Manar: Empowering Marginalized Communities through Tech

According to the United Nations, millions of people were forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, and violence. Many have lost their homes, jobs, and livelihoods. Among them is Manar?? Hamid , who narrowly escaped the escalating violence in Sudan by leaving the country just two weeks before the civil war between rival factions of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted on 15 April, 2023.?

Born and raised in Bahri area of Khartoum, the capital city, Manar's life was upended as her home was looted. She had left behind her educational certificates and personal belongings.?

Despite these hardships, Manar's resilience and dedication to her work in tech and social impact remain unwavering.?

Currently safe but still adapting to new circumstances, she continues to work toward her vision of empowering marginalized communities through digital transformation.

Liliya: What kind of work do you do in tech? What is your role?

Manar: As a Financial & Management Consultant, my role focuses on integrating advanced data analytics and ERP systems to enhance financial processes and ensure compliance and accuracy. I specialize in impact investing, budgeting precision, and supporting blended finance structures.

Liliya: If you own your business, can you share more about your company? What problems are you solving?

Manar: Nova Ventures is a social enterprise with a vision to empower marginalized communities through digital transformation. With a targeted launch in 2025, we aim to bridge the digital divide by providing accessible online education and fostering financial inclusion.?

Our core mission is to equip 100,000 youth by 2035 with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital age, ultimately creating pathways to economic prosperity.

By leveraging technology and fostering partnerships, we aspire to create a sustainable impact on underserved communities.

Liliya: This is a great cause. Let’s go back to the beginning. Who did you want to be when you grew up?

Manar: Growing up, my aspirations evolved from wanting to be a medical doctor, engineer, astronaut, or film director to a dedicated entrepreneur. Each of these roles represented a different facet of my desire to make a meaningful impact.?

Now, I aim to be an entrepreneur, leveraging my maturity and dedication to wear multiple hats and leave a lasting impact. My passion has always been centered around driving positive change and empowering others through knowledge and resources, further ignited by the hardships faced by people in Sudan.

Liliya: Can you share your journey into the tech industry? What or who inspired you to pursue a career in technology?

Manar: My path into the tech industry has been shaped by a blend of personal challenges and unwavering determination. Growing up in Sudan, I saw firsthand the profound effects of limited access to technology and education. This early exposure to disparity ignited a deep-seated passion in me to leverage technology as a tool for social change.

Initially, I faced significant hurdles in pursuing a Master’s in Management Information Systems (MIS) within Sudan. The lack of opportunities led me to take a detour into professional accounting certifications, but my ambition for advanced studies never waned. I sought to bridge the gap with available resources while keeping my eyes on my ultimate goal.

A pivotal moment in my journey was the Indian government scholarship that allowed me to delve into financial inclusion and digital transformation. This opportunity provided me with crucial insights into how technology can drive sustainable development and empower marginalized communities.

Scholarships like SheFi also accelerated my journey into the tech space. Leading initiatives such as the Saving Algenaina Initiative and contributing to global forums like UN Women and the World Bank Group Youth Summit solidified my commitment to using technology for a positive impact.

Today, I stand at the intersection of technology and social good, driven by a vision to use innovation to empower the underrepresented. My journey is a testament to the power of persistence and the transformative potential of technology.

Liliya: Those are very impressive initiatives. What accomplishments you're most proud of?

Manar: I am particularly proud of securing funds for the Saving Algenaina Initiative and leading multi-million-dollar projects at the World Food Programme and Care International.?

These experiences, coupled with my LinkedIn Top Voice recognition and academic achievements, including the SheFi Scholarship, demonstrate my ability to drive impact and lead complex initiatives.?

My commitment to empowering communities is evident in the launch of 'Nova Ventures' and my contributions to policy discussions at UN Women , featuring in Green Digital Skills program by INCO and the World Bank Youth Summit.

Liliya: It seems you are very busy. How do you find time for your personal life?

Manar: As a freelancer, I have more flexibility and autonomy in my time, which allows me to balance continuous education, volunteer work, and freelancing, all while applying for a full-time job. The key is determination, maintaining a healthy diet, and taking real breaks.?

Effective time management and setting clear priorities are crucial. I allocate time for self-care, family, and personal development. Staying organized and using technology to streamline tasks also helps maintain a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, my cross-cultural experiences have honed my resilience and adaptability.

