Masana is a feminist economist and network weaver dedicated to translating complex policy, ethical, and economic theories into dignified and practical solutions for the Global Majority. Currently, as the Africa Fellow for Labour and Artificial Intelligence at the Global Fund for the New Economy, she is at the forefront of developing a philosophy of tech justice for the Global Majority and shaping the future of work and technology on the continent.
Masana’s approach is distinguished by marrying rigorous economic analysis with principles of epistemic justice, feminist care, and community organising. She has previously served as a Senior Campaigns Manager for Wikimedia Foundation, the Programme’s Director at Sonke Gender Justice, and a Research Manager at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation. She also has extensive research experience, including as a lead country researcher for the UNDP and conducting systemic reviews for NYU’s Centre on International Cooperation, focuses on building resilient social contracts and advancing racial and economic equity.
Recognised by aPolitical as one of the Top 100 Women in Gender Policy globally, Masana is an inaugural Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity, Mandela Machel Fellow (2011), and Chevening Scholar (2012 - 2013). She brings a unique, multifaceted perspective to every engagement, integrating her background as a sangoma (indigenous healer) and artist into her work on restorative justice, joy, and healing, particularly for black African women and queer communities.
Masana has an MSc in Political Economy of Late Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a BA (honours) in African Studies and a B. Com. in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Cape Town.
For the longest time, I imagined change was possible within me, but that the economies of scale of personal transformation were limited in a world defined by structural and interpersonal exploitation. As I have gone deeper into my shamanic calling, marrying it with political economy analysis and feminist care, I have found that structural exploitation is not bigger than a collective made of individuals committed to healing themselves and others in a world hungry for justice. Magic is possible in grounded ethics.Masana Mulaudzi