Nancy Hafkin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nancy Hafkin
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Hafkin in 2013
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| Alma mater | Brandeis University Boston University |
| Occupation | Computer scientist |
| Known for | Inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame |
| Spouse(s) | Berhanu Abebe |
| Children | Two |
Nancy Jane Hafkin is a very important person in the world of computer networks and sharing information in Africa. From 1987 to 1997, she led a big project called the Pan African Development Information System (PADIS) for the United Nations.
She also helped the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) bring email to over 10 African countries in the early 1990s. This was before the full Internet was widely available in most of Africa.
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Nancy Hafkin's Work and Impact
Nancy Hafkin studied history and anthropology at Brandeis University and then at Boston University. She became very interested in African history. Her studies helped her understand the continent better.
Moving to Ethiopia
In 1975, Nancy Hafkin moved to Ethiopia with her husband, Berhanu Abebe. They lived in Addis Ababa for almost 25 years.
While working for the United Nations, Nancy saw a big problem. Information was hard to get in Africa. People shared data using faxes or mail, which was very slow. There were hardly any public libraries. To fix this, she started the Pan African Development Information System (PADIS) in 1986.
Through PADIS, Nancy helped set up the first electronic communication networks in ten African countries. She convinced many government leaders that the Internet was important for their countries' growth.
Bringing Information to Africa
Nancy Hafkin greatly helped people around the world understand how important technology was for Africa. She made it easier and cheaper for people to get information and connect online. Thanks to PADIS, new networks in Africa helped students and others access more information. This also helped reduce the feeling of being cut off from the rest of the world.
Returning to the U.S.
In 2000, Nancy left her job with the U.N. and moved back to the United States. She continued her work to improve access to information, especially for women. This was a goal she had from when she was a young researcher.
Even after retiring, Nancy Hafkin still gives talks about how technology can empower women. She encourages women to get involved in information technology.
Nancy Hafkin's Writing
Nancy Hafkin edited a book called Cinderella or Cyberella?: Empowering Women in the Knowledge Society. It was published in 2006. This book is a collection of essays that talk about how information and communication technologies can help women.
Awards and Recognition
The APC, an organization based in Johannesburg, created the annual Nancy Hafkin Prize. This award celebrates new ideas in information technology in Africa. It recognizes great projects that use technology to help with development.
In 2012, Nancy Hafkin was honored by being added to the Internet Hall of Fame. This is a special recognition for people who have made huge contributions to the Internet.
See also
- Internet Hall of Fame
