I AM NALA

" I have to constantly make a decision everyday that what I advocate for, is what I believe in. Im willing to stand for it , Im willing to act on it, put time resources and energy to make it a reality". Started her activism when she was 13, appointed at 23 as deputy minister and member of parliament in Namibia, Hon. Emma Theofelus is now 27 and recently appointed as Minister of Information, Communication and Technology of Namibia

"We are all creatives, we have an inner artist and we need to figure out what is our artistry" that is how we dive into this episode's conversation with Jena Dominique who is a ' free, dreamer, and connecter' and has been on the creative journey on her own terms, lived a life of self exploration that she shares openly and authentically.

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is Former Executive Director of UN Women & Deputy President of South Africa and Founder of Umlambo Foundation

"I have a constitutional right to my voice" that's how Mona Monyane powerfully describes her existence.

"Unless we have justice for everybody, then we cannot have meaningful peace" says Chief Justice and the President of the Supreme Court of Kenya who engaged in an open dialogue with Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) survivors from Kenya and across Africa. In this episode she unpacks the innovation and implementation of specialized SGBV courts and shares her vision, succession plan and her 'why' for future just and free of violence.

"I am crazy, non-judgemental & I don't conform to what society wants me to be" this is how our conversation with Aisha Yesufu started. Growing up in the ghetto of Northern Nigeria, she shares her journey as a stubborn child, protester and troublemaker. If you're working in citizen engagement, elections or advocating for good governance, this episode will give you incredible case studies from Nigeria's experience.

Even though this has been the toughest year of her life, Serisha Barrat shares how she is healing from generational trauma and building successful businesses. She is gender based violence survivor who is standing up for her mother and supporting other survivors to get justice using her social impact lens to business. She sells her art to invest back in the community through legal services and care packs to support SGBV survivors. Her ventures include Lawyered Up and Boardroom to mention a few.

Nadia says “People would wait for you to fail” as she reflects on her journey in government. In this episode you will get to know more about Nadia the person as the public servant who occupies spaces and still be young.

Talking of South Africa, Zulaikha believes "racism is still exist in facet of society". We talk about colourism, cultural identity, pencil test, segregated education system and other racist colonial history. If you're working in education or advocating for equitable education this episode will give you incredible context into South Africa's schools that are built in the interest of white children only but also get insight into actions and solutions for the future of education.

In a rich conversation full of practical insights, former Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard and DG of World Trade Organisation Dr.Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala reflect on their experiences as women leaders in positions of global power -- and share standout lessons on what it takes to lead and build solidarity in the face of gender bias and stereotypes.

As Verlaine says "Before the political there is the human". If you're a female leader in a healing journey, this episode will give you insight to "see yourself in others and others in you" , to know when and how to let go and live your life as a leader in seasons, understanding the times when it's raining, when it's sunny, when seeds are planted and grow, and when the leaves fall allowing new chapters and beginnings,

"My mother treated me as an author. She never asked me to do house chores and when people asked she would say 'my daughter is reading'." Maha shares her tears, laughter and vulnerability in very candid conversation in this episode including her cheerleader - mother.

" Who wants to accept me, will accept me. Who doesn’t want to accept me, it’s your problem!" Get your dose of Egyptian history, Nubia and layers of identity intersecting with politics, religion and Pan-Africanism.

What is the difference between male storyteller and female storyteller ? Kiki says "privilege" and explains why documenting women is a resistance to erasure.

Get your reading list for this week from Yassmin, including Abdulrazak Gurnah books, Tracy Deonn's Legendborn among others

Get your reading list for this week from Rosebell including Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah's The Sex Lives of African Women, Stella Nyanzi's No Roses from My Mouth: Poems from Prison, among others

A common vision for a more inclusive Europe, where diversity becomes a strength rather than a challenge is needed so we can all Belong

It’s time for women and young people to be at the negotiation table.

In the past, young women haven’t been given the opportunities to empower themselves, it’s time to step up and grab those leadership positions!

The most important policy is togetherness, let’s stick together and fight for change at this year’s COP conference.

Giving young activists the platform to spread their message is more important than ever in the age of social media, and the new generation of climate change.

There are millions of people suffering in Africa every day because of the real consequences of climate change. Action needs to be taken TODAY, not just commitments.

Follow the youth envoy for this year’s COP27 conference, Omnia El Omrani as she gives pointers on how to make the most of your first trip to a COP conference.