DIGITAfrica is pleased to launch the new campaign “Voices from DIGITAfrica: Empowering Women and the Next Generation of Digital Researchers”, featuring a series of interviews with women researchers and professionals from across the DIGITAfrica consortium.

Through their stories, the campaign explores different academic and professional journeys, research interests, experiences and perspectives on the future of digital research.

Women play a vital role in advancing science, technology and digital innovation, yet their contributions and perspectives are not always equally visible. Across Africa, women account for 30% of science professionals, according to UNESCO, highlighting the continued need to strengthen women’s participation and visibility in science and research.

Against this backdrop, “Voices from DIGITAfrica” brings women’s experiences and perspectives to the forefront. By sharing diverse career paths, achievements and challenges, the campaign aims to promote diversity and inclusion in science, celebrate women’s contributions to research and innovation, and inspire the next generation of digital researchers.

The importance of recognising and sharing these experiences is reflected in achievements such as the recent inclusion of Bessie Malila, a member of the DIGITAfrica consortium, in the forthcoming book “Science, Technology, and Innovation for the Development of Africa: Featuring 100 Heroes”, which celebrates individuals contributing to the advancement of science, technology, and innovation across Africa.

DIGITAfrica congratulates Bessie Malila on this well-deserved recognition and extends its appreciation to Sekazi K. Mtingwa for highlighting the achievements of researchers and innovators shaping Africa’s future.

The first interview of the series features Joyce B. Mwangama, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering at the University of Cape Town. Discover here her insights, experiences, and reflections on empowering future generations of digital researchers.

Additional interviews with women researchers and professionals from across the DIGITAfrica consortium will be published in the coming months.

Stay tuned and follow “Voices from DIGITAfrica” on the DIGITAfrica website and social media channels as we continue sharing inspiring stories from our community.