My passion for gender issues stems from my childhood, when I attended an all-girls’ school. I saw how the women I studied with, while just as educated as their male counterparts, struggled to compete for jobs after graduation. My own first job confirmed this; I was working for Lesotho’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and noticed that women had less access to health, water and sanitation facilities, a disparity that resulted in higher rates of illness and death. My time at the Ministry made me realise that women’s economic and social advancement was crucial for Africa’s development, and as the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) was dealing with gender across the continent, I was inspired to try and join their team. As an Economic Affairs Officer, my job is to integrate gender issues into polices developed by the Commission, to help women meet their full potential as economic and social actors.

The ECA was created to foster economic and social development across the African continent. We work with governments, civil society organisations, the private sector and research institutions to formulate polices which promote growth and human rights. We pay special attention to critical humanitarian issues such as HIV/AIDS, attainment of the Millennium Development Goals and of course, gender mainstreaming.

I help to ensure that the programs developed by the ECA have a positive impact on women. By incorporating gender advocacy into our policies, we seek equitable distribution of development benefits, health care, and ultimately, a brighter future for mothers, sisters and daughters all over Africa.

I’ve always been fascinated by the history of the United Nations and the principles underpinning its work. In many parts of the world, gender inequality manifests itself as poverty, violence, and human trafficking, so it’s important for me to work with people who, no matter what their background is, share the same ambition to address these challenges. Although the United Nations employs a diverse workforce from all corners of the globe, we hold a common vision for peace, development, and humanity. That is the thread that keeps us together as colleagues, and inspires us to work as one.

Nothing motivates me more than seeing positive changes take place in poor, remote and rural areas because of the work that I do. I also get a huge moral boost from women like Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the President of Liberia, who break down gender boundaries by taking on traditionally male occupations. Through my work at the ECA, I hope to be a positive role model for girls, just like the women who have inspired me.