join the conversation using the hashtag #hermediadiary.

Stephanie Busari is the former Nigeria Bureau Chief and the head of Africa’s digital team at CNN. Stephanie began her journalism career in the early 2000s with the London-based newspaper, New Nation. She later worked at the Daily Mirror and briefly freelanced with BBC News before joining CNN International in 2008. In April 2016, she exclusively obtained the “proof of life” video showing that the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls. This footage was crucial in facilitating negotiations that led to the release of over 100 girls. In this episode, she talks about the ethics of storytelling, the responsibility of media in times of crisis, and what it takes to lead in international journalism as an African woman. Stephanie, among other things, advises African women to learn the act of putting their hands out to do challenging but impactful work. Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. If you’d like to join an episode of this podcast, send an email to yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com. Or visit our website at www.hermediadiary.com Subscribe and follow Her Media Diary on all your favourite podcast platforms, Also, tune in to our partner radio stations from anywhere across Africa. And don’t forget to join the conversation using the hashtag, #hermediadiary.

Deborah is a PhD Candidate at Universität des Saarlandes (Germany), researching fair machine learning to reduce bias against marginalized groups. Prior to her PhD, she was a Lecturer in Data Science & AI at the Academic City University College, Accra, Ghana. She is also the co‑founder of Women Promoting Science to the Younger Generation (WPSYG), an organisation supporting more girls into STEM and AI. In this episode, Deborah unpacks how generative AI can deepen gender-based harm, especially for African women. She discusses how machine learning models are shaped by historical human bias, which is then transferred to machine learning models, leading to continued discrimination. According to her, investing in research that focuses on auditing the systems should not be an afterthought of big tech companies but something they should embed into the system from the start. Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. If you’d like to join an episode of this podcast, send an email to yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com. Or visit our website at www.hermediadiary.com Subscribe and follow Her Media Diary on all your favourite podcast platforms, Also, tune in to our partner radio stations from anywhere across Africa. And don’t forget to join the conversation using the hashtag, #hermediadiary.

Mwende is currently a Senior Data Journalist & Researcher at Odipo Dev (Kenya), with expertise in Data journalism, ethnographic research, qualitative & quantitative dataset-building. In this episode, She joins us to talk about tech-facilitated GBV, the risks of AI-generated harm, and what it means to reclaim data with care and creativity. Mwende reminds us that data isn’t neutral, it’s shaped by who gets counted, and who gets erased. And as generative AI becomes more powerful, we need storytellers like her, brave enough to collect what’s missing, and wise enough to tell it with care Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. If you’d like to join an episode of this podcast, send an email to yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com. Or visit our website at www.hermediadiary.com Subscribe and follow Her Media Diary on all your favourite podcast platforms, Also, tune in to our partner radio stations from anywhere across Africa. And don’t forget to join the conversation using the hashtag, #hermediadiary.

Dr. Grace Githaiga is the CEO at KICTANET and a visionary leader with over 20 years of expertise in ICT policy advocacy. She spearheads progressive advocacy for inclusive ICT policies on data protection, cybersecurity, gender, accessibility, and civic digital rights. In this episode, she joins us to unpack what feminist digital justice really means in the age of AI, and why we must act now to make our digital futures safe and inclusive for all. She encourages women to learn to report cases of Tech-facilitated GBV both to law enforcement agencies and tech platforms. According to her, these platforms would most likely be moved to action when they have so many people reporting cases of abuse as against when it is just a few persons. Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. If you’d like to join an episode of this podcast, send an email to yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com. Or visit our website at www.hermediadiary.com Subscribe and follow Her Media Diary on all your favourite podcast platforms, Also, tune in to our partner radio stations from anywhere across Africa. And don’t forget to join the conversation using the hashtag, #hermediadiary.

Sandra Aceng is a human rights defender and digital rights advocate from Uganda. She is also the Executive Director of Women of Ugandan Network (WOUGNET), an organization that engages in research, policy advocacy, and capacity-building programs to ensure gender inclusivity in Uganda’s digital landscape. In this episode, Sandra talks about her personal journey into activism, the digital realities of women in Uganda, how AI may be reinforcing gendered harm, and what the path forward looks like for safer digital spaces. As AI advances and our lives become more digitized, we cannot afford to leave gender out of tech conversation. Sandra’s work is a powerful call to action for governments, developers, media platforms, and all of us to center women’s experiences and safety in every aspect of the digital world. Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. If you’d like to join an episode of this podcast, send an email to yemisi@africanwomeninmedia.com. Or visit our website at www.hermediadiary.com Subscribe and follow Her Media Diary on all your favourite podcast platforms, Also, tune in to our partner radio stations from anywhere across Africa. And don’t forget to join the conversation using the hashtag, #hermediadiary.

In this special episode recorded live at the AWiM24 Conference in Dakar, Senegal, Dr Yemisi had the honour of speaking with four phenomenal women who have spent decades shaping African journalism: Dr. Lilian Okonkwo-Ogabu, Angela Agoawike, Ekong Uduak, and Ireti Bakare-Yusuf. These are women who have walked through fire, navigating tough newsrooms, evolving technologies, political pressures, and shifting audience expectations. And still, they remain passionate, purposeful, and powerful. You’ll hear them reflect on the lessons they wish they’d learned earlier, how they stay relevant in a constantly changing media landscape, and what advice they have for young journalists trying to make their mark, especially in challenging environments. Whether you’re just starting out or a few years in, this is the wisdom you didn’t know you needed. Share your reflections with us on social media using the hashtag #HerMediaDiary. If you haven’t already, subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to leave a review.. To find out more about this podcast, visit www.hermediadiary.com.

