Founder of Voices Against Harassment
From coding to combating harassment, one young activist's digital platform transforms women's safety.
Founder of Voices Against Harassment
In the bustling streets of Tanzania, where public transportation once felt unsafe for young women, Modessa Joseph identified a problem that would shape her future. Today, as the founder of Voices Against Harassment (OVA Tanzania), she has transformed that early concern into a movement reaching hundreds of thousands of women across her country.
“I was very, very, very inspired by the fact that they said the skills that we’d learn would help us to solve problems,” Joseph recalls of her first encounter with the Apps and Girls organization in 2014. As a student at Studio Secondary Schools, she joined their Coding Clubs program with a clear vision: “Coming from a very low-income community, I figured if I’m able to learn these skills, I’ll be able to solve the challenges I see in my societies.”
Within just one year of joining the program, Joseph had coded a platform called “Our Cries” which is enabled her and fellow students to report harassment faced in public transportation. This early project demonstrated her commitment to using technology as a tool for social change.
The initiative also brought practical benefits to her school environment. “We were able to provide our school with limited Wi-Fi,” she explains, opening doors to information and opportunities that would have otherwise remained closed to many students.
Joseph’s early work caught attention beyond her local community. “The internet usually opens a world full of possibilities,” she reflects, describing how her digital activism led to a scholarship at the prestigious African Leadership Academy in South Africa, where she continued studies in computer science and biology.
In 2019, Joseph’s initial platform expanded to become what is now known as OVA Tanzania, formally founded in 2020. The organization takes a comprehensive approach to tackling gender-based violence through “advocacy, prevention and empowerment intervention,” while also providing critical support services to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence throughout Tanzania.
Over five years, OVA Tanzania has worked directly with 300,000 women and young adolescents across four regions: Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, and Iringa. The organization’s reach extends even further through digital platforms, with their animation “Elemeka na Modiuma” helping them connect with over a million people indirectly.
Joseph’s journey exemplifies how digital literacy can empower young women not only to protect themselves but to create solutions that transform communities. From a student learning to code to the founder of a nationally recognized organization, her story demonstrates that when technology meets determination, meaningful social change follows.
Program coordinator, Apps and Girls Organization
How technology turned a coding club student into an entrepreneur breaking geographical barriers.
Program coordinator, Apps and Girls Organization
As a program coordinator at Apps and Girls Organization, Nancy Kaale’s journey illustrates how technology can serve as both catalyst and foundation for personal and professional growth in emerging economies.”Technology is not only a stepping stone, but also a backbone of my life,” Kaale states with conviction, reflecting on a journey that began in 2015 when she joined the Apps and Girls Coding Club as a secondary school student.
What started as participation in a coding club quickly evolved into life-changing opportunities. By 2017, Kaale’s technological skills had earned her selection to attend the Women in Science camp in Malawi – marking her first international travel experience at a remarkably young age. «It was because of technology that I was able to travel outside of my country at a very young age,” she explains, highlighting how digital literacy created opportunities that transcended geographical boundaries.
The professional impact of Kaale’s early technology exposure proved equally significant. “It was also because of technology I was able to get my first job opportunity,” she notes, demonstrating how digital skills have become increasingly crucial entry points to the formal workforce in East Africa.
Beyond employment, Kaale’s entrepreneurial venture, Agro-Win Ventures, showcases how digital tools can amplify traditional sectors like agriculture. “What makes this business grow, it’s because of technology. Now I am able to get so many clients, so many customers,” she explains, pointing to the market expansion possibilities that digital platforms offer to small businesses.
Kaale acknowledges that her digital journey was not a solo endeavor. Her access to technology came through structured support from organizations like Yas Tanzania, which supported Apps and Girls Organization. “It’s because of the support that Yas Tanzania was bringing to Apps and Girls that it enabled my exposure to the technology,” she emphasizes.
This acknowledgment highlights an important reality: creating meaningful digital access often requires intentional support systems, especially for young women in regions where technology gaps persist.
Nancy Kaale’s story represents the multiplier effect that early technological exposure can have- transforming not just individual trajectories but enabling recipients to become catalysts for wider community impact through their work and entrepreneurship.
Life coach
A mother's digital journey: Transforming autism challenges into a global coaching mission.
