Kauna Malgwi is a trailblazing force in STEM, renowned for her contributions to technology and education. As a young black innovator and advocate, she has worked to bridge the digital divide and empower young minds through science and technology. Her journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication to progress.
Early Life and Passion for STEM
Born and raised in Nigeria, Kauna Malgwi’s passion for STEM was evident from a young age. Growing up in a society where access to technology was limited, she found inspiration in problem-solving and critical thinking. She pursued her education in engineering, earning degrees that equipped her with the skills necessary to make a tangible impact.
Kauna was inspired by pioneers like Dr. Ada Yonath and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who broke barriers in their respective fields. Their resilience and commitment to advancing knowledge fueled her desire to drive change, especially in STEM education and innovation. Despite her talent and drive, Kauna faced gender biases, limited funding and infrastructural challenges in the field. However, she navigated these obstacles with determination leveraging global networks and technology to create opportunities where none existed.
“STEM is not just about technology; it’s about creating solutions for a better world. Every child deserves the opportunity to be part of that future.” – Kauna Malgwi
Entering the World of Content Moderation
Kauna Malgwi’s career path took an unexpected turn when she took a job that she initially believed to be a call center role but soon discovered was a content moderation position for Facebook. In this role, she was responsible for reviewing and removing harmful content, which helped train Meta’s AI systems to detect such content more effectively in the future. Working as a content moderator came with its challenges like exposure to distressing material. Despite the essential role moderators played in maintaining the safety of online spaces, their work was largely invisible and undervalued.
In 2023, after a whistleblower exposed low pay and union-busting allegations at her workplace, the company ended its contract with meta, leaving Kauna and 260 other moderators without jobs. Kauna took on a leadership role, becoming a key voice in the fight for content moderators’ rights. She now leads the Nigeria chapter of the Content Moderators Union, working to educate young tech workers about their rights and advocating for fair treatment.
Advocating for Digital Workers’ Rights
Her activism has not been limited to Nigeria, she testified at the European Parliament, detailing her experiences and urging lawmakers to enact protections for digital workers. Her testimony contributed to the passing of the Platform Work Directive, which grants improved labor protections for workers in the EU, which is a significant step toward global labor reforms.
“The fear that you can just be laid off because you are raising concerns is beginning to diminish because people are beginning to be aware that they have rights as workers.” – Kauna Malgwi
Kauna envisions a future where content moderation is recognized as vital digital labor, with fair pay, mental health support, and job security. She hopes to expand her advocacy efforts across Africa, ensuring that big tech companies are held accountable for their treatment of workers.
Her work contributes to a more ethical and sustainable digital workforce. By shedding light on the hidden labor behind AI and content moderation, she is pushing for systemic change in how tech companies operate globally.
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