Innovators Gain Insights From Industry Players

The winners of the innovative solutions awards under the Daisy project funded by UNFPA, Niko Informed, Diversity Afrikana, and Madvocate CBO, were linked with key industry players to gather valuable insights and secure the necessary support to advance their Innovations further. 

Niko Informed, whose innovation is the translation of two SGBV laws, engaged Milton Caleb Ochieng, a journalist from Ramogi Radio/TV. Known for his expertise in translating materials into Dholuo, Ochieng guided the team in refining their translated materials to align with the Kisumu dialect for cultural sensitivity and clarity across the Nyanza region.  

He insisted on direct, word-for-word translations of policy sections to avoid misinterpretation and suggested developing annexures for simplified explanations. In terms of dissemination, he guided the team to leverage radio and digital platforms, such as pre-recorded audio messages, for cost-effective dissemination and included justice system professionals and SGBV survivors to share stories and encourage reporting.  

Similarly, Madvocate CBO worked with Nur Cherubi from Avandu Vosi, who provided a step-by-step guide on comic book production, including ideation, pre-production, and storyboarding.  Madvocate innovation – a comic book – showcases the inspiring story of a teen mother who transforms her life through access to crucial information, services, and social support. Empowered by her experiences, she takes on a leadership role within her community, sharing her knowledge and educating her peers. 

The session enabled the team to refine their narrative, plot, and storyboard during the developmental stage of their comic book.  

At the same time, Dyvasity Afrikana benefited from a session with Dr. Eddie, an award-winning music producer. The team, whose innovation is recording and distributing vernacular music to create awareness of GVB, gained insights into music and video production, branding, and marketing.  He emphasised quality songwriting, effective mixing and mastering, and monetisation strategies like streaming platforms and Skiza tunes. 

Collectively, these engagements provided valuable skills for the winners to advance the projects.