Life coach
In a world where balancing professional and family life represents a constant challenge, Mireille Ratsimbazafy has found in digital technology a solution that transforms not only her life but also that of many families confronting autism.
“I am a mother of three children, one of whom is autistic,” explains Mireille. This family reality, far from being an obstacle, has become the starting point of a professional vocation aligned with her values and constraints.
“Thanks to connectivity, I can work from home, which is very important, and I can take care of my children while carrying out my business,” she emphasizes. This flexibility, made possible by digital tools, represents much more than a simple convenience -it’s a necessity for many parents of children with special needs.
The transition to coaching came naturally for Mireille. “I’ve always liked helping others. Before, I would give them advice when they came to see me,” she recalls. This natural inclination found a professional framework thanks to online training, eliminating traditional educational barriers.
“Previously, you had to go to schools to be certified. Today, thanks to digital technology, I’ve been able to get certified online through courses and online training,” she explains, illustrating how the democratization of education opens doors to those whose personal circumstances limit mobility.
Technology is not limited to training – it also redefines coaching practice. “As a coach, I use digital tools like WhatsApp or Zoom, no longer needing to travel directly to the client,” Mireille specifies. These platforms allow for a more flexible and accessible approach, considerably expanding her potential reach.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Mireille’s journey lies in how she has transformed her personal experience into a resource for others. “Thanks to connectivity, I’ve been able to tell my son’s story on social media, which has allowed me to create an online community of parents with autistic children.”
This transparency has created a space of trust where other parents have been able to share their difficulties, thus forming “a new client niche” for her coaching—a perfect example of how digital technology can transform personal challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities.
Mireille’s ambition exceeds traditional geographical limits. “I aspire to impact hundreds of parents of autistic children beyond borders “. This vision is made possible by the digital coaching program she is developing, designed to make parents “more autonomous and independent” by accelerating their learning and adaptation process.
Mireille Ratinba Zach’s journey perfectly illustrates how digital technologies can serve as tools of empowerment, allowing personal challenges to be transformed into collective solutions that transcend geographical and social boundaries.
Midwife
An orphan's extraordinary path: Using digital tools to become a midwife and inspire change.
Midwife
In the landscape of personal transformation, few stories are as compelling as that of Sandra, a young midwife who has defied the odds stacked against her since childhood. Her journey from an orphanage to professional success is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of digital technology.
Growing up in an orphanage, Sandra harbored a singular, powerful dream: to become a midwife. This wasn’t just a career choice, but a profound mission that would require overcoming significant educational and social challenges.
Sandra’s path to professional success was significantly paved by digital connectivity. When traditional educational resources were limited, the internet became her lifeline. “Access to the internet was crucial,” she explains. “It wasn’t just about convenience -it was about accessibility to knowledge that would shape my future.”
For Sandra, digital platforms were more than mere communication tools. They were windows of opportunity, enabling her to complete assignments, conduct research, and expand her understanding beyond the physical constraints of her immediate environment. Where geographical and economic barriers might have once been insurmountable, technology emerged as a great equalizer.
What sets Sandra apart is her forward-thinking approach to technology. She doesn’t just use digital tools—she actively leverages them to enhance her professional practice. From sharing patient information with colleagues to envisioning educational content for pregnant women, she sees technology as an extension of her professional mission.
Her fascination with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence is particularly noteworthy. “AI is incredibly helpful,” she reflects, “though it’s not without limitations. But I believe it will continue to evolve, becoming an indispensable tool for professionals across various fields.”
Sandra’s ambitions extend beyond her personal achievements. She dreams of creating video content to support and educate pregnant women, sharing critical information and providing guidance during one of life’s most transformative experiences. This vision demonstrates her commitment to using technology not just for personal advancement, but for community empowerment.
Her story is a powerful reminder that with determination, education, and access to technology, individuals can transcend their circumstances. From an orphanage to becoming a midwife, Sandra has transformed potential limitations into stepping stones of success.
As technological landscapes continue to evolve, stories like Sandra’s will undoubtedly inspire future generations to see digital tools not just as gadgets, but as pathways to realizing seemingly impossible dreams.
Founder IKM Service
Revolutionizing recruitment: How digital innovation connects job seekers across island challenges.
