The woman in me was awakened in the rudder part of 2016 when it became clear that
I had to do something to trigger the change I wanted to see in my environment.
I began to thirst for opportunities that will bring me closer to like-minded people who
have been victims in one way or the other in the African struggle.
Since 2016, I have been with a couple of organizations (international Organizations and
NGO’s) but the difference was clear when I joined GWU 2021 fellowship program.
When I received the email of my acceptance, I really did not know what it meant until
after my first call session with the fellowship director. That was when I realized I was
scaling on a completely new level.
GWU was all what I had longed for and even more. What was even more fascinating
was my first meeting with the other fellows on the GWU 2021 Anglophone program. All
great women making changes in their respective countries all over Africa. The
propitious season for Africa is here and it can only be possible on a platform like GWU
where African women are ‘‘jumping in with both feet’’ in various sectors from business,
to health, tourism and what have you.
Let me use this opportunity to applaud my co-fellows on the program like Diana who is
doing a fantastic job in Rwanda in the tourism sector by organizing group trips in order
to enable tour and travel affordable. Ndiilokelwa, the Namibian/Malawian author and
advocate for Reproductive Justice, LGBTQI+Rights, Women Adolescent girls, Minority
groups and Economic justice. Marian doing marvelously well in Northern Nigeria as an
advocate for Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights of Lesbian, bisexual and
Transgender women, the list goes on.
This is the space I want to be in and the circle I want to be part of. GWU training
sessions have been amazing! Indeed, it is an atmosphere of growth. We have had to
learn and interact with great people on diverse areas around business, personal
development, Entrepreneurship, fund raising, budget development, etc.
This program has helped me personally to believe more in myself. It makes me feel like
a member of the table of change makers in Africa. These women including me have
chosen their fate and are creating an Africa we want for ourselves by ourselves.
It has thought me love and respect for fellow women irrespective of their social,
religious or moral status. We respect each other’s voices and ideas. A place where
women stand by each other and support themselves for growth.
As an entrepreneur, the things I have learnt from GWU fellowship program cannot be
underrated. I learnt how to bring my ideas into the light of day, draw my financials well,
the power of mentorship and a good budget, just to name a few.
Now I can proudly say there is a lot of hope for our continent because of women like this and I am honored to be a part of this group of change makers.
Makia Gertrude
GWU Fellow, 2021.
