Transformative alumni leaders rally behind the 2024 International Women Day’s theme in their workplaces and communities

Promoting gender equality stands as a cornerstone of the Australian Government’s development agenda. Australia Awards Africa’s commitment is steadfast in fostering equitable participation and aiming to ensure equal participation and benefit, to the program, by men and women. Over the years, Australia Awards alumni have been pivotal in championing gender parity and social inclusion as transformative leaders within their workplaces and communities.

In celebrating International Women’s Day with the theme Invest in women: Accelerate progress we present a glimpse of the collective impact of a small portion of the Australia Awards alumnae who have collectively impacted gender equality and social inclusion in their home countries. These are the inspirational stories of Betty Sharon (Kenya), Lydia Achel (Ghana), Olajumoke Akiode (Nigeria), Esther Maina (Kenya), Babita Dussoruth (Mauritius) and Jacqueline Manusalisi (Uganda).

Betty Sharon

Gender warrior, Betty Sharon, passionately dedicates her life to advancing gender equity in Kenya and beyond. As an alumna and tireless advocate, Betty’s daily mission revolves around catalysing change in gender equity and human rights. Her transformative efforts have touched countless lives, transcending gender boundaries to uplift both men and women.

Formerly a pharmaceutical technician, Betty finds fulfilment in ensuring women and girls are afforded equal opportunities for growth and development. Through her diverse organisations, she spearheads initiatives that empower communities, instilling self-worth and fostering sustainable development. From training and community outreach to media advocacy and policy petitions, Betty leaves no stone unturned in amplifying the voices of the minority.

Betty’s journey towards empowerment was fortified by her participation in the Australia Awards. Completing a short course in Gender Inclusive Leadership at Flinders University in 2013 equipped her with vital skills in gender analysis, policy formulation, and project management. Armed with this knowledge, Betty engages with government officials, advocating for the implementation of existing inclusive policies and practices.

Her impact over the years extends beyond awareness-raising to practical interventions, including training on preventing gender-based violence and rehabilitating offenders. Betty’s inclusive approach involves equipping men as ‘Gender Warriors,’ allies in the fight against gender-based violence. As the Executive Director, she played a pivotal role in rebranding Coast Women In Development (CWID), to Collaboration of Women In Development (CWID), broadening its scope and reach across Kenya.

Betty’s influence transcends organisational boundaries, as she volunteers her expertise to evaluate research projects and mentors for young women’s groups across East Africa. More recently, Betty also volunteered to provide advice to the Australian Red Cross to evaluate a large research project on forced marriages. For this she partnered with the Department of Gender Consortium at Flinders University in Australia.

She still finds time to mentor a group of 60 young women who have come up with a vibrant movement in coastal Kenya called WE 4 SHE as well as a group of 45 young women from the group Young African Grassroots Women Movement (YAGWOM) In East Africa. These groups promote gender equity and social inclusion and inclusive governance.

With the world-wide economic downturn during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, inequality increased dramatically worldwide. Kenya was not spared but Betty jumped in by targeting civil society organisations such as grassroots women and youth organisations and self-help groups to promote gender equity. Betty and her team supported 879 women, people with disability and the youth in 30 groups since the pandemic by providing seed money to restart their programs and activities.

Her commitment to human rights has earned her numerous accolades, amongst others, as the 2023 First Runner Up of the Africa Gender Mainstreaming Award in the Engagement of Women in The Community category.

Lydia Achel

In the heart of the so called Abyei Box, where cultural norms often suppress the voices of women, a beacon of change emerged through the dedicated efforts of the United Nations Police (UNPOL) Sexual Gender-Based Violence Adviser and Australia Awards Africa alum (Master of International Security Studies, Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism, Macquarie University, 2011), Lydia Achel. The Abyei Box is a small area that has been the subject of a long-standing territorial dispute between Sudan and South Sudan.

She orchestrated a series of transformative initiatives that sparked a ripple of empowerment across communities. Recognising the intrinsic value of authenticity and self-awareness, she navigated her work with a conscious effort to dismantle biases and foster inclusivity. Through a deep understanding of the cultural dynamics at play, she championed the cause of women, ensuring their voices resonated in decision-making processes.

Lydia is from Accra, Ghana, but is seconded to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) UNPOL and advises about gender-related issues. UNISFA is a peacekeeping force established by the United Nations Security Council to oversee security and stability in the Abyei region, which is a disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan.