Liliya: What challenges have you faced as a woman in tech, and how have you overcome them?

Manar: One of the significant challenges I faced was finding learning opportunities, especially in my home country, Sudan, where resources were limited. Despite this, I persisted and utilized fellowship and scholarship programs to gain access to education and training. By sharing my experiences on LinkedIn , I highlighted the resilience of Sudanese women and inspired others in my community.

Liliya: LinkedIn offers great opportunity to allow our voice to be heard globally. What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the tech industry?

Manar:?

• Be authentically yourself: Embrace your unique perspective and don't be afraid to be different.
• Cultivate a growth mindset: View challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions: Knowledge is power, and seeking clarification is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Embrace continuous learning: The tech industry is constantly evolving, so stay curious and keep acquiring new skills.
• Promote yourself fearlessly: Don't underestimate your abilities. Network, build your personal brand, and advocate for yourself.

Remember, the tech industry is for everyone. With confidence, determination, and a willingness to learn, you can achieve your goals.

Liliya: How can men in the tech industry be allies to women and underrepresented groups?

Manar: Men can be powerful allies in creating a more equitable tech industry. By actively promoting inclusivity, challenging stereotypes, and fostering a supportive work environment, men can help dismantle barriers for women and underrepresented groups.?

This not only benefits those groups but also enriches the overall workplace culture and drives innovation. Mentorship and sponsorship are crucial steps in leveling the playing field, allowing everyone to contribute fully to the industry's growth.

Liliya: What emerging technologies or trends are you most excited about and why?

Manar: I am excited about the potential of Web3 technology to decentralize access to finance, empowering IDPs, refugees, non-residents, and all individuals. This decentralization can foster greater autonomy and financial inclusion. Additionally, Web3's focus on data ownership and privacy aligns with the growing need to protect personal information in the digital age.

A question from Rowan Stewart who was recognized in Women in Tech prior. You can read her journey here.

Rowan: If you were a young woman entering the tech job market now, what industries would you focus on and what skills would you try to hone?

Manar: I believe in adopting a customer-centric approach to solve people's problems, which serves as a solid foundation for building a business. Multidisciplinary markets better reflect the diverse needs of our complex communities, encompassing areas such as fintech, green digital skills, and sustainable technology. Additionally, I am a proponent of leveraging technology to support decision-making in cross-functional teams. It is also crucial to learn about disruptive tech such as AI, Web3 and its impact on our lives.

Liliya: What else would you like the readers to know about you??

Manar: "Manar," meaning "light and guidance," encapsulates my lifelong pursuit of knowledge and social impact. Hailing from Sudan, I've firsthand experienced the challenges faced by individuals without stable employment, and navigating educational and financial hurdles. These experiences have ignited a passion for empowering others through education.

With a strong academic foundation and diverse professional experiences, I am committed to leveraging my knowledge to create positive change. Pursuing a master's degree is a pivotal step towards becoming a catalyst for transformation in my community and beyond.

Liliya: Any exciting projects are you working on?

Manar: I’m excited to kick off a new series on financial inclusion, a crucial topic close to my heart and expertise in the Nonprofit sector. The situation in Sudan is dire, and my experiences in conflict-affected communities have been deeply moving. Sudanese people need more. Not just basic to survive but thrive.?

Financial Inclusion:

• First Episode?
• Second Episode
• Third Episode

Conclusion?

Manar's journey from the turmoil in Sudan to her ongoing efforts to drive social impact through technology is nothing short of inspiring.?

Despite the immense challenges she has faced, including displacement and the loss of personal and professional assets, she remains committed to her mission of breaking down barriers in finance, digital tech, and education.

As she continues to navigate her path, Manar seeks support in finding a scholarship to pursue her master's degree, particularly in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. If you know of any global organizations offering such opportunities, please reach out to Manar directly.

Manar's story exemplifies resilience and determination. Her work and vision for the future offer hope and inspiration to many, proving that even in the face of adversity, one can make a meaningful impact. To stay updated on her journey and initiatives, subscribe to her newsletter in Arabic on LinkedIn here.

Let's continue to support and amplify the voices of women in tech like Manar, who are not only overcoming personal challenges but also paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.