Sally Ndwiga: Development Expert Empowering Adolescent Girls Through Intersectional Mentorship

Published on Dec. 23, 2024, 8:48 p.m.

Sally Ndwiga is a professional with more than eight years’ experience in the Development Sector. She is the Founder and Director at The Femiscope Initiative, a Community Based Organization that mentor’s adolescent girls and women on three focus areas: Sexual Reproductive Health, Mental Health Management and Gender-based Violence. What was your Chevening Cohort, what did you study and in which University? I was selected for the 2022/2023 Chevening cohort to study Development Studies at the Institute of Development Studies hosted by the University of Sussex. How was your Chevening experience and how did it or has it impacted your life? My Chevening experience was eye opening especially having an opportunity to study in the best university globally in Development Studies. Through this experience, I had an opportunity to meet scholars from around the world who are doing amazing things in their respective fields. Additionally, leaning from top educators in my field exposed me to research techniques which I am presently using in implementing an intersectional bespoke mentorship sessions for adolescents within my community. As a Chevening Leader, what would you consider your proudest moment or greatest achievement? My greatest achievement so far has been leading a successful women and youth led intersectional Community Based Organisation which has impacted more than 1000 girls between March and October 2024. Who or what has had the greatest influence in your life? Joining a local Non-Governmental Organisation in 2019 had the greatest influence on my life. It opened my eyes to social justice issues and shaped my commitment to mentoring adolescent girls. What is the most important lesson you have learned in life? The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of empathy. Understanding others' struggles and being kind, even in difficult situations, has helped me build meaningful relationships and create positive change in my community. How would you like to be remembered? I would like to be remembered as a compassionate leader who dedicated her life to empowering adolescent girls and breaking barriers in health, education, and gender justice. That through Femiscope Initiative, I fought for inclusivity, ensuring every girl, regardless of background, had the chance to succeed. I want my legacy to reflect resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of mentorship.