“My special tool is having knowledge and understanding of the culture of the people of Abyei. Most women in the community will not talk or express themselves easily, especially not in the presence of men.  For me advocating and championing my fellow peacekeepers’ cause has been an exciting role. I try to inspire their inclusion in decision making within their cultural diversity”, she says.

Lydia’s involvement in a myriad of activities, from awareness campaigns on gender-based violence to empowerment projects, underscored her unwavering commitment to gender parity. By spearheading training sessions and collaborating with key stakeholders, she catalysed a movement towards gender equality, one workshop and program at a time.

The impact of her actions reverberated far and wide. Over 600 awareness campaigns reached communities across the Abyei box in 2023, igniting conversations and challenging entrenched beliefs to promote gender-sensitive communities. The Abyei box consists of Sector South, Sector Center and Sector North, covering over 194 settlements, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. The Abyei administration reached a significant milestone with the appointment of two female ministers (the Rule of Law Minister and the Gender and Social Welfare Minister, a testament to the shifting tides of gender representation in the region.

Looking towards the future, her vision for gender equity remains steadfast. Lydia elaborates: “I plan to undertake massive campaigns, trainings, and projects as far as the budget allows to give women equal rights to economic empowerment activities, which in turn will give them a voice in society. I want to expand my sensitisation and awareness campaigns about ending child marriages, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and the transformation of education to be more gender-sensitive, raising the aspiration of girls and parents and to empower mothers”.

Dr Olajumoke Akiode

Central to Nigeria’s gender equity movement stands Dr Olajumoke Martha Akiode, a champion of inspiration and change. With a multifaceted role as a gender equity and inclusion professional, Director at the Centre for Ethics and Sustainable Development (CESD), President of Women in Infrastructure Community Africa (WICA), and a faculty member at Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Olajumoke has dedicated her life to advancing gender equity and inclusion.

Dr Akiode completed an Australia Awards short course in Public Private Infrastructure at the University of Queensland in 2016. Her recent achievement, securing a gender grant from the Association of Commonwealth Universities, UK, underscores her unwavering commitment to this cause.

Reflecting on her work, Olajumoke shares, “My engagement with policymakers, women, men, and young people inspires them to become gender inclusion ambassadors in their spheres of influence. My work in the gender equity and inclusion space enables me to provide thought leadership on the reality and necessity of gender equity and social inclusion. I use every opportunity and platform possible to paint vivid pictures of a better world where ‘no one is left behind’. 

Since 2014, Dr Akiode’s efforts span various activities, projects, and advocacy actions aimed at fostering inclusion in Lagos and recently in Osun States in Nigeria. Through research, training, and advocacy, she educates individuals and organisations on the importance of gender equity for sustainable development. As the convener of WICA, she empowers women in the infrastructure sector, catalysing a movement for gender-inclusive development.

During her career, she brought stakeholders together to discuss ideas on how to mainstream gender equity. She also trains and advocates for gender inclusion in the infrastructure sector through her WICA platform. From 2018 to 2020 WICA and CESD in collaboration with Heinrich Boll Stiftung Foundation advocated for the Alade market women who were displaced from their market location at Allen Avenue in the heart of Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State, where they were worked for over 30 years.  They supported over 30 women to be included in decisions and their right to gain access to their market and the preservation of their livelihoods.

In 2014, my engagement with the Lagos State infrastructure related ministries and agencies about their Public-Private Partnership (PPP) funded projects led to conversations about inclusive transport systems especially mass transport such as the BRT buses. The result was that since 2016 all Lagos state BRT buses are equipped with ramps, allocated seating areas for pregnant and nursing mothers, the elderly and specially abled persons”, says Olajumoke.

Olajumoke’s influence extends beyond borders and her impact is tangible, evident in the growth of WICA from a small initiative in 2018 with less than 20 women to a formidable professional development and advocacy platform for inclusive infrastructure delivery in Africa with almost 200 members in five African countries. Recognising women’s contributions in male-dominated fields, WICA celebrates their achievements, amplifying their voices and breaking societal barriers. Her collaboration with ministries and agencies has led to tangible outcomes, such as inclusive transport systems in Lagos, all for the benefit of minority groups.

Esther Maina

Esther Maina’s story of remarkable dedication, empowerment, and transformation began with a dream, ignited during her masters level studies in Women Studies at Flinders University, South Australia.  During her interview she expressed her commitment to achieving equal treatment for women in the workplace. Little did she know, this declaration would shape her entire career and impact countless lives.

