SUNNYVALE, California, USA, September 11, 2025. Women in Localization (W.L.), the leading professional organization for women in the localization industry, is excited to announce the launch of a new chapter in East Africa. This will be W.L.’s thirty-fourth (34th) chapter and will comprise the East African community of 8 countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia.
Leading the Women in Localization East Africa Chapter is Chapter Manager Lilliane Oloo, adjunct lecturer and freelance interpreter and translator. She is joined by Event Managers Phibbian Muthama, Swahili translator and interpreter, and Rahma Nsekela, Swahili Language Lead at Tinder, Membership Manager Trufosa Ogonda, trilingual translator and interpreter, Mentorship and Education Manager Miriam Osore, Senior Lecturer at Kennyaita University, Marketing Manager Sarah Wachilonga, founder of Sofmag Enterprises, Social Media Manager Jescah Muyia, Kiswahili Localization Expert and Lecturer, Sponsorship Manager Clara Chepchumba Lagat, Lecturer at University of Kabianga, and intern Provia Aharimpisya, a student of translation studies at the Pan African University, Cameroon.
“I am excited and extremely honoured to be part of this launch of the first-ever African Chapter of Women in Localization, here in East Africa,” said Chapter Manager Lilliane Oloo. “This marks the beginning of a vibrant community where women in the localization industry in East Africa can connect, learn, and grow together!”
“As Co-Founder and President, I am deeply proud to see a long-held dream come true: our arrival in Africa,” said Women in Localization 2025 President Anna Schlegel. “For years, our mission has been to support women around the globe, and opening in East Africa marks a historic step forward. Congratulations to the East Africa Chapter – you inspire us all with your leadership and dedication. This is just the beginning. We will continue expanding across Africa, reaching more women and building stronger communities together. You have my word. Let’s move forward, together!”
The chapter’s inaugural event will be held virtually on September 29th. The event will introduce the organization and its goals, as well as the East Africa leadership team.
Those interested in attending the inaugural event are encouraged to register to become a member of Women in Localization, sign up on Eventful, and follow the East Africa Chapter on LinkedIn.
“I am deeply grateful for the support from the global organization and the team of volunteers who have committed to go on this journey,” said Chapter Manager Lilliane Oloo.
“We welcome our first African Chapter to Women in Localization in East Africa,” says Carrie Fischer, Women in Localization Board Member for Global Growth and Diversity. “I am so proud of this leadership team who want to spread community and inspiration in Kenya and neighboring countries. All it takes is a spark of passion to ignite the fire in others, and these ladies have it. Many thanks to the Eastern African Leadership team for being role models and mentors to others, our Global Growth and Diversity Program, the Chapters Program, and finally Alfred Mtawali, who helped us find this group of motivated women to lead the Chapter. I am beyond excited to see it flourish and thrive!”
About Women in Localization
Women in Localization (W.L.) was founded in 2008 by Silvia Avary-Silveira, Eva Klaudinyova, and Anna N. Schlegel, and is the leading professional organization for women in the localization industry with over 16,000 members globally. Its mission is to foster a global community for the advancement of women and the localization industry. It aims to provide an open and collaborative forum where women can share their expertise and experiences, helping each other move forward in their careers. Started in the San Francisco Bay Area, W.L. has expanded its membership to include women across the globe, encouraging members to meet in other local geographies. To learn more, visit www.womeninlocalization.com. You can also follow W.L. on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.