Hero Women Rising - Mama Shujaa

Home
United States
Flagstaff, AZ
Hero Women Rising - Mama Shujaa

“Impact is not measured by whether or not you are amassing followers, but whether or not you are inspiring leadership.” Neema Namadamu Neema Namadamu

Maman Shujaa means "Hero Women" in Swahili. They are from Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Led by Neema Namadamu, this group of grassroots Women leaders are speaking out. We are SAFECO - Synergy of Congolese Women’s Associations - Women empowered NGOs affiliated to inspire, create, and sustain one another in our agenda that emphasizes Peace, Human Rights and the Rights of Natu

re. From their internet cafe and media center, Maman Shujaa are sharing their stories of healing and transformation with the world. In their words: “We have had enough. We call upon our global sisterhood to take action. We will not be quiet until REAL Peace is upon us.”

Their call out includes the designation of a Special Presidential Envoy to work with the African Union and the United Nations to construct a peace process that confronts the current crisis brought on by the recent siege of Goma by M23 rebels, and the political and economic issues that are the root cause of this war. Furthermore, Maman Shujaa demand to have a voice in this process by way of holding a seat at the negotiating table. To learn more about the work go to www.herowomenrising.org

Short Bio of Neema: “I don’t want to make a little noise—I want to change the paradigm!”

Afflicted by polio since the age of two, Neema grew up in the Eastern Congo, a region ravaged by an epidemic of sexual violence and war. Today she is an outspoken, tech-savvy woman mobilizing and empowering scores of women, including women with disabilities, to change the future of her nation. A determined visionary, she is also pushing to establish a national communication network to better connect rural Congolese people to the world. (From WorldPulse Live 2012)

"I founded an NGO called ACOLDEMHA, to support women with disabilities to integrate into mainstream society. Among other things, we currently support a team of 14 women seamstresses with disabilities who make purses for U.S. based Shakoshi Imports, found at www.shakoshi.com, and clothes for a new women’s clothing line out of Santa Fe, New Mexico called Couphaha."

04/23/2026

✨ Our 2025 Impact Report is Here ✨

At Hero Women Rising, every number tells a story—and every story reflects the strength, resilience, and power of the women we serve.

In 2025, together we:
🌍 Expanded our reach to impact more women and girls than ever before
📚 Increased access to education, technology, and life-changing resources
💼 Empowered women with skills and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods
🤝 Strengthened communities and restored hope where it’s needed most

This report is more than a reflection of our growth—it’s a testament to what’s possible when we invest in women.

📖 Read the full 2025 Impact Report: https://www.herowomenrising.org/impact

💖 Be part of the next chapter. Your support helps us continue transforming lives and communities.

👉 Donate today: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/hero-women-rising/i-want-to-empower-women-in-the-congo

Neema Namadamu

04/15/2026

April is Genocide Awareness Month — a time to remember, to reflect, and most importantly, to act.

Silence is not neutral. Silence allows injustice to continue.

Today, we share this powerful message from our Founder, Neema Namadamu: Silence Is Not an Option. Raise Your Voice for the Voiceless.

Around the world, communities are still facing unimaginable violence and oppression. Awareness is the first step, but action must follow. Speak up. Share the truth. Stand in solidarity. Advocate for those whose voices are being silenced.

Together, we can shine a light where there is darkness and hope for a future rooted in dignity, justice, and humanity.

DONATE TODAY: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/hero-women-rising/i-want-to-empower-women-in-the-congo

Neema Namadamu

04/09/2026

VOICES RISING: The Next Generation with Nathalie Kalombo | Thursday, April 9, 2026

04/08/2026

JOIN US TOMORROW FOR A POWERFUL CONVERSATION!

