“What do I want to say? Why am I saying it? Who needs to hear it—and how?”
These are the kinds of questions Nyota participants wrestled with in Effective Communication and Advocacy, the third module of the Nyota Leadership Program. This was the first time that many of the women had considered how their words and demeanor shape not only how others perceive them, but also the kind of impact they can have.
Adele Masika Kamabu, a community organizer, is one of the Nyota women whose perspective on communication shifted. “Everything is communication—our speech, how we dress, even our nonverbal expressions,” she wrote. “As leaders, we must master communication, because it is always directed toward a goal.”
Since the training, Adele has begun putting the learning into practice in her humanitarian work. She now approaches communication as a strategic tool, saying,
In the humanitarian field… we communicate for several fundamental reasons:
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- To inform beneficiaries about projects in order to achieve established objectives.
- To report to donors on our activities and the traceability of our interventions.
- To promote the organization’s actions to maximize funding and partnership.
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The module also demystified advocacy. Participants began to see that advocacy is a tool anyone—regardless of status or role—can use to speak on behalf of others. Nicole, a case manager who works with survivors of gender-based violence, shared, “I used to think advocacy was for a certain category of people. Now I know I am capable of leading an advocacy effort myself.”
Cohort 2 and Nyota Co-director.
Nyota participants practiced public speaking in front of each other for feedback. They also wrote and recorded a second speech to practice using digital tools. As they grew their confidence, they also practiced speaking techniques and learned ways to make an impact through speaking. “You must know your audience, master your message, and communicate it clearly,” Adele summarized. “Using visuals, being concise—these are things that make a message stick.”
In every Nyota module, participants strengthen their leadership skills and discover their voice for change. For what purpose? So they can step courageously and purposefully into the leadership roles to which they have been called. As they claim their place in their organizations and communities, they thrive, and their organizations and communities become healthier.
Clémence Dothy Mulwangero, an administrator of a secondary school, noted, “We sense a revolution. This program isn’t just about individual growth—it’s about changing the nation.”
CAPTION FOR FEATRUED IMAGE AT TOP: Cohort members discuss communication challenges at work
Congo Conversation Recap –
From Personal Growth to Community Change
Above: Fatuma. Below: Asengo.
In our first Congo Conversation on June 21, Nyota graduates Asengo Asumani and Fatuma Kavugho spoke candidly about how Nyota shaped their lives—and their work.
After completing the 6-month Nyota program, Asengo, who once struggled with self-confidence, stepped out courageously and launched her own business selling organic teas and healthy snacks.. “Now people are impressed to see a woman leading,” she remarked. “I have to hire, manage, and communicate well—and I learned all of that through Nyota.”
After finishing Nyota, Fatuma developed a program to provide essential hygiene items for prisoners who are patients in the local hospital. “Before Nyota, I used to think people in need should just pray,” she said. “Now I understand we have to mobilize what we have—money, materials, networks. I’ve learned how to ask for what’s needed to help my community heal.”
Asengo and Fatuma’s stories are vivid reminders that when women step courageously into leadership roles, they make an impact on the lives of others.
Click this link (Passcode: 5*?4fWf&) to watch an unedited recording of this first Congo Conversation and meet Asengo and Fatuma.
By making a donation, you partner with women leaders like Adele, Clémence, Fatuma, and Asengo, as they strengthen their skills for the benefit of others.