Join us for a chat with Neema Iyer, founder of Pollicy, a feminist civic tech collective based in Kampala, Uganda. Neema, an artist, technologist, and Meta advisor, leads innovative projects on data governance, digital security, and inclusive technology policies. With a public health background and global experience, she champions kindness and communication to bridge data gaps and empower communities. Discover how Neema is transforming civic engagement through technology and driving data-driven progress across Africa.
Topics covered:
- Digital rights
- Data governance
- Civic engagement
- Community impact
- Bridging gaps from grassroots to government
- Feminist design
About Neema Iyer:
Meet Neema Iyer, an accomplished artist, technologist, and coach. She’s the driving force behind Pollicy, an award-winning feminist civic technology collective headquartered in Kampala, Uganda. Neema also lends her expertise to Meta’s Global Women’s Safety Advisory Board. In her role, Neema leads the design of diverse projects with a focus on building data skills, sparking conversations on data governance and digital security, and pioneering innovative technology policies. Born in Lagos and with a background in epidemiology from Emory University in Atlanta, she’s amassed valuable experience working with think tanks and technology companies worldwide. Neema’s belief in the foundation of successful projects and organizations being rooted in effective communication and kindness is central to her approach. With a Master’s in Public Health from Emory University, she’s contributed significantly to large-scale mobile and digital initiatives across Africa through her work with TTC Mobile (formerly Text to Change) and Viamo (formerly VOTO Mobile). Through Pollicy, Neema’s organization, she provides design consulting to revamp civic engagement and participatory processes, delivers technology solutions for improved communication and research services, and strives to understand what works within diverse local contexts. Their mission is to bridge data gaps from grassroots to national levels, using cutting-edge technologies. Pollicy’s passion is laser-focused on instigating a culture of data use, advocating for shared data platforms, enhancing analytical capacity, and championing improved data utilization among political candidates, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and government bodies. Neema Iyer’s dedication to leveraging technology for positive change and data-driven progress is an inspiration to all.
Connect with Neema Iyer on LinkedIn here.