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How Storytelling Is Changing Lives in Africa: Reflections from The Moth Media Roundtable
Gerald Kombo
October 31, 2025
Maureen Amakabane (Moderator), Caroline Onwuezohe (Storyteller), Sarah Austin Jenness (Executive Producer, The Moth), Brian Turyabagye (Storyteller)
Photo: The Moth Media Roundtable at Tamarind Tree Hotel, Nairobi
The Power of Storytelling
The roundtable opened with reflections on how stories move people from empathy to action.
Caroline emphasized that storytelling is not just about narration; it is about awakening collective responsibility.
“When people share their experiences, others respond and say, ‘No, this cannot continue.’ That has even led us to try to influence policy,” she said.
Personal Stories and Responsibility
Moderator Maureen Amakabane highlighted the deep emotional resonance of personal stories, asking how storytellers ensure that the narratives they amplify build understanding rather than division.
Sarah explained that The Moth seeks stories that challenge dominant narratives and create connection.
“The more personal the story, the more universal it becomes,” she said.
“We do not condone hate speech or discrimination. Our stories are about love, fear, and hope.”
Caroline added that safety and ethics are central to their storytelling process.
“Some people may not be ready to share. There’s no pressure,” she said.
“We make sure there’s no backlash and that storytellers are protected.”
Brian spoke of the healing that comes from telling one’s story.
“When people go through the process of telling their story, it becomes healing. It helps them move forward.”
Drawing from her work as an instructor, Maureen explained how The Moth helps storytellers reflect before sharing.
“We teach people to ask themselves, are you sharing from a scar or a wound?” she said.
“The goal is to share what you’re comfortable with, from a place of strength.”
She connected this principle to the event’s theme, Daring to Hope.
“These are stories that turn pain into power, transforming people from subjects of circumstance into agents of change.”
Courage and Vulnerability
Brian reflected on the personal cost of storytelling and the freedom it brings.
“You have to be willing to lose it all,” he said.
“When you drop the mask of perfection, you find freedom. You learn to handle both the highs and the lows.”
Caroline added with a laugh that some stories require courage even to tell family members.
“It takes courage to share,” she said.
“But when you do, people connect, and they learn something.”
Crafting Stories That Matter
Sarah described how The Moth’s storytelling workshops help participants find their voice.
“We all have many stories, but you choose one that you want to share with the world at that moment,” she said.
“Each story must have stakes, something to gain or lose, and there has to be an arc. Something changes, even if slightly, by the end.”
She emphasized that storytelling is both a craft and an act of empathy.
“The audience feels a little changed by the end,” she said.
Transformation Through Storytelling
Caroline shared a story about replacing a data-heavy presentation with a personal story.
“At first my boss looked shocked, but at the end everyone was clapping,” she said.
“It was the best presentation I ever gave.”
Brian spoke about tension and growth.
“I’ve always wanted to prove myself to my family,” he said.
“But through storytelling, I’ve learned that every difficult experience is a lesson.”
Maureen pointed out that East Africans spend hours scrolling through digital content daily and asked what makes a story powerful enough to stand out.
Brian replied:
“Online reactions are shallow. But in live storytelling, you can see people cry, laugh, or connect. It’s real.”
Caroline agreed:
“Every story is powerful if told well. Even a small story on social media can move people to act.”
Stories That Inspire Change
During the media Q&A, a journalist asked if The Moth’s stories had ever influenced public policy.
Sarah shared a few examples:
“Kenyan storyteller Rosalind Orwa told her story at the UN, which contributed to the 2022 Resolution on Widowhood,” she said.
“We’ve also seen storytellers influence laws around FGM in India and spark global support for ending world hunger.”
The Future of Storytelling in Africa
Sarah said The Moth hopes to continue collaborating with African storytellers and producers.
“The Moth’s work is just the tip of the iceberg,” she said.
“I’m excited to see so many people sharing personal stories, not only in Kenya but all around the world.”
Caroline reflected on Africa’s storytelling evolution.
“For too long, our stories were abstract. Now we are telling personal, lived experiences,” she said.
Brian added:
“Our parents told only perfect stories. But people connect more deeply when we also share our failures.”
Journalism, Dignity, and Safety
Maureen shared her past experiences with misrepresentation in interviews and urged journalists to give space to authentic voices.
“Let’s make room for lived experiences, including failures, not just polished success,” she said.
Caroline spoke about sharing her story of surviving gender-based violence.
“The training gave me the tools to tell my story safely,” she said.
“I can choose what to say and what to protect.”
Sarah emphasized consent and readiness.
“The most powerful stories are from lived experience, but storytellers must self-select,” she said.
“We always say, share from a scar, not a wound.”
“When people share with consent and courage, their stories don’t just move hearts; they move communities.”
Closing
“Every story told with courage and care brings us closer to understanding one another,” Sarah said.
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