My GWL Voices Story: Nuzla Abdulhalim Mohamed
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GWL Voices’ members have not only paved the way for greater women’s leadership and representation — they are also mentoring and inspiring the next generation of leaders committed to building a more inclusive multilateral system through Her Turn Initiative. Discover the story of Nuzla Abdulhalim Mohamed and her exchange with GWL Voices’ member (on leave) and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), Ms. Zainab Bangura, during the Echoes Unheard initiative led by the University of Nairobi.
By Nuzla Abdulhalim Mohamed, Echoes Unheard Vice Chairperson, University of Nairobi, Kenya
It was both a great pleasure and a true honor meeting up with Madam Zainab Hawa Bangura, the Director General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), once again on the 5th of September. Our dialogue was deeply meaningful and left me with valuable insights.
During the discussion, I raised a question that has always been close to my heart: “As a Muslim girl, how can I break the barriers to self-actualization without coming into conflict with cultural and religious expectations?”
Her response was both reassuring and empowering. She emphasized the importance of remaining firm in one’s faith and values while pursuing personal growth. At the same time, she highlighted the need to assure parents of this steadfastness, as their concerns often stem from the fear that their children may lose their way or abandon their religious principles.
This guidance reminded me that true self-actualization does not require abandoning one’s faith or culture; rather, it lies in finding strength within them and using that foundation to grow.
Madam Bangura went ahead, speaking passionately about the importance of resilience and courage as guiding forces in one’s journey. These two qualities, she reminded us, are not only necessary to face challenges but also essential in building a path toward lasting success.
Her words still linger in my mind as they continue to remind me that life, with all its ups and downs, is a series of temporary moments. Challenges will come and go, but what matters is how we rise above them, how we remain steadfast, and how we choose courage over fear.
Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful to have shared that experience. Meeting Madam Bangura was not only an opportunity to learn but also a chance to be inspired by a leader who embodies strength, vision, and compassion.
It definitely reaffirmed my belief that true leadership is about empowering others and leaving behind a legacy of hope.
This wonderful experience would not have been possible without the support of GWL Voices, the United Nations office and University of Nairobi.
I am sincerely grateful to them for making it possible and I choose to carry forward not just Madam Bangura’s words, but also the responsibility to live by them, remain resilient, courageous, and keep striving toward the future I have been dreaming of.