Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible achievements of women worldwide. In honour of this occasion, let’s highlight the remarkable women who contribute to the ANU African Studies Network (ASN). Here they are: 

Karo Moret-Miranda:  

Karo is a lecturer at the Australian National University School of History, focusing on African and Afro-descendant studies. Her work delves into the enduring impacts of colonialism and aims to challenge racism and xenophobia, advocating for marginalized voices to be heard and valued. Karo gave a keynote speech at the 2023 ASN Conference. Thank you, Karo! 

Audrey Kalindi:  

Audrey completed her PhD at the Australian National University, specializing in maternal and child health. With a background in demography and economics from the University of Zambia, she employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to study population health disparities, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Audrey was the committee chair of the 2023 ASN Conference, where she did an exceptional job. Happy International Women’s Day to you, Audrey! 

Miranda Zvidza:  

Miranda, a Business Development Manager at ANU and founder of “Elevate Growth Consultancy,” is dedicated to uplifting the African Community in Australia. Through coaching, speaking engagements, and consultancy, she integrates her expertise, experiences, and faith to foster personal and entrepreneurial growth. Miranda’s support of the ASN, especially in business development, is incredible. Enjoy your day, Miranda! 

Safiya Okai-Ugbaje:  

Safiya is a systems thinker and researcher with a focus on IT for development (IT4D) and educational technologies. She is particularly interested in the practical applications of AI and large language models to address challenges in emerging economies. Safiya is an active member of the ASN. 

Hilda Agyekum:  

Hilda, a PhD student at the Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU, previously worked in research and evaluation in Ghana. With a background in disability studies, she now engages with broader development issues, serving as a college representative for African studies at ANU. 

Rita Agha: 

Rita is a PhD student at the UNESCO Chair in Science Communication for Public Good at the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University. Her research interests are in the areas of sexual and reproductive health care and the sociology of communication in Africa. Rita’s work seeks to contribute insights to these critical areas, reflecting her commitment to fostering positive societal change through scientific communication. She has been the co-convener of the ASN since 2023, and the network has grown exponentially under her leadership. Good job, Rita! 

Happy International Women’s Day!