Returning to Kenya, armed with knowledge and a passion for gender equity, Esther embarked on a journey with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. In recognition of her exemplary work, Esther rose through the ranks, retiring as a Regional Director of Social Development in 2023. As Director she was in charge of Murang’a, Nyeri, Kiambu, Kirinyaga and Nyandarua Counties. Over the years, she played pivotal roles at both policy and implementation levels, tirelessly working to bridge gender disparities and promote inclusivity. Her influence extended beyond the office, as she chaired a women’s group in her own rural village, impacting over 200 lives through economic and social empowerment initiatives.

According to Esther “the negative impact of extreme intergenerational poverty continues to be a challenge to many developing countries like Kenya. Recent assessments have demonstrated that the many livelihood development strategies do not reach the extreme poor and seldom reach their intended impact’.

Esther’s efforts, however, also bore fruit in various other initiatives and communities. Her commitment to inspiring inclusion led her to facilitate the registration of numerous women’s self-help groups, empowering them economically and socially. Through projects like the UpperTana Natural Resources Management Project and the Economic Inclusion Program, she spearheaded efforts to address gender issues, community participation, and poverty eradication.

Introducing a Gender Action Learning System (GALS) in UpperTana

The UpperTana project was implemented between 2012 and 2022 during which Esther introduced a Gender Action Learning System (GALS). This participatory approach not only broke cultural barriers but also empowered communities to enact meaningful change from within.

Overall, the project leaders introduced GALS in six counties in 2016 and trained 66 (29 females 37 males) as GALS Champions. The GALS champions testified that this methodology has helped to break gender cultural barriers through its participatory and interactive processes where men, women and the youth discuss and collaborate to utilise and share household resources in improving their livelihoods. Esther’s role was to train community champions who reported remarkable transformation in their households on gender related issues. This revolutionised households by fostering dialogue on resource access and decision-making between men, women, and youth.

The Economic Inclusion Program

Esther also assisted with the implementation of an Economic Inclusion Program that was piloted in five counties of which Murang’a County was one. This program aimed to eradicate extreme poverty by using the Poverty Graduation Approach. Drought resistant crops were introduced that take a shorter time to grow as well as animals such as dairy goats that eat less feeds.  Participant also learned to sell their own produce while a market analysis assisted them to understand what activities are viable in a given area and who the potential buyers are. Participants also learned basic record keeping skills.

Overall, the Economic Inclusion Program targeted 7,500 people in five counties between July 2022 and November 2023, however Esther concentrated on Murang’a County where she coordinated and piloted the implementation of activities for 1,500 participants.  As a result of the Program’s introduction of small businesses, participants can now afford three meals a day and save up to 8,000 Kenya Shillings.

The success of the pilot programs in Murang’a, Marsabit, Kisumu, Makueni and Taita Taveta Counties means that the Kenya Government is considering expanding the program in other counties.

Jacqueline Namusalisi

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, Jacqueline Namusalisi’s journey stands as a testament to the power of inclusion and empowerment. Inspired by her mother’s activism against stigma and discrimination, Jacqueline embarked on a mission to advocate for gender equity and uplift marginalised communities in Uganda.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Jacqueline shares, “I learned from an early age that everyone deserves equal and fair treatment.” Armed with this belief, she immersed herself in initiatives aimed at promoting gender equity both in the workplace and within rural communities. Jacqueline’s work in the gender equity space is deeply rooted in her experiences and education as part of the Australia Awards short course: Increasing the Development Impact of Agricultural Research (IDIAR) presented by the University of Sydney in 2017.

As a research fellow at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, the only female in the food safety department, she was responsible for transferring hermetic storage technologies to Kenyan youth and women. Working as a workers’ union women representative in the manufacturing industry (at Britannia Ltd), exposed her to many experiences that left her with a unique understanding of the causes of unequal treatment and the unequal distribution of resources. When elected as a Local Council Youth Leader in Njeru Town Council in the early 2000s, Jacqueline seized the opportunity to address the concerns of the youth she represented. Her dedication resulted in better access to education for girls and more girls who enrolled in schools.

