A grassroots nonprofit from Zimbabwe just snagged one of the world's most prestigious tech awards. The Usawa Institute walked away with the 2025 World Summit on the Information Society Prize at a major event in Geneva. Their Girls Speak Out project beat hundreds of other entries to win the Media category. The International Telecommunication Union handed out the honor recognizing groups that use technology to change lives. Only 19 winners emerged from more than 360 nominations across 100 countries.
The award-winning project teaches digital skills to teenage girls and young women between 14 and 24. Girls Speak Out operates in Zimbabwe and Lesotho helping close the digital gender gap through hands-on training. Co-founder Anoziva Ishe Marindire started the program back in 2016 with partners Theresa Takafuma and the late Kelvin Tinashe Mutize. What began as basic grassroots training has grown into a full support system for young women. The program focuses on leadership development alongside computer skills.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted how internet access has exploded from 1 billion people twenty years ago to 68 percent of the global population today. ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera called the recognition more than just an award. The minister praised Usawa for bridging digital divides and making tech dreams real for Zimbabwe. Marindire credits the incredible girls in their community who use their new skills to help others. The co-founder believes empowering girls with education and technology remains one of the best ways to develop Africa.
The award-winning project teaches digital skills to teenage girls and young women between 14 and 24. Girls Speak Out operates in Zimbabwe and Lesotho helping close the digital gender gap through hands-on training. Co-founder Anoziva Ishe Marindire started the program back in 2016 with partners Theresa Takafuma and the late Kelvin Tinashe Mutize. What began as basic grassroots training has grown into a full support system for young women. The program focuses on leadership development alongside computer skills.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted how internet access has exploded from 1 billion people twenty years ago to 68 percent of the global population today. ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera called the recognition more than just an award. The minister praised Usawa for bridging digital divides and making tech dreams real for Zimbabwe. Marindire credits the incredible girls in their community who use their new skills to help others. The co-founder believes empowering girls with education and technology remains one of the best ways to develop Africa.
