Musanje Maggie Bukowa is optimistic about a generation of women that will be empowered, educated, resilient and able to make sound and decisions about their lives. Musanje is a fourth year Media and Communication Student at the University of Zambia. She is the co-founder and Chairperson of SHE Inspires Zambia, a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights organization. As a student journalist, she writes stories that mainly focus on SRHR, women empowerment and maternal mother and child health.
1. What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about female empowerment as it has the power to take a woman and her children out of poverty.
2. What prompted you to start your organization -She Inspires Zambia with a focus on sexual and reproductive rights?
For women to be empowered both economically and socially I believe formal education has a big role to play. Many girls fail to reach tertiary education level because of unintended pregnancies. Teenage pregnancies breaks the health and future of the girls.
3. What lessons have you learnt as a student journalist?
Do not wait for the perfect moment. What you have today, as little as it may seem will have a great impact on other people. Being a journalist has also taught me networking skills as I meet different people every day.
4. What impact have your stories on SRHR, women empowerment and maternal mother and children health had so far in society?
Through the radio shows I present, over time people have demonstrated increased knowledge measured through comment and contribution we receive during the show.
5. What is your advice for a young woman looking to start a career in Journalism?
If you have a passion for it go ahead. Journalism is so involving and if you don’t have the passion for it, can be overwhelming. However, my journey so far has been fulfilling. Journalism allows us to travel, meet new people and mostly importantly, it presents me with new opportunities for growth.
AUTHOR:
Thando Chilufya is an entrepreneur, creative and educationist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Zambia. Thando is the founder of Ulimusuma Limited and co-founder and creative director of creative Space Digital. She is very passionate about Africa, personal development and entrepreneurship. Thando is a firm believer in the potential that people carry. She is always looking for ways to become better as s person and uses her experiences and knowledge to empower the people around her.
