There’s a certain fire in people who refuse to wait. They don’t wait for permission, for funding, for recognition, or for the world to catch up to their ideas. They build, they push, they create—often in silence, often in the shadows—until the world has no choice but to pay attention. This is the story of Lebogang Masega, a woman who, from the moment she could think critically, knew she wanted to do more than just talk about women’s issues. She wanted to change them.
“I have always been passionate about women’s issues and grew up being labeled a feminist,” she says. “I used to do a lot of public speaking and debating, which gave me an outlet to discuss, interrogate, and, in essence, debate socio-economic issues and their impact on women.”
Born and raised in Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa, in a loving Christian home with her older brother and younger sister, Lebogang never saw herself as an entrepreneur. “I do not recall myself being a staunch entrepreneur,” she admits. “But my passion for women’s empowerment has always been at the core of everything I do.”
At just 18 years old, she took a leap that many young people wouldn’t even dare to consider—she started a faith-based nonprofit to empower young girls in her community, all while balancing her studies. “My journey in the philanthropic, advocacy, and social entrepreneurship space started when I was still a teenager,” she says. “It wasn’t about making money; it was about making a difference.”
She didn’t just stop at activism. She armed herself with knowledge. A BCom Law degree turned into an Honours in Entrepreneurship, then an MBA, and now, she’s deep in the trenches of a Doctorate in Digital Transformation. “Education has been my greatest tool,” she reflects. “It has allowed me to approach women’s issues with practical, scalable solutions rather than just rhetoric.”
Turning Advocacy into Action
For years, women’s issues have been researched, debated, and discussed—but for Lebogang, there was always something missing: Solutions. “The market gap has always been advocating for women in a meaningful way,” she explains. “There is significant research and debate about women’s issues, which is great, but the solutions are never explored. That’s where I knew I had to step in.”
She founded African Female Voices, a subsidiary of her nonprofit Agang Africa Network for Marginalized Groups. Unlike many advocacy platforms that focus solely on discussion, African Female Voices is action-driven, using media and digital campaigns to amplify African women’s voices and push for tangible change.
“We are not just another media house,” Lebogang asserts. “We are a movement. We use storytelling as a tool for advocacy. We make sure African women’s stories are heard, not just as victims of their circumstances but as trailblazers, innovators, and leaders.”
Headquartered in Sunninghill, Johannesburg, but operating remotely, African Female Voices has already made its mark across Egypt, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. “We work with women across the continent,” she says. “Their stories are diverse, but their struggles are often the same—lack of representation, limited access to opportunities, and societal barriers that continue to hold them back.”
Keeping the organization alive hasn’t been easy. “My 9-5 and consulting work fund the company at the moment,” she says. “If you believe in something strongly enough, you will find a way to make it work.”
From Grassroots to Global Impact
Lebogang’s impact goes far beyond storytelling. Through African Female Voices, she has worked on projects that have had tangible effects on women’s lives.
One of her most significant collaborations has been with GAMCOTRAP in The Gambia, advocating against female genital mutilation. “FGM is a brutal practice that still affects so many girls across Africa,” she says. “We partnered with GAMCOTRAP to raise awareness, push for policy change, and give these girls a fighting chance at a future free from harm.”
Another groundbreaking initiative was her partnership with Ploy Media on a campaign addressing period poverty. “Menstruation should never be a reason a girl misses school or feels ashamed,” she states. “Through this campaign, we challenged stigmas, provided resources, and amplified conversations around menstrual health.”
Her work with Pan Macmillan in promoting African female authors has also been a passion project close to her heart. “Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for change,” she says. “By promoting African female authors, we are not only celebrating their work but also ensuring that more young girls see themselves reflected in literature.”
Lebogang’s editorial features have covered powerful African women like Zozibini Tunzi, Judy Dlamini, Emma Theofelus, Mammito, and Millie Odhiambo. “These women are breaking barriers in ways that are inspiring and necessary,” she says. “We need to tell these stories—not just for history’s sake, but for the young girls looking up to them.”
The Power of Starting Where You Are
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Lebogang’s advice is brutally honest: Start where you are with what you have. “So many people think they need funding, big endorsements, or the perfect timing to start something impactful,” she says. “That’s not true. I started with nothing but a passion for helping women. If I had waited for the ‘right moment,’ I would still be waiting today.”
She believes too many entrepreneurs waste time seeking validation from big companies and celebrities. “Do not wait for big companies and celebrities to give you a nod or approve your work,” she warns. “Be intentional about a clear motive, which should always be to serve.”
One initiative she is particularly excited about is InnovateHer, a project designed to guide Grade 12 girls into STEM careers. “There’s a huge gap when it comes to women in tech and innovation,” she says. “We’re developing a comprehensive guide to help young women navigate this space, giving them the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.”
A Future Without Permission
Lebogang Masega is proof that the most transformative leaders don’t wait. They don’t wait for the world to be ready, for funding to arrive, or for a seat at the table. They build their own tables. They start where they are, with what they have, and they refuse to stop.
Her story is not just one of success, it’s one of defiance. Against the status quo. Against the expectation that change must come from the top. Against the idea that advocacy without action is enough. And if there’s one thing she’s certain about, it’s this: The world is only just beginning to hear the voices of African women. And she’s making damn sure they never go unheard again
