Leonora Tima, the managing director of Gender Rights in Tech (GRIT), is a pioneer in her field. Her role spans fundraising, strategic partnerships, governance, and overseeing operations, including managing a WhatsApp survivor support line and exploring strategic litigation to influence policy. She leads co-creation initiatives, ensuring that the voices of youth and survivors are central to technological solutions. Leonora’s journey into advocacy and tech was deeply personal. Witnessing systemic failures following the GBV-related death of a young woman in her community inspired her to act. She founded the GRIT app to provide access to justice, support, and empowerment for survivors, bridging gaps in the legal and tech ecosystems. Despite not completing traditional university pathways, Leonora pursued informal learning, the Mozilla Ethical AI Fellowship, and self-directed study in technology and gender rights. Her lived experience, emotional intelligence, and strategic insight have become her most significant assets, enabling her to shape innovative, community-centered solutions. Her accolades include the Africa Tech Festival AIConics Award, FNB App of the Year finalist, and recognition by the Paris Peace Forum and UNDP AI Trust & Safety Lab. Guided by the principle “shut up and listen,” she leads by centering those most affected, creating solutions rooted in empathy, inclusion, and real-world impact.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Diploma of Education, Monstrri International
- Ethical AI Fellowship, Mozilla Foundation – one-year intensive programme
ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2024 – Africa Tech Festival: AIConics Award Winner for innovative AI in GBV support
- 2024 – FNB App of the Year: Finalist for tech innovation
- 2024 – Womandla: Women in AI Award Winner
- 2024 – Women in Tech Africa: Finalist for impactful tech innovation by women
- 2025 – SA Tech Challenge: Top 5 Finalist in Innovation for Development
- 2025 – Paris Peace Forum: Selected Recipient for Zuzi AI global showcase
- 2025 – Deep Learning Indaba: Top 5 Awardee for AI solutions in GBV
- 2025 – UNDP AI Trust & Safety Lab: Cohort Member for safe tech strategy development
- 2025 – Laureus x Mercedes-Benz Incubation Hub: Cohort Member for growth support and funding