As International Women’s Month has come to a close, we close out our celebration with a powerful conversation! ✨

🎤 VOICES RISING: The Next Generation – International Allyship (supporting, standing with, and advocating for others across borders and identities)
📅 April 9 | ⏰ 1:30 PM EST | 🔴 LIVE

Join us as we welcome Nathalie Kalombo — Congolese-American attorney, human rights consultant, and advocate for justice and human dignity. Her work spans representing survivors of violence, advancing justice in the DRC, and supporting education initiatives in war zones.

💬 Don’t miss this inspiring discussion on global impact and unity!

📲 Tune in LIVE on Facebook & YouTube

Neema Namadamu

04/06/2026

As International Women’s Month has come to a close, we close out our celebration with a powerful conversation! ✨

🎤 VOICES RISING: The Next Generation – International Allyship (supporting, standing with, and advocating for others across borders and identities)
📅 April 9 | ⏰ 1:30 PM EST | 🔴 LIVE

Join us as we welcome Nathalie Kalombo — Congolese-American attorney, human rights consultant, and advocate for justice and human dignity. Her work spans representing survivors of violence, advancing justice in the DRC, and supporting education initiatives in war zones.

💬 Don’t miss this inspiring discussion on global impact and unity!

📲 Tune in LIVE on Facebook & YouTube

Neema Namadamu

03/26/2026

✨ Going LIVE with an incredible changemaker! ✨

As we continue the celebration of International Women's Month, join us Monday, March 30th, as we spotlight another powerful, emerging leader, Miriam Nsekonziza-a passionate leader transforming lives and communities through youth development and healthcare advocacy.

Driven by a mission to combat adolescent pregnancy, Miriam is the founder of ARAME Rwanda, an organization making a powerful impact in reproductive health education through data-driven innovation. Her work empowers young people and inspires community-led solutions that create lasting change.

Her journey doesn’t stop there 👇
🔹 Learning Officer on USAID-funded projects at Water For People
🔹 Former Executive Director at Root Foundation, supporting street-connected children in finding family and purpose
🔹 Business Development Specialist at Inkjubeit, mentoring the next generation of startup founders

Miriam represents what it means to be a bold, emerging young woman leader — one who leads with purpose, resilience, and heart. Whether she’s facilitating workshops, hosting events, or leading in the boardroom, Miriam brings authenticity, humor, and a deep commitment to creating opportunities for young people.
💬 Don’t miss this inspiring LIVE conversation as we celebrate women who are shaping the future!

Neema Namadamu
Ari Steinberg

03/19/2026

🌍✨ LIVE Spotlight: Elitha Nkwera ✨🌍

Join us this March 23 at 2 PM EST as we celebrate an inspiring voice in global change — Elitha Nkwera — during Voices Rising: The Next Generation 🔴

Elitha is a Chemical Engineering senior at Case Western Reserve University whose journey spans continents — from Tanzania to Norway to the United States — all fueled by one powerful belief: education transforms lives.

At just sixteen, she left home in pursuit of opportunity, a decision that shaped her purpose and ignited her passion for youth education advocacy. Since then, she has:
📚 Taught in secondary schools in Tanzania
🌍 Led youth-driven fundraising efforts to improve education in Tanzania & Cameroon
👩🏾‍🔬 Mentored future engineers through NSBE Jr.
🌱 Guided students in sustainability-focused programs
🎓 Served as a leader in the African Student Association at CWRU
💡 Built a partnership with Hero Women Rising to fund scholarships for women in the DRC

Elitha believes education does more than teach — it unlocks imagination and possibility. Her mission is to ensure that young people everywhere have the chance not just to learn, but to dream bigger than their circumstances.

🔥 Don’t miss this powerful conversation as she shares her journey, vision, and impact.

Neema Namadamu

03/16/2026

🔴 LIVE: Voices Rising – The Next Generation 🔴

As part of International Women’s Month, Hero Women Rising is highlighting Emerging Leaders who are raising their voices and engaging in important work to make a difference around the world. 🌍✨

Join us LIVE on March 16 at 2 PM EST for a conversation with Sidney Stern, one of our International Women’s Month Emerging Leaders.

