Our Wednesday crush that we celebrate today is Pada Platform co-founder and Director @Farisai81 Karen Mukwasi, Ms Kay to the girls. Karen Mukwasi is the 2025 recipient of the Weimar Human Rights Award. The Award committee recognized her for her work on women’s digital rights and inclusion, women’s digital security and her commitment to the rights of women in Africa. This is validation of our Labour of love. It is wonderful to know that someone sees us. In her speech at the Awards ceremony Karen appealed to African Leaders to prioritize citizens over power retention and to stop the war on women’s bodies. She also appealed to the women in the world to speak up for women in the Congo and in Sudan.
We’re incredibly proud of this 𝒫𝒽𝑒𝓃𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓌𝑜𝓂𝒶𝓃!
🇿🇼 #Zimbabwe's new National Artificial Intelligence(#AI) Strategy gives #African states a practical template for adopting AI without deepening dependency.
Six pillars anchor it:
1⃣Talent & capacity development.
2⃣Infrastructure & computational sovereignty
3⃣AI adoption & service transformation
4⃣Governance, ethics & regulation
5⃣Research, development & innovation
6⃣Strategic international collaboration
It aligns with the AU Continental AI Strategy and treats data sovereignty as a precondition ,not an afterthought. The real test now is whether implementation matches ambition.
Read full article here:https://t.co/LvGWeyJ3a2
We need institutions that understand digital violence and respond to survivors with care, urgency, and justice.
Survivors of #TFGBV deserve protection and dignity both offline and online, not blame for the harm they experience.
#EndTFGBV
At the core of Pada Platform we are proudly African,we embrace African values and through our work we continue to encourage young women to celebrate their diverse culture and heritage. African feminisms inform our journey as we build agency in our communities for a better Africa and a more sustainable future for coming generations.
"Technology-facilitated violence is now a core human rights issue - not a “digital nuisance.” Cyber harassment, doxxing, and image-based abuse are extensions of structural gender inequality. 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬." - Brenda Yambo
What is Feminism?
Among many "definitions" you've heard, today we demystify the widely known: Feminism is not about “hating men.” It is about challenging systems that limit women and girls from living fully, safely and equally.
#ejwp#feminism#feministfeatures#EconomicJustice
#FeministTechJoy: For the first time in India, a project implemented in partnership with the Rajdhani App Workers Union was used to track (self-reported by workers from the "10 minute" delivery apps):
➡️ Earnings
➡️ Expenses
➡️ Work-related concerns (1/3)
💻 When girls build tech skills, confidence grows.
And so does their belief that anything is possible!
With @UN_Women support, the African Girls Can Code Initiative is making that happen for women and girls across Africa.
🔗 Learn more: https://t.co/He14PlbarG
#GirlsInICTDay
Opportunity: Research Internship (Part-time)
Closes 18 May 2026
Full info: https://t.co/qJBGpGeor8
Support CIVICUS research through desk research, interviews, writing & simple data visuals. Gain practical research & comms experience and insight into global civil society trends.
We were beyond thrilled to host the 3rd annual Young Feminist School and hear from young women across diverse spaces and talk to them about transformative feminist leadership. As always @Zinasuzim has been a consistent participant in our community.
🔵 The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) continues to affirm its presence in critical intellectual, leadership and policy-shaping spaces that contribute to the transformation of student leadership and society at large.
Earlier this year, our Gender and Welfare Secretary, Gugulethu Moyana @SheCommander1 together with female student leaders from the Union, participated in the Feminist School Programme hosted by @PadaPlatform, a powerful ideological and leadership development platform designed for young women leaders and female students. The programme created a dynamic and reflective space centered on feminism, women’s rights, gender equality and transformative leadership.
Throughout the programme, participants engaged in human rights dialogues, gender-focused discussions and policy review meetings that challenged prevailing societal structures while encouraging critical thinking around identity, power and social justice. The Feminist School Programme served as a collective platform where young women from diverse backgrounds came together to exchange ideas, strengthen solidarity and deepen their understanding of feminist principles and values.
As ZINASU, we recognize the importance of participating in such spaces as part of our broader commitment to building conscious, informed and progressive student leadership. In a time where conversations around equality, inclusion and representation remain central to societal development, it is essential that student leaders occupy spaces that sharpen ideological clarity and strengthen advocacy capacity.
Key highlights and takeaways from the programme included:
• The importance of feminist consciousness in leadership and governance
• Building solidarity and intentional connections across diverse communities and backgrounds
• Strengthening identity, confidence and purpose as young women in leadership spaces
• Understanding that impactful leadership begins with self-awareness, ideological grounding and clarity of purpose
• Enhancing the capacity of young women leaders to actively participate in policy dialogue and social transformation
The participation of our Gender Secretary in this programme reflects ZINASU’s continued dedication to leadership development, gender equity and meaningful engagement in conversations that shape the future of students and young people.
It is important to create, as @PadaPlatform has, intentional spaces that empower young women leaders and cultivate transformative feminist thought within student movements and broader society.
#StudentLeadership #Education
🔵 The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) continues to affirm its presence in critical intellectual, leadership and policy-shaping spaces that contribute to the transformation of student leadership and society at large.
