HerStory Podcast Series

 In this episode, Angel George Buendia, HerStart Program and Partnerships Fellow speaks with Ukasha Mohammed from Norsaac’s NiV Hub, one of YCI’s HerStart partners in Ghana.  
 
Ukasha shares how Norsaac supports young people to achieve economic independence and sustainable livelihoods though vocational skills development and entrepreneurship training. He also discusses sociocultural practices as the biggest challenge to gender equality and how the partnership with HerStart has strengthened NiV Hub's capacity through training and volunteer support from HerStart Fellows, enabling them to lead gender equality initiatives and advocacy.

In this episode, Bobbi Martellacci, HerStart Communications Fellow, speaks with Brenda Geofrey from Barefoot College Zanzibar, one of YCI’s HerStart partners in Tanzania.  
 
Brenda shares how Barefoot College Zanzibar empowers rural women through practical training in solar energy, beekeeping and regenerative agriculture. She discusses the challenges of advancing gender equality, including resistance from male family members, and the innovative entrepreneurship training program that equips women with essential skills. She highlights the transformative impact of the HerStart program on financial literacy and inclusion and outlines how HerStart Fellows have enhanced BCZ’s initiatives.

In this episode, Sarah Harvey, HerStart Communications Fellow, speaks with Stella Lukwago from Social Innovation Academy (SINA), one of YCI’s HerStart partners in Mpigi, Uganda. 
 
Stella discusses SINA’s mission to empower marginalized young people to become self-reliant social entrepreneurs. She highlights the transformative impact of HerStart's collaboration with SINA, particularly in creating opportunities for rural women to drive social change and achieve economic independence. Through stories and insights, Stella shares the importance of social entrepreneurship in addressing community challenges and fostering sustainable development in Uganda.

In this episode, Elinam Akogo, HerStart Social Entrepreneurship Fellow, speaks with Agness Bweye from the Practical Permaculture Institute of Zanzibar (PPIZ), one of YCI’s HerStart partners in Tanzania.  
 
Agness shares how PPIZ empowers women and youth through permaculture education and sustainable livelihood initiatives. She explains the core ethics of permaculture—earth care, people care and fair share—and how these principles are applied to address the intertwined challenges of climate change, poverty and environmental degradation on the island. Agness also highlights the impact of YCI's HerStart program, which provides support through volunteer HerStart Fellows, capacity building and funding.

In this episode, Katherine Prior, HerStart Communications and Social Entrepreneurship Fellow, speaks with Professor Daniel Ayoung of Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) one of YCI’s HerStart partners in Ghana.  

Professor Ayoung discusses the university's efforts to address gender issues on campus and the impact of entrepreneurship training programs on women at BTU and in the surrounding community. The conversation highlights BTU's focus on ecological agriculture, the transformative power of financial empowerment, and the positive cultural shifts facilitated by support from YCI’s HerStart program. 

In this episode, Shafreen Bagha, HerStart Program and Partnerships Fellow, speaks with Sheila Mwiny Makungu from the Ministry of Youth Zanzibar, one of YCI’s HerStart partners in Tanzania. 

Sheila shares how the ministry empowers young people in Zanzibar through training in leadership, entrepreneurship and vocational skills. She highlights the challenges faced by youth, such as socioeconomic disparities and lack of resources, and how the center addresses these issues by providing essential tools and connecting youth with supportive stakeholders. Sheila also shares how HerStart has offered new skills and knowledge to support young entrepreneurs, especially women, through training and funding. 

In this episode, Hafsah Abdi, HerStart Communications Fellow, speaks with Isabel Atugonza about her role as YCI's HerStart Knowledge & Learning Manager in Uganda. 

Isabel explores the challenges faced by women in the region and the transformative impact of the HerStart program on young women entrepreneurs. She shares how HerStart supports economic empowerment and gender equality through social entrepreneurship training, grant funding and initiatives like the Partner Innovation Fund, which builds local organizations' capacity to continue building a brighter future for women in Uganda.

In this episode, Riley Chervinski, HerStart Communications Fellow, speaks with Mwanaidi Abdulla about her role as YCI's HerStart Operations & Finance Manager in Tanzania. 

Mwanaidi discusses the challenges faced by women in Zanzibar, including low financial literacy, negative societal norms and unemployment. She shares how YCI's HerStart program collaborates with Canadian volunteer fellows and local partner organizations to support young women to start their own businesses, gain economic empowerment and break gender barriers. 

In this episode, Ariel Tozman, HerStart Program & Partnerships Fellow, speaks with Humu Abdul Rahaman about her role as YCI's HerStart Partnership & Training Coordinator in Ghana. 

With a passion for women's equality, Humu shares how YCI's HerStart program addresses the economic disparities faced by women in Northern Ghana, creating avenues for empowerment through entrepreneurship and mentorship. She shares real-life success stories, showcasing how HerStart has supported women to start businesses, gain financial independence and ultimately bridge gender inequalities in the region. 

In this episode, Krista Manteiga, HerStart Communications Fellow, speaks with Nidhi Gupta about her experience as a HerStart Climate Action Fellow collaborating with our partner, Norsaac in Ghana. 

With a background in environmental engineering, Nidhi shares how partnering with local communities to promote sustainability and environmental awareness has shaped her perspective on global climate issues. She also discusses her experience developing climate frameworks and supporting women’s social enterprises and her advice for future HerStart Fellows.