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.