I am Generation Equality – Evelyn Namara

Billions of people across the world stand on the right side of history every day. They speak up, take a stand, mobilize, and take big and small actions to advance women’s rights. This is Generation Equality.

Date:

Evelyn Namara
Evelyn-1-1024x1024.png

Three concrete steps everyone can take toward ending violence against women and girls:

  • Know the issue—and the signs
  • Challenge beliefs on masculinity
  • Support women’s leadership

I am Generation Equality because..

I believe in empowering women to take up space in the technology world and bring their voices to the field, which is often dominated by men. I have mentored and trained young women in technology, and I am passionate about encouraging more women to pursue careers in technology.

Through my work, I have empowered women in several ways. For instance, I have led multiple tech4dev projects and founded a fintech startup, Vouch, that distributes life-changing goods and services to beneficiaries. I have also trained women engineers in scalable internet services through my role as a trainer for the Africa Network Operators Group. Additionally, as the Country Director for Solar Sister in Uganda, I was instrumental in setting up the earliest organization operations in-country, which helped empower women in the region. Through my current role as Senior Partnerships Manager and Researcher at the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership, I am continuing to work towards creating ICT4D solutions that impact societies and communities, with a particular focus on the role of women in technology.

What are the most urgent issues of our time?

The most urgent issues of our time include gender inequality, lack of access to technology, and digital exclusion. Women and girls in many parts of the world still face significant barriers to accessing education and opportunities in the technology field, and this hinders their ability to fully participate in the digital age.

What can everyone do to end violence against women and girls, and promote bodily autonomy?

Everyone can help end violence against women and girls and promote bodily autonomy by speaking out against gender-based violence and supporting policies and programs that empower women and girls. This includes advocating for laws that protect women's rights, supporting access to education and healthcare, and promoting gender equality in all aspects of life.

What’s your advice to young people?

My advice to young people is to pursue their passions and not be afraid to take risks. The technology industry is rapidly evolving, and there is a need for diverse perspectives and voices to bring about meaningful change. I also encourage young people to seek out mentors and role models who can provide guidance and support as they navigate their careers in technology.

 

Evelyn is the Senior Partnerships Manager and Researcher at the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership. Evelyn is a technology enthusiast whose passion is to create ICT4D solutions that impact societies and communities. She loves working on issues at the intersection of Technology and Public Policy. She’s led multiple tech4dev projects in her native Uganda, including founding a fintech startup that works closely to distribute and disburse life-changing goods and services to beneficiaries.