In the wake of International Women’s Day celebrations, Platform Africa caught up with poet and tech evangelist Mutuzo Irene Esther from Uganda, who shared her twin passions for poetry and technology, both powerful tools to drive change and impact communities in Africa.
Irene highlighted the power of poetry for transformation, and the impact it can have on shaping perspectives and empowering individuals. She also elaborated upon the potential for technology to not only drive innovation but also create more inclusive and environmentally conscious businesses, even as she underlined the importance of using relevant digital tools to create visibility and branding for women entrepreneurs.
Prior to her tête-à-tête with Platform Africa’s founder Samantha Seewoosurrun, Irene had beautifully shared the story of women entrepreneurs transforming the world through trade in the form of a riveting poem (‘A Woman on a Mission‘) presented to a large gathering of women entrepreneurs and UN dignitaries at the WTO-ITC High Level Event on Women in Trade on 25 February. Her beautiful rendering of an artist’s take on Africa’s intrepid women entrepreneurs served as a live example of how poetry can touch hearts and minds.
Edited excerpts from an exclusive interview with Irene:
Tell us more about Irene.
I am Mutuzo Irene Esther, a poet and Spoken Word performer from Uganda.
Passionate about technology, I currently work as the Head of Business Growth and PR at Diwala – a digital credentialing platform. I also serve as the Vice Chair of the Interoperable Learner Records Workgroup of the IEEE Standards Association’s Learning Technology Standards Committee.
I am also an Assistant Lecturer at Makerere University, where I am currently pursuing my Doctorate studies on the usability context factors that affect the adoption of digital technologies in the African higher education context.
When it comes to women, I firmly believe that mentorship is an effective tool which is why I serve as a mentor in the Project Girls for Girls Global initiative.
Irene, you lit up the stage at the recent WTO-ITC High Level Event on women in trade in Abu Dhabi with your performance of poetry, proudly displaying the colours of Uganda! The theme was “A Woman on a Mission”. What can you tell us about your mission on behalf of women?
I believe in the transformative power of poetry and the impact it can have on shaping perspectives and empowering individuals. Through my words and poems, I hope to ignite a sense of strength, resilience, and confidence in every woman who comes across my work. But beyond poetry, I hope to live a life that will inspire ladies out there and serve as a testament to the limitless opportunities available to us as women. My mission is to inspire a generation of young ladies to embrace their uniqueness, pursue their passions relentlessly, and make a profound impact on whatever path they choose to take.
Having participated in the WTO-ITC High Level Event on women in trade, what were some of your key takeaways from this event?
Participating in the WTO-ITC High Level Event on women in trade was an incredibly enriching experience. The event was impeccably organised, providing numerous opportunities for networking and learning. I especially found the discussions on how women are reshaping the landscape of trade particularly inspiring. Breaking down barriers and creating more opportunities for women to participate in global trade is essential to boosting economic empowerment and gender equality.
Another key takeaway that stood out for me was leveraging digitisation and the green economy to boost business growth. The potential for technology to not only drive innovation but also create more inclusive and environmentally conscious businesses was truly eye-opening. The importance of visibility and branding in the digital age was also highlighted. As a woman, it is critical to market oneself and establish a strong online presence to thrive in trade.
The discussions surrounding how to keep pace with evolving trade trends highlighted the importance of adaptability and staying informed in the ever-changing global marketplace. Overall, the event provided invaluable insights and connections that will undoubtedly shape my journey.
With a background in public relations, marketing, human resources and technology, you have moved to produce a wider range of content, from artwork to poems and radio, among others. How can women effectively harness the power of storytelling to promote their activities?
Women can effectively harness the power of storytelling to promote their activities by weaving narratives that resonate with their audience’s emotions and aspirations. Through compelling stories, women can showcase their unique experiences, achievements, and perspectives, creating connections and generating support for their efforts. Storytelling enables women to authentically convey their message, inspire others, and amplify their voice in their respective fields. With this, women can elevate their visibility, influence, and drive positive change in their communities.
You are also engaged in the community in Uganda through your role as a mentor for Project Girls 4 Girls, that empowers young women with the courage, vision and skills to take on public leadership. What can you tell us about your work with this organisation?
Project Girls 4 Girls is a transformative global initiative committed to equipping young women with the fortitude, foresight, and competencies they need to assume and thrive in positions of public leadership. My role as a mentor is tremendously rewarding because I get to connect with, guide, and support young ladies as they navigate their journey towards their vision, allowing them to reach their full potential and make a meaningful difference in their communities. When a lady tells me that I have inspired them, it fills me with joy, and I wish to continue inspiring as many ladies as possible.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, what would be your advice to women as they seek to define their own mission in the world and make a difference?
As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, my advice to women is simple: strive for excellence in all you do and refuse to let anyone limit your potential. You are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. Whether in the boardroom, classroom, or community, embrace your unique strengths and dare to challenge the status quo. Believe in yourself, trust your instincts, and know that your contributions matter.
