For Olga, technology is far more than just a tool. As a Product Owner and IT Project Manager, she brings a tireless passion for uncovering the human dimension behind every project. She seamlessly connects the world of digital products with empathy, attentiveness, and a deep understanding of user needs.
That same mindset naturally carries over into the June edition of our #SidnetDonations initiative. Olga chose to support open‑source and non‑profit initiatives that empower communities, amplify unheard voices, and prove that technology can be both effective and compassionate, working in service of people and their rights.
Ushahidi
An open-source platform that has been helping communities turn information into action since 2008. Created in response to post‑election violence in Kenya, its name—“ushahidi”—means “testimony” in Swahili. From the very beginning, its mission has been to give a voice to those who are too often ignored.
As a crowdsourcing and mapping tool, Ushahidi supports people facing democratic crises, humanitarian emergencies, and human rights violations—from increasing voter turnout in Nigeria to coordinating COVID‑19 relief in Spain (and later in 22 other countries) to documenting protests in Iran.
“Those most affected by violence, humanitarian disasters, or systemic injustice—where fundamental rights are trampled and democracy is under threat—are often the least heard. With Ushahidi, a smartphone is all it takes to send a life‑saving alert or unite a community around a common goal,” Olga explains.
To date, Ushahidi has been deployed over 200,000 times, reaching more than 25 million people worldwide. And not every map is crisis‑driven—some have been created by cycling enthusiasts or tech communities as well.
Amnesty International Polska
The Polish branch of the global non‑profit organization that drives research, advocacy, and education to bring about tangible human rights change—freeing individuals imprisoned for their beliefs and pushing to reform unjust laws. This year marks 35 years of Amnesty International Poland’s impactful work.
Their ongoing initiatives include:
- Write for Rights – the world’s largest human rights campaign (launched in Poland!), where people send messages of solidarity to those whose rights are violated, along with appeals to authorities on their behalf.
- Amnesty International Poland Award – honoring documentaries at the Millennium Docs Against Gravity festival that raise awareness about universal human rights.
- Pióro Nadziei (Pen of Hope) award – awarded for outstanding media contributions promoting human rights.
“Justice is a core value for me—that’s why I regularly sign Amnesty’s petitions, listen to their human rights podcasts, and recently joined the 13,000‑strong community of members of Amnesty International Poland. I was delighted to discover a 35% discount on books from my favorite publisher, Karakter—just one of many small but meaningful benefits of membership. I also connect with Amnesty through the MDAG festival—a long‑time favorite of mine, where the organization has been a partner. And their tech‑focused efforts strike a particular chord with me—Amnesty Tech explores surveillance‑driven business models and the algorithms behind systemic discrimination,” says Olga.
You can become a member of Amnesty International in your country—the membership fee varies depending on where you live, but the amounts are generally modest. Meaningful change often begins with small, intentional steps like this.