Africa Within Podcast

The Intersection of AI, Community, and Mental Health Care in Africa

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409795/fan_mail/new] This Mental Health Awareness Month, we explore how technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping mental health support across Africa. On this episode of the Africa Within Podcast, we are joined by Ridwan Oyenuga, an artificial intelligence specialist, full-stack software engineer, and founder of SereniMind, a groundbreaking platform that has impacted more than 300,000 people across the continent. Recognised by global institutions for using technology to solve real-world challenges, Ridwan shares how AI-powered tools are helping make mental wellness support more accessible, stigma-free, and community-driven. We discuss: * AI and the future of mental healthcare in Africa * Breaking stigma around mental wellness * Digital safe spaces and anonymous support communities * Youth, technology, and emotional well-being * The inspiration behind SereniMind SereniMind offers a holistic mental wellness experience through: * Personalised AI chatbots * Personalised journaling * Mood tracking and wellness goals * Access to licensed professionals * Anonymous mental health communities * Curated wellness content A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethekele-ncube-a4a5234b/] for producing this episode. Follow us on all our social media platforms Twitter (X) [https://x.com/Africawithinpod] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/africa_within_podcast/] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5xuaFXyNiHh4Et3wX2xLvA] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/africa-within-podcasts-podcast/id1773451640] Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/africawithin-podcast-89978a330/]

At the Intersection: Climate Change, Labour Rights and Gender Justice

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409795/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Africa Within, we sit down with Wendy Pekeur, an activist and co-founder of the Ubuntu Rural Women and Youth Movement—a grassroots organisation that emerged from resistance to farm evictions in Stellenbosch and has since become a powerful force for change across the Western, Northern, and Eastern Cape. Since 2014, Ubuntu has been at the forefront of amplifying the voices of rural women and youth, building leadership, and addressing the deep inequalities that shape life in marginalised communities. Their work addresses critical gaps in access to justice and gender-based violence (GBV) services, advocates for safer working conditions, and champions community rights. This speaks to the realities often overlooked in national discussions. In this conversation, we unpack what grassroots activism truly looks like on the ground, how communities organise and mobilise for change, and why centring women's voices is essential for achieving gender justice, particularly in the face of climate and socio-economic challenges. A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethekele-ncube-a4a5234b/] for producing this episode. Follow us on all our social media platforms Twitter (X) [https://x.com/Africawithinpod] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/africa_within_podcast/] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5xuaFXyNiHh4Et3wX2xLvA] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/africa-within-podcasts-podcast/id1773451640] Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/africawithin-podcast-89978a330/]

Eliminating Cervical Cancer in Africa: The Road to 90-70-90

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409795/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Africa Within Podcast, we speak with Dr. Dille Mahamadou Issimouha, Technical Officer for Cancer Control at the World Health Organization's Africa Region, to discuss Africa's efforts to eliminate cervical cancer, one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers affecting women on the continent. Despite the availability of effective tools for prevention, early detection, and treatment, cervical cancer continues to claim thousands of lives each year in Africa. Dr. Issimouha explains WHO's global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer, which includes the 90–70–90 targets, and discusses the progress that African countries are making in HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment. We also address the ongoing barriers facing women in low-resource and fragile settings, including access to health services, inequality, and stigma. Beyond the statistics, this conversation emphasises that the elimination of cervical cancer is not only a health priority but also a matter of women's rights, dignity, and equity. Dr. Issimouha outlines what governments, partners, and communities must do next and explains why eliminating cervical cancer in Africa is both achievable and urgent. A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethekele-ncube-a4a5234b/] for producing this episode. Follow us on all our social media platforms Twitter (X) [https://x.com/Africawithinpod] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/africa_within_podcast/] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5xuaFXyNiHh4Et3wX2xLvA] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/africa-within-podcasts-podcast/id1773451640] Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/africawithin-podcast-89978a330/]

Why the African Union's EVAWG Convention Could Be a Game Changer for Women's Rights in Africa

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409795/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Africa Within Podcast, we take you to Dar es Salaam, where the African Women's Development and Communications Network (FEMNET) brought together African women leaders, activists, and policymakers to discuss the African Union’s Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG). The conversation explores what this groundbreaking convention means for Africa, how it can help address femicide and gender-based violence, and why urgent political will is necessary to make it a reality across the continent. A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethekele-ncube-a4a5234b/] for producing this episode. Follow us on all our social media platforms Twitter (X) [https://x.com/Africawithinpod] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/africa_within_podcast/] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5xuaFXyNiHh4Et3wX2xLvA] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/africa-within-podcasts-podcast/id1773451640] Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/africawithin-podcast-89978a330/]

Youth at the Frontlines of Peace: A Conversation with AU Youth Ambassador for Peace

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409795/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Africa Within, we sit down with Simone Diouf, the African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace in West Africa, to explore the core of the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Agenda. Simone shares her journey as a young peacebuilder and discusses the vital role youth play in conflict prevention and the establishment of sustainable peace. She emphasizes that youth inclusion is not just necessary; it is urgent. From grassroots activism to continental policymaking, this conversation unpacks the progress, challenges, and aspirations for a peaceful future driven by Africa’s youth. About Ms Diouf Simone Mbodé Diouf is a young Senegalese woman passionate about gender issues, youth empowerment, peace, and security. She serves as the African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace, representing the West African region. Simone is an international consultant and trainer on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) as well as Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) for various institutions and organizations, including La Francophonie and Senghor University. A special thanks to Sethekele Ncube [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethekele-ncube-a4a5234b/] for producing this episode. Follow us on all our social media platforms Twitter (X) [https://x.com/Africawithinpod] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/africa_within_podcast/] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5xuaFXyNiHh4Et3wX2xLvA] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/africa-within-podcasts-podcast/id1773451640] Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/africawithin-podcast-89978a330/]