SASAKAWA Africa Association (SAA)

Jacqueline brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as a Technical Coordinator of Nutritive Sensitive Agriculture and Gender Focal Person at the SASAKAWA Africa Association (SAA). Jacqueline has spearheaded programs since 2016 that ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, particularly targeting women and youth in more than 35 districts of Uganda. SAA is a non-government organisation that works with farmers in Uganda, Mali, Ethiopia and Nigeria by sensitising work teams and communities about gender issues in agriculture.  Through this work, they streamline programs and activities to make them gender sensitive and to include other GEDSI stakeholders such as persons with disability.

She says: “Through the lessons learned from my Australia Awards short course and my workplace, I am actively involved in promoting gender equity in agriculture and rural communities in Uganda. I work towards inspiring inclusion of all individuals and social groupings for a more harmonious and productive livelihood. I believe a fair share of resources helps to mitigate conflict such as gender violence and workplace conflict”.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jacqueline is deeply involved in community-based organisations like the Grassroot Women Development Organisation, where she advocates against gender violence and early marriages. Her efforts have empowered countless women and youth with essential skills for income generation, transforming lives in districts across Eastern and Central Uganda. She also serves as the Albert Baker Fund (ABF) country representative and as an Asante Africa Foundation board director. These organisations provide education to the less privileged, especially young girls.

Jacqueline’s impact is tangible and far-reaching. Over 1,000 youth have gained access to higher education, with a significant portion (about 42%) transitioning into gainful employment or entrepreneurship. Additionally, more than 3,400 women have received training in gender inclusion and business skills, with a vast majority (about 2,800) actively saving for their businesses. Moreover, Jacqueline’s advocacy has trained over 21,000 smallholder farmers on good gender inclusive agricultural practices, with 78% implementing gender-inclusive agricultural practices.

Babita Jhurree-Dussoruth

In the dynamic landscape of Africa, there are examples of progress where gender equality flourishes and workplaces embrace inclusivity and support. One of the good examples of equal opportunities and inclusivity is the workplace of Babita Jhurree-Dussoruth  in Mauritius. She is a Senior Research Scientist at the esteemed Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI) and a proud Australia Awards Africa and University of Queensland (Masters of Horticultural Studies, 1998) alumna.

Reflecting on her journey, Babita shares, “I am privileged to live in a country that values women’s inclusion and promotes women’s empowerment. Moreover, the Government fosters gender equity at all levels, which begins with a free education for all genders up to the tertiary levels and a mandatory education up to the age of 16.”

FAREI, a parastatal body that operates under the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, is responsible for research and development in the crop, livestock and agro-entrepreneurship sectors. Babita works in the Crop Department where over 80% of the research scientists are women, who are given equal chances to prove their professional capabilities.

With over 25 years of experience in fruit agronomy, Babita has dedicated her career to promoting the fruit sector in Mauritius. Despite the challenges posed by biotic stresses, such as those affecting banana, avocado and macadamia production, Babita remains undeterred. The challenges necessitate proactive and resilient actions, and mitigating measures to ensure general food security and livelihood security of all stakeholders. Through collaborative efforts with fellow colleagues (plant pathology, tissue-culture, post-harvest, agro-processing and extension officers) and growers, she has successfully introduced and promoted two disease-resistant commercial banana varieties. These varieties were highly accepted by growers and consumers, thus safeguarding local production and ensuring food security for all. She has further identified few other disease-resistant varieties that can contribute towards a more sustainable banana production through minimum use of fungicides.

“I can proudly say that in no way, have I ever felt that my views and research findings as a woman scientist have been overlooked. Male and female scientists work as one team. This inclusiveness at my workplace can serve as an inspiration to younger generations”, she says.

In addition to her research career as an agronomist, Babita has been involved from 2007 to 2018 in developing protocols for in-vitro propagation of selected local banana and breadfruit varieties. This entailed the development of low-cost methods for in-vitro propagation and mutagenic banana breeding using nuclear methods. Between 2015 to 2017, through a project supported by an Australia Awards Africa Small Grant, she collaborated with other female colleagues in food processing and training departments in developing banana puree for long term storage from over-ripe banana. The technology was shared to entrepreneurs through a training where 70% of the participants were women.

Looking ahead, Babita’s focus shifts to promoting macadamia and berries as new commercial crops. Launched in 2017, the first six main macadamia plantations were set up in 2019 and 2020. Over 60 beneficiaries benefitted from the free distribution of macadamia plants, as part of a campaign to promote this new crop. This calls for regular visits to the new fields, training of growers on crop maintenance and training on macadamia propagation and nut processing.

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