Founder IKM Service
In the small archipelago nation of Comoros, one entrepreneur is revolutionizing the recruitment industry through digital innovation. Abdilla Inaslati, founder and manager of IKM Service, has built a recruitment agency that bridges traditional employment practices with modern technology.
“From the launch of our agency, I understood the importance of using digital, especially in the communication and management of our activity,” explains Abdilla, who has led the company for five years.
IKM Service has established itself as a vital connector between employers and job seekers across the Comoros islands. The agency’s mission is straightforward: “to support employers, companies and individuals who are looking for profiles that are adapted to their needs.”
What makes IKM Service stand out is how Inaslati has deployed digital solutions to overcome geographical challenges. “These tools allow us to interact with the agency’s clients through platforms, social networks, through WhatsApp groups,” he shares. These digital connections have become vital for a team that is “located a little bit everywhere in the Comoros.”
The geographical dispersion that might have once been a liability has become a strength through thoughtful digital integration. WhatsApp groups serve as virtual meeting spaces for staff and clients alike, creating communities that transcend physical limitations.
Perhaps most impressive is how Inaslati has tackled financial transactions in a region where traditional banking remains limited. “I manage the transactions, the payments of my agency, with a tool that I use to pay employees who are not necessarily bankers, but who are looking for a secure and accessible way for everyone.”
This approach demonstrates a nuanced understanding of local needs. By implementing accessible payment systems, IKM Service ensures that everyone—regardless of banking status—can participate in the formal economy.
For busy professional clients, the digital payment options provide much-needed convenience. “I also receive payments from my clients through a tool, who sometimes do not have the time to go to the agency to settle their bills, so it’s a little faster.”
Abdilla has his sights set on further digital integration. “We will continue to maximize the use of the tools we already use,” he states, adding that the company will “also work on the digitization of our payments, in particular by prioritizing payments by mobile money or bank transfers.”
This forward-thinking approach positions IKM Service not just as a recruitment agency but as a pioneer in digital business practices for the region.
IKM Service’s story is one of pragmatic innovation—not adopting technology for its own sake but carefully selecting digital tools that solve real problems in the Comorian context. By bridging traditional recruitment services with digital connectivity, Inaslati has created a business model uniquely suited to the challenges and opportunities of this island nation.
In doing so, she’s not just building a successful business, but helping to shape the future of work in Comoros—one digital connection at a time.
Founder Belvique Mode
From local seamstress to digital entrepreneur: Sewing success through technological empowerment.
Founder Belvique Mode
In the vibrant world of fashion entrepreneurship, Gaba Dovideye Yakofala stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of digital technology. As the director of Belvique Mode and a mother of four, she has not just adapted to the digital age—she has thrived in it.
Before the internet became her ally, Gaba’s work as a sewing mistress was fraught with challenges. Communication with clients was complicated, design specifications were lost in translation, and international business seemed like an insurmountable dream. “It was so painful,” she recalls, her voice reflecting the frustration of countless artisans working in traditional markets.
Everything changed with a simple video from a client. What once would have been a complex communication process became seamless through digital platforms. “Now, I’m no more stressed,” Gaba explains, her smartphone—now her primary business tool—symbolizing her entrepreneurial transformation.
Platforms like TikTok have become more than entertainment spaces; they’re dynamic marketplaces where creativity meets commerce. Gaba effortlessly navigates this new landscape, receiving design requests, showcasing her work, and attracting new clients with a few taps on her screen.
Perhaps most revolutionary has been the ease of international transactions. Where cross-border payments were once a significant hurdle, applications like Misbias have dismantled these barriers. “Now, it doesn’t matter if my client is in America, Europe, or another African country,” Gaba says. “Payment is just a click away.”
Her journey with Yas Togo, a digital entrepreneurship platform, has been particularly transformative. Beyond just providing tools, the platform has offered comprehensive training—teaching her not just technology, but the art of digital marketing, financial management, and content creation.
From learning how to capture compelling product images to understanding stock management applications, Gaba has transformed from a local seamstress to a digitally savvy entrepreneur. Her story is a powerful narrative of how technology can democratize business opportunities.
For Gaba, this digital revolution is about more than increasing sales. It’s about breaking barriers, challenging traditional limitations, and creating opportunities not just for herself, but for women entrepreneurs everywhere.
