I am here today because someone mentored me

The Citizen News Editor Esther Mngondo interviews British High Commissioner to Tanzania Sarah Cooke on her experience of people, who have inspired her to be what she is today and what needs to change to make gender parity a reality. Excerpts:

QN: Can you draw from personal experience on people or experiences that have inspired you to reach where you are today in your career?

ANS: When I was a girl, I remember watching the BBC news coverage of the famine in Ethiopia in 1984. I remember thinking how lucky I was to be growing up in the UK, with enough food to eat and the chance to go to school. I realised then that I wanted to help others around the world have the same opportunities that I did.

That led me to pursue my academic studies in economics and in development studies, with the aim of working in international development/diplomacy.

I’ve subsequently worked in a variety of roles in developing countries around the world, which have given me the experience and knowledge to do the job I do now.

I’ve also been inspired by many of the women I’ve met in the course of my work.

I remember the girls, who had come together to help stop one of their friends being married at the age of 14 to a much older husband, women lawyers helping victims of domestic violence get access to justice and a young widow, who was taught to rear chickens and goats, with the support of UK aid, so she could send her children to school and give them three meals a day.

That young widow told me she was able to dream about the future for the first time because we were bold for change in the fight for gender equality.

What challenges have you personally faced in your journey to be bold for change?

I think one of the challenges that many women face is that they don’t know, where to go for advice and support about their careers. I’ve been fortunate to have found two excellent mentors. They have helped me to see my strengths, develop opportunities that work to those strengths and build the confidence to go for more senior roles. I also have an extremely supportive husband, who has given up a lot to support me in my career.

I’ve learnt so much from my mentors, that I want to do the same for young women here in Tanzania. That is why I am offering to mentor a young woman (under 25 years) for the next six months to help her follow her dreams. She will have the opportunity to shadow me for a day and have monthly meetings with me to help her plan her future. We will be launching this programme very soon. Your readers will be able to find information on how to apply on our website UKInTanzania shortly.

What lessons can other women draw from your personal journey?

The first lesson is the power of education. My mother was the first in her family to go to university and as a teacher she really understood the value of education. She and my father worked very hard to give me good education, putting me on the path to becoming High Commissioner. I really believe that the most powerful thing we can do for women and girls around the world is to give them good education.

The second is the power of having a voice, choice and control. Early in my career, I realised I needed to get some more practical experience. So, against advice from well-meaning family and friends, I gave up a well-paid job with good prospects to work with a smaller organisation, on lower pay, halfway around the world.

It was a risk, but I knew that by taking that path I would get the skills and experience I needed to achieve my longer term career goals. Making that decision helped me get to where I am today.

The theme for International Women’s Day, March 8, 2017, focuses on “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030”.

To what extent do you see us moving towards attaining this?

We have to – in the UK, in Tanzania and around the world. The promotion and protection of women’s rights is more than just a moral obligation. It is enshrined in the international human rights law and is vital to ensuring secure, stable and prosperous societies.

It makes economic sense too. Estimates indicate that up to $28 trillion could be added to the global economy if women took their equal place in the economy. No country can truly develop if it leaves half of its population behind.

Like other countries, the UK still has work to do on gender equality in the workplace, but I’m proud that I’m the third consecutive female British High Commissioner representing the UK in Tanzania. I’m also proud that we have recently appointed the UK’s first global Special Envoy for Gender Equality. Both are examples of how we can be bold for change.

What do you think needs to be done to narrow the gender gap?

The British Government is committed to playing a leading role internationally to improve gender equality. We want to see the world eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, promote good governance, peace, security and justice for all and ensure that women receive a decent education and economic opportunities to fulfill their potential.

What kind of commitment has the UK invested in helping Tanzania achieve this?

Tanzania has made good progress in tackling gender inequality. Important policy and legal reforms, such as the government’s commitment to education for all are empowering women and girls. But despite the achievements, the majority of women in Tanzania – as in many other countries – still face inequality.

The UK is supporting women and girls to realise their potential through a whole range of programmes, including in education, family planning, water and sanitation, health and economic growth and opportunities. I am proud of the UK’s commitment to supporting the issues most important to Tanzanian women and girls.