Paula Mwelwa Nkandu – Women Deliver

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2020

Paula Mwelwa Nkandu

  • Age: 29
  •    |   She/her/hers

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As a woman, I believe in equality by addressing the social and cultural traditions that marginalize women. This includes providing a network for women to speak out, mentor each other, have meaningful conversations, and improve their skills.

- Paula Mwelwa Nkandu

Bio

Paula Nkandu-Haamaundu has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and is working on her master of business administration. She has worked in the banking industry, software development industry, and FinTech industry. With over 4 years of experience in information security, she ensures the security of an organization’s information and information assets by creating a robust information security program built on the three pillars of information security. As an advisory board member, she is passionate about information security awareness for organizations and individuals. She is also passionate about the growth of women in leadership roles and volunteers as Associate Director at a nonprofit organization. She is also an Emerging Technologies for Emerging Markets (E4E)fellow, having co-authored a policy report on Central Bank Digital Currencies. She was awarded the Best Diplomat award by Global Diplomats and The 2063 Academy, and the Benazir Bhutto International Pride of Performance award. Paula works to create platforms that cultivate a culture of women empowerment by organizing events, taking part in speaking engagements, and advocating for digital rights.

What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?

Even though I grew up in a patriarchal society, I was raised by parents who emphasized the importance of education and what opportunities it brings. I was inspired by my Father who taught me how to read and made me realize that I could be anything I wanted. Through her commitment to her job as a teacher, my mother modelled what an educated woman could achieve and the positive changes society gets when a woman is educated.

Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.

I have organized several events that spotlight women and their capabilities. I have also spoken on several panels which focus on Technology and women. In each of these instances, I strive to highlight that women are capable and when given a chance, they can influence the world for the better. As an associate director for a nonprofit that focuses on women and leadership, I support and dedicate my time to volunteer to ensure that the organization's mentorship programs are successful. The organization has helped mentor over 70 women in the past year, leading to a positive trickle-down effect.

Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy sharing and teaching information security awareness tips to vulnerable individuals. I am also an avid reader, enjoy traveling, appreciate art and history.

Languages Spoken:

  • Bemba (Advanced/Native)
  • English (Advanced/Native)
  • Nyanja (Intermediate)
  • French (Elementary)

Speaks On:

  • girls' and women's education rights
  • information security for women
  • access to information and resources for girls and women

Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:

  • ITIL Foundation V3 Certification
  • ISO 27001 Training
  • Customer Service Training
  • #SheLeadsTech Ambassador
  • Womenpreneur Ambassador