Meet Three World Pulse Changemakers

From Kenya to Bangladesh to South Africa, these women leaders are keeping girls in school, training survivors of child marriage in tech skills, and supporting single mothers through skill development.

Every day, changemakers log on to World Pulse to speak out, connect, and power their movements for change. Through their leadership and grassroots initiatives, World Pulse Featured Changemakers Edna Chepkurui, Achia Khaleda Nila, and Khanyisile Tshabalala are transforming lives through education, technology, and community-centered programs. Here are their stories.

In Kenya, Edna Chepkurui ensures no girl gives up on her dreams due to a lack of support or resources.

Education is the great equalizer, yet for many women and girls in Kenya, the path to learning is filled with obstacles, from financial constraints to cultural barriers. Recognizing this gap, Edna Chepkurui launched Educate a Game Changer to walk alongside women and girls and show them that their dreams are achievable.

Drawing inspiration from the transformation education made in her own life, Edna created a community-centered approach that addresses the real needs of women and girls. Through open discussions, sexual and reproductive health education, menstrual hygiene awareness, and mentorship sessions, her initiative provides the guidance and support that many young women need.

“I’m a believer in doing the best with what one has at hand,” Edna says. “If we wait to have more time, resources, or opportunities to help others, we might never do it. This initiative is my way to give back to my community and give women and girls the courage to keep going against all odds.”

Edna believes in working directly with communities. She brings together teachers, parents, and local leaders for every event. When the women and girls she works with tell her what they need — like menstrual hygiene supplies — she listens and acts on it.

The results speak for themselves. Edna has reached 200 women and girls, from teenagers still in school to university students and young mothers. Her sessions foster a network where young women support one another and find the guidance they need to move forward.

“Being in the [World Pulse] community has given me a platform to share my work with other members who provide valuable feedback and encouragement, as well as access resources that have helped me learn and scale the initiative,” Edna says. “This has shaped the initiative with new insights, direct support, and given me the motivation to keep going.”

Now, Edna is looking for partners who share her vision. She seeks individuals and organizations willing to help with fundraising, sponsor girls so they can stay in school, donate computers and other training materials, and share their expertise. Her goal is to create a sustainable initiative that helps more girls and young women overcome barriers to education and achieve their full potential.

Connect with Edna. Follow her impact journey and cheer her on.

In Bangladesh, Achia Nila opens doors for survivors of child marriage to become tech entrepreneurs and digital innovators.

When a 2017 UNESCO report revealed that Bangladesh ranked third globally for child marriage, Achia Khaleda Nila was shocked. But instead of just absorbing this statistic, she traveled to the most affected regions to witness the reality firsthand.

What she found — young girls whose futures had been cut short — became the catalyst to launch an initiative called Digital Inclusion for Her that provides survivors of child marriage with digital skills training, mentorship, and economic opportunities in the tech industry.

As the founder of Women in Digital, Achia recognized that while child marriage robs girls of their education and dreams, technology could be the key to helping them reclaim their financial independence.

"Empowering women is about creating a ripple effect that transforms entire communities," Achia says. "Every survivor of child marriage we uplift is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of technology to reshape futures."

Her approach combines community-based training programs with strategic partnerships, connecting survivors with digital skills, industry experts, peer support networks, and direct pathways to employment. The initiative collaborates closely with local organizations and community leaders to foster sustainable ecosystems that promote long-term change.

Since launching this initiative under the broader umbrella of Women in Digital, Achia and her organization have trained and empowered over 27,670 women and girls across Bangladesh. Many of these participants are survivors of child marriage, who have not only acquired digital literacy but have gone on to work as freelancers, launch small businesses, or become trainers themselves within their communities.

Rashida, married at 14, now works as a freelance graphic designer, supporting her family while inspiring other girls in her community. Samira launched her own tech business and now employs other women in her village, teaching them digital skills. These are just two examples of many young women who are rewriting their futures, becoming role models, tech leaders, and local changemakers.

The ripple effect of this work has reached tens of thousands more through peer mentoring, local collaborations, and community outreach programs. The model is built on sustainability. Empowering one girl means she can inspire and train ten more in her village.

Achia's vision extends beyond individual transformation to community-wide change. By helping survivors become financially independent and advocates within their communities, her initiative is dismantling barriers and breaking generational cycles of inequality.

“World Pulse has been a transformative platform in my journey,” Achia says. “Their unwavering support and global network have not only amplified my voice but also connected me with changemakers around the world. This visibility has opened doors to new partnerships, funding opportunities, and crucial moral support that has strengthened our grassroots mission.”

Achia seeks mentors, tech company partnerships, policy advocates, and funders to expand this movement and reach even more survivors.

“Together, we can ensure that no girl’s future is defined by a statistic, but by her dreams and digital potential,” she says.

Connect with Achia. Follow her impact journey and cheer her on.

In South Africa, Khanyisile Tshabalalashe creates pathways for single mothers to build confidence, develop skills, and thrive.

When Khanyisile Tshabalala became a mother in 2015, she faced the challenges of balancing personal growth, emotional well-being, and financial stability with the demands of caring for her child. These experiences planted the seeds in 2017 for Akari Connect, which launched in 2024. The initiative provides safe spaces where single mothers can build support networks, access guidance, and develop new skills.

Khanyisile recognized that single mothers possess incredible strength and potential, but many hesitate to put themselves forward due to a lack of confidence, mental exhaustion, or other personal challenges. Her solution was to create a program that provides the tools and support these women need to step forward with confidence.

"Every single mother deserves to thrive," Khanyisile says. "Akari Connect is a movement of resilience and transformation. We're just getting started, and I'm excited to see the powerful shift this will create!"

Khanyisile runs a three-month program that mixes coaching, mentorship, and practical support. Women who complete the program get certified, connect with valuable networks, and walk away with resources to turn their new skills into real opportunities. The program encourages mothers to share their experiences and help one another grow.

Through interactive online sessions, Akari Connect participants help shape the program based on their needs, building lasting community connections that continue beyond the program's end.

Khanyisile's work is already making a difference in women’s lives. Akari Connect most recently had nine single mothers in its program, with four who Khanyisile coached every week. Khanyisile still remembers when one young woman sent her a message saying their work together helped her pass matric. Moments like that remind her why she does this work.

“Empowering someone to believe in themselves is life-changing,” Khanyisile says.

Khanyisile seeks partnerships with individuals and organizations that can provide business mentorship, funding opportunities, and professional training. She welcomes collaboration from anyone passionate about supporting women through education and entrepreneurship, as well as support from World Pulse members who can share the work, connect resources, and offer expertise in business development.

Honestly, this launch would not have been possible without World Pulse,” she says. “Your donation is playing a significant role in bringing this vision to life, and I am so grateful.”

Connect with Khanyisile. Follow her impact journey and cheer her on.

Get Involved

Do you have a vision for change? Share your initiative on World Pulse for a chance to be a Featured Changemaker!