Earlier this year, our Gender and Welfare Secretary, Gugulethu Moyana @SheCommander1 together with female student leaders from the Union, participated in the Feminist School Programme hosted by @PadaPlatform, a powerful ideological and leadership development platform designed for young women leaders and female students. The programme created a dynamic and reflective space centered on feminism, women’s rights, gender equality and transformative leadership.
Throughout the programme, participants engaged in human rights dialogues, gender-focused discussions and policy review meetings that challenged prevailing societal structures while encouraging critical thinking around identity, power and social justice. The Feminist School Programme served as a collective platform where young women from diverse backgrounds came together to exchange ideas, strengthen solidarity and deepen their understanding of feminist principles and values.
As ZINASU, we recognize the importance of participating in such spaces as part of our broader commitment to building conscious, informed and progressive student leadership. In a time where conversations around equality, inclusion and representation remain central to societal development, it is essential that student leaders occupy spaces that sharpen ideological clarity and strengthen advocacy capacity.
Key highlights and takeaways from the programme included:
• The importance of feminist consciousness in leadership and governance
• Building solidarity and intentional connections across diverse communities and backgrounds
• Strengthening identity, confidence and purpose as young women in leadership spaces
• Understanding that impactful leadership begins with self-awareness, ideological grounding and clarity of purpose
• Enhancing the capacity of young women leaders to actively participate in policy dialogue and social transformation
The participation of our Gender Secretary in this programme reflects ZINASU’s continued dedication to leadership development, gender equity and meaningful engagement in conversations that shape the future of students and young people.
It is important to create, as @PadaPlatform has, intentional spaces that empower young women leaders and cultivate transformative feminist thought within student movements and broader society.
#StudentLeadership #Education
#womancrushwednesday#celebratingpearls
We are proud to celebrate our very own Pada board member Bertha V Kufa on her appointment as the HER Voice Fund Ambassador for Zimbabwe at Y+Global.
Over the years, we have witnessed this Pada Pearl grow from an enthusiastic participant into a passionate and dedicated champion for the rights of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) across various sectors. Her journey continues to inspire, and this milestone is a true reflection of her commitment to advocacy.
We are proud to see her step into this role, representing Zimbabwe at both national and global levels, and we have no doubt that she will serve with excellence, integrity and purpose.
Congratulations Bertha, we celebrate you!!!!
❌Feminicide
❌Sexual harassment
❌Rape
❌Child marriage
❌Female Genital Mutilation
❌Honor killing
❌Human Trafficking
❌Cyberbullying
❌Sexual violence
How many more reasons do you need for why we must stand up for women’s rights❓
#ENDviolence against women & girls. NOW❗️
#WorldPressFreedomDay
In the latest report by UN Women (April 2026), increasing levels of digital violence have forced a 50% jump in women journalists and media workers self-censoring on social media, bringing the total up to 45%
Find more data at https://t.co/xNz67mi3Ns ⬇️✍️🏿
TFGBV is a targeted attack on women and girls. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for them to even express themselves openly in digital spaces as they’ll be attacked based on looks, social status or religious beliefs. Respectful dialogue is being forgone for clicks and likes.
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) is an emerging and urgent concern in the gender equality space. As digital access expands across Sub-Saharan Africa, so does the use of technology as a tool of control, harassment, and intimidation against women and girls.
TFGBV includes monitoring of communications, coerced access to private accounts, and online harassment. These behaviours restrict women's digital participation and have direct consequences for their economic, social, and civic engagement.
Addressing TFGBV requires awareness, policy, and community-level action. The Girls Table integrates digital safety into its work with young women in Zimbabwe, recognising that safety online is inseparable from empowerment offline.
#HerVoice
#TFGBV
#GenderBasedViolence
#DigitalSafety
Digital surveillance through hidden cameras in hotels and Airbnbs is an emerging form of #TFGBV. These devices are often secretly placed in private spaces to record individuals without their consent.
This can lead to blackmail, harassment, and lasting psychological harm.
#SAAM
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS:
Advocacy & Social Action Development Program
The Human Rights Lawyers Association (HRLA) and Global Human Rights Centre (GHRC) are pleased to invite applications for the 2026 Advocacy and Social Action Development Program – a dynamic four-week training designed to equip emerging leaders with the practical skills and knowledge to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Theme: Empowering Changemakers for a Sustainable Future
This programme brings together passionate individuals aged 18–35 from diverse disciplines to engage in expert-led, hands-on learning. Participants will explore the intersection of human rights, sustainability, and environmental action, while developing innovative, actionable solutions to pressing global challenges.
What to Expect:
•Practical training in social action and advocacy
•Assessing the role of Judicial Institutions in social action
•Insights into sustainable development and climate action
•Learning on energy transitions and sustainable business
•Leadership development and community impact strategies
•Engagement with experts across sectors
Programme Details:
Duration: 4 weeks
Schedule: 1-hour session weekly (Wednesday or Friday)
Dates: June 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM (UK Time)
Eligibility: Open to individuals aged 18–35 who are passionate about social impact, leadership, change-making, community impact, sustainability, and human rights.
Application Deadline: 25 May 2026
Enquiries Email: [email protected]
Apply here: https://t.co/5KHHbIgdJ9