A growing network of women journalists is taking Africa by storm, with a program called WanaData. Loosely translated "Daughters of Data" in Swahili, WanaData champions females in the newsroom, offering training, networking and collaborative efforts to deliver data-driven reporting of little known stories across the continent. Using forward-thinking modalities such as artificial intelligence, drone video and social engagement, critical information is being shared by new voices on important topics like human trafficking and gender inequality. Female reporters in Africa often face harassment, threats and gender-specific violence due to poor policies, and often feel the need to censor themselves. WanaData wants to help African women tell their stories with empirical and statistical truth.
Led by seasoned Kenyan editor Catherine Gicheru, WanaData is empowering female journalists to utilize technology and data in their reporting. Gicheru states that their goal is to "produce robust content that will change Africa's story." Educating new journalism minds and appealing to those who value equitable representation in reporting, WanaData's rhetoric is hope for a better future for Africa, as well as vision for a bright future for the women in the program.
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