Representing ZanaAfrica in Oxford: A Global Community of Change-Makers!
Photo: Members of the ZanaAfrica team at an event during Skoll Week. Pictured, from left to right: Maddy Katz - Communications & Development Consultant, ZanaAfrica (US); Megan White Mukuria - founder, ZanaAfrica (Kenya); Alison Nakamura Netter - Executive Director, ZanaAfrica (US).
Each year, the Skoll World Forum gathers social innovators and visionary leaders from around the world to the cobblestone streets of Oxford, UK for a whirlwind of ideation, advocacy, and dialogue. This year, ZanaAfrica was proud to be at the center of this global conversation.
Two members of our leadership team—Alison Nakamura Netter, Executive Director (US), and Megan White Mukuria, Founder (Kenya) —joined peers from across the globe to share ZanaAfrica’s work and learn from others pushing the boundaries of social innovation.
Alison and Megan participated in two vibrant, community-powered convenings that have become core to Skoll Week: the Marmalade Festival and The Sidebar. These gatherings expand the reach and accessibility of the Forum, opening space for grassroots innovators, activists, philanthropists and organizations to connect and collaborate.
From sessions resourcing a movement to end gender-based violence, to conversations around positive masculinities, and tech for good, the energy across Marmalade and The Sidebar was nothing short of electric. These spaces gave ZanaAfrica the opportunity to spotlight our innovative approaches—including our AI-powered Nia HealthLink chatbot and our work scaling our health and rights education across Kenya in partnership with the Kenyan government and community-based organizations.
These events weren’t just platforms for sharing. They were spaces of authentic connection—where extraordinary people doing extraordinary things came together to listen, challenge, support, and grow.
We left Oxford energized, hopeful, and even more committed to ensuring girls across Africa have the tools, knowledge, and power to shape their own futures.
Pictured: The Radcliffe Camera, on the University of Oxford’s campus.
“In a time when headlines are heavy and hope can feel distant, gathering with global changemakers at Skoll Week in Oxford felt like a balm.
With critical aid being stripped from communities who need it most, and conflict touching lives across the world, the opportunity to be in community with purpose-driven leaders—those working relentlessly toward justice, healing, and systemic change—was a powerful reminder that we are stronger together.
During Skoll Week, which includes the Sidebar (shout out to Seth and team for an amazing second year!) and Marmalade Festival, we didn’t just talk. We connected. We exchanged ideas, shared solutions, and found hope in our shared belief that a better future is possible.
I left Oxford reminded that even in the face of immense challenges, there is power in proximity. When we come together, grounded in purpose and open to partnership, we create the kind of momentum the world needs right now.”
— Alison Nakamura Netter, Executive Director, ZanaAfrica (US)