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What does it take to enter a space that was never designed with you in mind, navigate its unwritten rules, fight to pass a bill that most people did not know was needed, and do all of it before the age of 30?
In this episode of SheShapes Africa, host Caroline Mbugua sits down with Hon. Mohamed Umulkher Harun, a nominated Member of Parliament in Kenya's National Assembly, for an honest and deeply practical conversation about breaking into policymaking as a young African woman.
"It doesn't come easy, but when you get there, it gets easier." -Hon. Mohamed Umulkher Harun.
From civil society to the chamber
Her path from NGO work in Garissa County to a seat in the National Assembly was neither linear nor guaranteed. She shares how a TV leadership programme, a political mentor, and one moment of being picked from a crowd changed the trajectory of her life.
Championing the deaf community through legislation
A chance meeting with 30 deaf young people set her on a mission to sponsor Kenya's Sign Language Bill. She walks us through the full legislative journey and why good bills still take years to become law.
Stakeholder management as a survival skill
From community associations to global deaf networks, Hon. Umulkher explains how public participation shaped and strengthened her bill, and why lawmakers who ignore stakeholders get it wrong.
Learning the ropes in an intimidating space
From being mistaken for a visitor in her own chamber to delivering her maiden speech within the first month, Hon. Umulkher shares the advice that kept her standing when the house felt overwhelming.
The art of being remembered
On speech writing, delivery and the elevator pitch, her philosophy is simple: humanize it, keep it short, and make sure they remember the last thing you said.
Her message to young women across Africa is clear: the space is hard to enter, but it is not impossible. Find your mentor, know your focus, and do not stay silent.
Hosted by Caroline Mbugua HSC.
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An initiative by Caroline Mbugua HSC
In partnership with THOP Institute
Produced by ASER45 Agency -
What does it really take to keep children safe in an increasingly connected Africa?
In this episode of SheShapes Africa, host Caroline Mbugua HSC sits down with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), for a candid conversation on child online protection and why it must sit at the heart of Africa's digital agenda. As connectivity accelerates across a continent where 60% of the population is under 25, the stakes have never been higher.
"We need to make sure that the internet can be the land of opportunity for young people, but in a responsible, safe, and trusted way." - Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Why it matters now - The numbers are stark. Up to one in three young people has experienced online bullying or harassment at least once. Connectivity without safety is not progress.
Partnership at the core - ITU, GSMA, and UNICEF have joined forces through the newly launched Child Online Protection Africa Task Force. Doreen unpacks what this coalition is designed to do and why no single organization can move the needle alone.
Building skills alongside access -
It is not enough to get children connected. Digital literacy must come with the connection, and young people themselves must have a seat at the policy table.
A message to the next generation - Doreen speaks directly to young leaders: bring your voice, share your ideas, and help shape the solutions that will define your digital world.
The vision - Drawing on her own experience as a mother of four, Doreen describes what a truly safe internet looks like: one where opportunity and protection are not trade-offs, but by design.
The message is clear: more awareness, better tools, and faster implementation. The task force has launched. Now it is time to move.
Hosted by Caroline Mbugua HSC.
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An initiative by Caroline Mbugua HSC
In partnership with THOP Institute
Produced by ASER45 Agency -
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