In a world where digital technology shapes daily interactions and narratives, young female activists like Joselyne are harnessing its power to drive social change. At just 24 years old, she has made significant strides in advocating for girls and women’s rights, using social media to amplify her message.
“Social media is more than just a platform for entertainment. It is a powerful tool for raising awareness and driving change.”
Joselyne, 24
“Social media is more than just a platform for entertainment. It is a powerful tool for raising awareness and driving change,” Joselyne explains.
A journey into gender equality advocacy
Growing up in a rural area of Rwanda, Joselyne witnessed the harsh realities of gender inequalities as girls in her community were denied education and confined to traditional roles such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for children.
This experience deeply saddened Joselyne, who longed for an opportunity to speak out.
At the age of 14, her journey into gender equality advocacy began when she encountered an initiative called “Rights to Protection and Participation.” This platform not only allowed her to learn but also express the challenges she had observed.
“My primary goal was to speak out about the challenges hindering girls and women’s futures. Many of them, especially in rural areas, need their voices to be heard.”
Embracing actions and challenges across social media
Joselyne initially attended physical meetings to share her ideas. Later, she realised that the vast number of people, especially the youth, are engaging in digital platforms to raise their voices.
“I discovered that social media has an incredible ability to spread messages to a wider public. This taught me its power in advocating for important causes, raising awareness and driving positive change in my society.”
However, Joselyne’s journey has not been without challenges. Negative feedback, particularly on sensitive topics, has tested her resilience.
“Some people have reacted negatively to my topics, such as menstruation, insisting that they should not be discussed on social media. However, these experiences have strengthened my resolve to challenge misconseptions, promote inclusivity and understanding.”
Making positive impacts through digital advocacy
Joselyne firmly believes in the role of digital technology, mainly social media, in advancing gender equality. She views these platforms as powerful tools for amplifying voices, sharing stories and mobilising support for impactful initiatives.
One of her most notable achievements is an online fundraising campaign to support vulnerable girls with menstrual products.
“Through social media, my colleagues and I raised awareness about period poverty and successfully secured donations. As a result, vulnerable girls no longer had to miss school due to a lack of sanitary materials.”
Joselyne, 24
“Through social media, my colleagues and I raised awareness about period poverty and successfully secured donations. As a result, vulnerable girls no longer had to miss school due to a lack of sanitary materials.”
Furthermore, Joselyne’s story, “Be the change you want to see”, inspired a number of girls, as she shares, to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their future dreams, particularly through its emphasis on investing in girls’ education. Featured prominently on TEDx, it challenged viewers worldwide to take initiative in empowering girls and upholding their rights.
Joselyne’s advocacy journey began during her participation in Plan International Rwanda’s “Rights to Protection and Participation” project. Additionally, she has also chaired Plan International’s Girls Get Equal Network in Rwanda.
In 2018, she had the opportunity to attend the House of Lords chamber event in the United Kingdom (UK) during the session ‘Girls breaking barriers‘.
Her passion for advoacy led her to write and publish two books, titled ‘Imbuto z’Ubuto Bwange’ and ‘Umwali Iwacu.’
Continuing to fuel her advocacy efforts, Joselyne is now one of Plan International’s Global Young Influencers, and the Programmes Lead of the Impanuro Girls Initiative (IGI), a young women-led organisation that fosters women empowerment and deals with the issue of early pregnancies.