Women in Africa: Fighting poverty through education

The Zonta Club of Melbourne on Yarra Inc, Australia, presented the fourth session of its “Women of the World” talk series on 24 February, at the Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Centre. This series showcases women leading change worldwide, with previous talks featuring women in Afghanistan, Iran and First Nations Women of Australia.

The event featured Australian educator and leader Gemma Sisia, whose work in Arusha, Tanzania, has transformed lives through The School of St. Jude. With a female campus and three school sites, the institution provides girls with the opportunity to break free from poverty, gain education and uplift their families and communities. In a region where poverty, safety concerns and social norms often limit women’s potential, St. Jude’s is creating pathways for empowerment and change.

St. Jude’s alumnus John Stanley also shared his inspiring journey, detailing his efforts in food waste management by developing organic fertilizers that enhance agriculture while supporting women, who remain the primary food providers in Tanzania. His advocacy for sustainability and climate action aligns with Zonta Says NOW, which emphasizes climate change as a human rights, women’s rights and environmental issue.

With 70 attendees, the session was widely praised for its uplifting message of resilience and leadership, with several participants—including men—expressing interest in joining Zonta to support positive change. Through this event, the club reaffirmed its mission to empower women and foster global impact.