Sidney Stern is a college junior studying Political Science and Jewish Studies and began her advocacy for genocide and mass atrocities prevention at just eight years old after learning about the Darfur genocide. She founded Jewels 4 Justice, a nonprofit jewelry initiative that has raised over $15,000 to support women’s empowerment and food programs in refugee camps in Chad through Jewish World Watch.

Sidney has also worked on several political campaigns, including the Harris for President 2024 campaign, and continues to support local campaigns in California as an opposition researcher. Her advocacy has contributed to the passage of the Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act of 2018 and the Burma Act, and she received Jewish World Watch’s Upstander Award for her work.

🎙️ Moderated by Ariana Francesca
📅 March 16
⏰ 2 PM EST
📍 Live on Facebook & YouTube

👉 Join us for this inspiring conversation and learn more about the next generation of emerging leaders.

Neema Namadamu
alanaa

03/14/2026

🌍✨ International Women’s Month: Voices Rising – The Next Generation ✨🌍

This March, we are celebrating the power, leadership, and vision of young women shaping global change. 💫

Hero Women Rising is proud to host three more LIVE conversations as part of our International Women’s Month Emerging Leaders Series, where inspiring young leaders share their voices, experiences, and ideas for a better future.

🎙️ Voices Rising: The Next Generation – Young Women Leading Global Change
⏰ Monday's at 2 PM EST
🔴 Live on Facebook & YouTube

Join our incredible panel of emerging leaders:
🌟 Sidney Stern - March 16
🌟 Elitha Nikwera - March 23
🌟 Miriam Nsekonziza - March 30

Moderated by Ariana Francesca, this conversation will spotlight the courage, innovation, and leadership of the next generation of women making an impact around the world.

Let’s celebrate International Women’s Month by uplifting young women’s voices and learning from the leaders of tomorrow. 💜

📌 Mark your calendar, invite a friend, and join the conversation LIVE!

Neema Namadamu

Sidney Stern

03/08/2026

Today we celebrate International Women’s Day, a global moment to recognize the strength, leadership, and resilience of women and girls everywhere.

This year’s theme — Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls — reminds us that gender equality requires more than words. It requires commitment, advocacy, and meaningful investment in women’s futures.

In eastern D.R. Congo, women continue to rise despite immense challenges. Through education, economic empowerment, digital skills training, and community advocacy, they are creating pathways toward stability, opportunity, and leadership.

At Hero Women Rising, we believe every woman and girl deserves:

• The right to education and opportunity
• Justice in communities where their voices are heard and valued
• Action that creates real pathways to empowerment

When women have access to resources, knowledge, and leadership opportunities, entire communities grow stronger.

Today, we celebrate the women who are rising — and we recommit to building a future where all women and girls can thrive.

💗 Because when women rise, communities rise.

03/07/2026

🎙️ VOICES RISING: The Next Generation

In celebration of International Women’s Day and International Women’s Month, join us LIVE as Neema Namadamu, founder of Hero Women Rising, officially launches a month-long celebration honoring selected emerging young women leaders who are creating change in their communities.

During this special livestream, Neema will be interviewed by Ariana Francesca, who will serve as our moderator for this powerful conversation highlighting the next generation of global changemakers.

🌍 Theme: VOICES RISING: The Next Generation
📅 Monday, March 9, 2026 @ 2 PM EST
🔴 Streaming LIVE on Facebook & YouTube

Together, we’ll celebrate the voices, leadership, and resilience of young women who are transforming their communities through education, advocacy, and opportunity.

✨ Join us live, celebrate these emerging leaders, and be part of the conversation!

💬 Have a question for Neema? Drop it in the comments during the livestream.

Neema Namadamu

Address

PO Box 944
Flagstaff, AZ
86002

Website

http://www.herowomenrising.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Hero Women Rising - Mama Shujaa posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Flagstaff?