Dr Joyce Kirabo is a lecturer and trainer with over 13 years of experience in mentoring, coaching, teaching and delivering training programs. She holds a PhD in business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. In a world where stories of resilience and determination often go unheard, the journey of Dr. Joyce stands out as a beacon of hope. Growing up as a refugee in Uganda, Dr. Joyce faced immense challenges that could have easily derailed her dreams. However, her unwavering commitment to education became her lifeline, guiding her through the darkest of times. Dr. Joyce's early life was marked by the trauma of the Rwandan genocide, a period that left deep scars on her community and family. As she navigated her childhood, she witnessed the struggles of her parents, who worked tirelessly to provide for their family despite their own lack of education. This backdrop instilled in her a profound understanding of the value of education, especially for women who often faced additional societal barriers. Determined to rise above her circumstances, Dr. Joyce excelled academically, earning multiple diplomas and degrees against all odds. Today, Dr. Joyce is not only a lecturer and trainer but also a role model for young women aspiring to make their mark in the media industry. Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary Learn more about the podcast via www.hermediadiary.com List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media Rise Women in BroadcastJournalist’s Toolbox:International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)African Women in Media (AWiM)Public Media Women in LeadershipInternational Journalists’ Network (IJNet)Women’s Media Center (WMC)Media Career Development NetworkThe World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)AWiM Learning

Rebecca Mutiso is the Manager of Accreditation and Compliance at the Media Council of Kenya. Rebecca's story begins in Nairobi, where she grew up in a vibrant household with her siblings and cousins. Despite facing poverty, her parents instilled in her the importance of education and self-advocacy. From a young age, Rebecca was known for her outspoken nature. This early foundation shaped her ambitions to either become a lawyer or a journalist—two fields where she believed she could make a difference. Ultimately, Rebecca chose journalism, a decision that has led her to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and media. With over 17 years of experience in the industry, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of technology in storytelling. Rebecca emphasizes the need for female journalists to embrace AI, not only to stay relevant but to utilize it responsibly and ethically. One of the most poignant points Rebecca raises is the digital gender divide that persists in society. Many women are discouraged from pursuing careers in technology, which often leads to a lack of representation in fields like AI. Through her work at the Media Council of Kenya, Rebecca is actively involved in creating guidelines for the responsible use of AI in media organizations, ensuring that women journalists have the skills to navigate this evolving landscape. Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media Rise Women in BroadcastJournalist’s Toolbox:International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)African Women in Media (AWiM)Public Media Women in LeadershipInternational Journalists’ Network (IJNet)Women’s Media Center (WMC)Media Career Development NetworkThe World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)AWiM Learning

Hinda Mohamoud is the Chief Editor of Bilan Media, Somalia's first all-women media team. Hinda leads a team dedicated to covering social issues often overlooked by traditional media in Somalia, such as climate change, people living with albinism and HIV/AIDS, and period education for young girls. Hinda's story begins in a conservative environment where women are often sidelined. Growing up, she was passionate about journalism, often listening to the radio and writing about her daily experiences. Hinda's determination led her to Mogadishu, where she eventually joined Bilan Media, an organization that has become a beacon of hope for women in Somali journalism. Hinda shares the challenges faced by female journalists in Somalia, including societal norms that discourage women's leadership. Yet, she remains optimistic about the future, believing that the existence of Bilan Media shows the community that women can lead and succeed in journalism. Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary Learn about Her Media Diary at https://hermediadiary.com/ List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media Rise Women in BroadcastJournalist’s Toolbox:International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)African Women in Media (AWiM)Public Media Women in LeadershipInternational Journalists’ Network (IJNet)Women’s Media Center (WMC)Media Career Development NetworkThe World Journalism Education Council (WJEC)AWiM Learning

Nolwazi Tusini, an award-winning broadcast journalist, queer feminist, social justice activist and the program officer with MDIFs Amplify South Africa. Nolwazi shares her experiences with loss, particularly the impact of losing her mother at a young age. This profound loss not only shaped her personal journey but also influenced her career path, pushing her towards journalism as a means to advocate for change. Nolwazi talks about the challenges currently facing the media industry, particularly in light of technological advancements like AI. She emphasizes the need to keep a close eye on the policy making around AI and for Africa to be serious about the policy making and not allow AI companies to do with the continent what big tech had done. Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media · Rise Women in Broadcast · Journalist’s Toolbox: · International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) · African Women in Media (AWiM) · Public Media Women in Leadership · International Journalists’ Network (IJNet) · Women’s Media Center (WMC) · Media Career Development Network · The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC) · AWiM Learning

Nolwazi Tusini, an award-winning broadcast journalist, queer feminist, social justice activist and the program officer with MDIFs Amplify South Africa. Nolwazi shares her experiences with loss, particularly the impact of losing her mother at a young age. This profound loss not only shaped her personal journey but also influenced her career path, pushing her towards journalism as a means to advocate for change. Nolwazi talks about the challenges currently facing the media industry, particularly in light of technological advancements like AI. She emphasizes the need to keep a close eye on the policy making around AI and for Africa to be serious about the policy making and not allow AI companies to do with the continent what big tech had done. Subscribe to Her Media Diary now on your favourite podcasting platform https://linktr.ee/hermediadiary Learn about African Women in Media at https://africanwomeninmedia.com List of Organisations/Resources to Support Women in Media · Rise Women in Broadcast · Journalist’s Toolbox: · International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) · African Women in Media (AWiM) · Public Media Women in Leadership · International Journalists’ Network (IJNet) · Women’s Media Center (WMC) · Media Career Development Network · The World Journalism Education Council (WJEC) · AWiM Learning