Her message is clear: In the digital age, creativity, determination, and the right technological tools can turn any dream into reality.
As she continues to grow her business, design stunning clothing, and inspire other entrepreneurs, Gaba Dovideye Yakofala represents the new face of African entrepreneurship—innovative, connected, and unstoppable.
Fashion Designer
A decorator's digital transformation: Turning internet skills into a thriving creative business.
Fashion Designer
In the world of artistic entrepreneurship, Rachida Tchouabi Traoré stands as a powerful example of adaptation and resilience. A Togolese decorator who has been transforming spaces since 2010, her journey reveals the profound transformation brought about by digital technology in creative professions.
When Rachida first entered the decoration industry, creativity was severely constrained by limited resources and knowledge sharing. In an era dominated by Nigerian artists pioneering decoration techniques, inspiration was scarce and opportunities even more so.
“Before digitalization,” Rachida recalls, “we would capture fleeting moments of inspiration at weddings, using basic black and white phones to document designs.” These rudimentary methods were the only way to preserve and learn from creative experiences. Each wedding, each moment became a potential lesson—carefully documented through pixelated phone cameras, hoping to capture a technique, a color combination, or a design detail that could inspire future work.
Digital platforms emerged as unexpected saviors for creative entrepreneurs like Rachida. A pivotal moment came through a brief YouTube tutorial by an American decorator—a mere minute and a half video that solved a technique she had struggled with for years. This experience epitomizes the democratizing power of online learning, where geographical boundaries dissolve and knowledge becomes universally accessible.
For most entrepreneurs, client acquisition and trust represent significant challenges. Traditionally, this meant relying on slow, unpredictable word-of-mouth recommendations. Digital platforms dramatically transformed this dynamic.
“Now, it’s as simple as a few taps,” Rachida explains : social media and online platforms have become her primary tools for showcasing her work. What once required extensive networking now happens through strategic online presence.
The digital transformation extended far beyond marketing. E-money and online payment systems have streamlined financial transactions, making contract negotiations and advance payments remarkably straightforward. “We can’t talk about modern business without discussing digital financial tools,” she emphasizes.
Platforms like Yas Togo have been instrumental in her digital journey. More than just a training program, they provided entrepreneurs like Rachida with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to reimagine their businesses.
Rachida’s story transcends personal success—it’s a narrative of how technology can level the playing field for creative entrepreneurs. By providing access to global knowledge, simplifying marketing, and democratizing financial tools, digital platforms are fundamentally rewriting the rules of business.
As she looks towards the future, Rachida sees possibilities that were unimaginable a decade ago. Her journey from a decorator struggling to find inspiration to a digitally empowered entrepreneur is a testament to technology’s transformative power.
In Rachida Tchouabi Traoré’s world, every digital tap is a brushstroke of opportunity, painting a future where creativity knows no boundaries.
Student in Management Information Systems and Fashion Entrepreneur
Crafting Success: How Ndeye Marieme Uses Digital Tools to Grow Her Fashion Business.
Student in Management Information Systems and Fashion Entrepreneur
Ndeye Marieme is a student in Management Information Systems and a fashion entrepreneur specializing in handcrafted beaded bags in Senegal. Her journey is a testament to how digital inclusion can open doors, fuel creativity, and drive economic empowerment.
For Ndeye Marieme, digital technology is more than just a convenience—it’s a necessity. As a Management Information Systems student, she integrates digital tools into her daily academic routine, using financial and productivity apps to manage her coursework efficiently. Online platforms enable her to conduct research, collaborate with peers, and access global learning resources that enrich her studies. The ability to learn beyond the classroom through digital channels has provided her with a competitive edge, positioning her for future success in the digital economy.
Beyond her studies, Ndeye Marieme is redefining entrepreneurship by merging traditional craftsmanship with modern digital strategies. Her handcrafted beaded bags reflect a deep appreciation for Senegalese artistry, yet it is digital platforms that allow her to scale her business. By leveraging e-commerce sites, social media marketing, and digital payment solutions, she has expanded her brand’s reach beyond local markets, connecting with customers worldwide. Her success exemplifies how digital inclusion can empower women entrepreneurs, allowing them to create and sustain thriving businesses.
