My GWL Voices Story by Mwangi Will
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Discover Mwangi Will’s story with GWL Voices’ member (on leave) and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, during the Echoes Unheard initiative led by the University of Nairobi. This dialogue is part of GWL Voices’ initiative Her Turn, where members share their experiences on leadership and women’s representation with the next generation of leaders.
By Mwangi Will, Echoes Unheard Policy Officer, University of Nairobi, Kenya
My first time setting eyes on Madam Zainab Bangura was when I was welcoming her to the University of Nairobi for the event that I and the rest of the team had organised. It was such an honour being in her presence.
I had a very engaging and eye opening experience with Madam Zainab Bangura. Talk about a new perspective from an actual Director General, as she narrated part of her life story, how surprising it was to see how down to earth such an important person is.
She has given me a whole new perspective of my life and I quote “everything is temporary, that all I have to do is to endure just four years and ensure that I come out the best and surely all will be well.”
I am sincerely grateful to the GWL Voices that have supported the group Echoes Unheard in their endeavour to empower youth men and women alike, also the UNON for allowing Madam Bengura ample time to be there and liaising with the group for such a rich activity. Not to forget UONBi for providing resources such as the venue that we used to host Madam Bengura, and also for the security that they offered her from the moment she arrived to when she left.
The event provided a profound motivation to us students and all personnel who attended. It was an eye opener to what is ahead and what is expected to come and thus a good reason to prepare well for it.