Joannie Bewa Interview
“I’m a young Beninese woman who is passionate about community service, sexual, reproductive health, gender and youth issues. I studied Medical Sciences at the University of Abomey Calavi in Benin and I ‘m currently working as a general practitioner in a community medical center in Cotonou.”
You were selected for outstanding achievements in the area of sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, Gender issues and leadership not only in your country but also at the global level. Please tell us more about this.
I started volunteering with Beninese association of family promotion affiliated with international planned parenthood federation (IPPF). We led monthly sensitizing sessions about sexual and reproductive health for vulnerable youth, students and young girls. In 2008, I was selected to represent Benin at the Berlin model united Nations Conference where I learnt extensively about HIV/AIDS at a global level; I started thinking about global and sustainable solutions for Africa and the World. I implemented the HIV/AIDS Educational and Leadership Program (H.E.L.P) targeting 500 Young girls from 10 to 18 years old.
I was elected as the Secretary General of the National Network of Beninese Youth Association for Health and Development where I contributed to the implementation of health strategies.
In 2010, as the coordinator of the Young Beninese Leaders Association (YBLA), I initiated the Red ribbon campaign where 300 volunteers marched in the streets against HIV discrimination. We worked with sex workers, youth, journalist, activists, leaders and we used sports, internet, literature contest, sensitizing sessions to prevent HIV/AIDS. We partnered with local NGOs and reached more than 1000 youth at national level.
I also organized the “Women’s Empowerment Campaign,” which focused on the lack of leadership and civic engagement of the young women in my community and the extreme poverty of women, I decided to implement this program to empower girls and women through leadership workshops and entrepreneurship trainings. The US Government selected the project for a program runned by US First Lady Michelle Obama and the project has since reached 2,500 high-school girls and 400 young women at early or mid career levels. I am proud to have served a key role in initiating and designing the project, planned main activities, and led leadership workshops. We organized lobbying and advocacy sessions for the vote of the BENIN anti Gender based violence law.
I have exhibited leadership potential in my community that have been recognized by many institutions such as the US State department, USAID, International organization of Francophony, Quebec International Youth office (who selected me for the Women world forum 2013) and the Africa Union commission who recently invited me as one of the promising African women to attend a gender pre-summit in preparation of the 20th assembly of Africans head of government. I was nominated by the US Government to attend the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), in which participants are selected by invitation only. In the program, visitors are selected by the U.S. Foreign Service Officers at American Embassies around the world (as of March 2012, 53 current and more than 275 former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government are IVLP alumni).
On October 2012, I was selected at regional level for the Secretary Clinton project “Women in Public Service project” on Public service and global health. The project’s goal is to bring 50 percent of women in public service by 2050
You started your university studies in medical sciences at the tender age of 16. Did you skip grades or start studying early?
I started studying early and my parents were working . I reached university at 16 and Benin government offered me excellency scholarship due to my good marks on the national exam. I was ranked one of the best students at national level and the first women in my department. This recognition motivated me to keep doing it. I also did the same things during my curricula in university.
You are the co-founder of the Young Beninese Leaders Association (YBLA), which was created after President Obama Forum on Young African Leaders in August 2010 at the White House. What inspired you to start YBLA?
Attending the pre forum event in my home country opened my mind on the potential that Beninese youth has. Recognizing the fact that Africans should be the main actor, the leaders of Africa’s development, knowing how much every citizen can contribute, I decided to found the Young Beninese Leaders Association (YBLA). My goal is to educate Beninese youth to civic engagement, volunteerism, and encourage them to build leadership skills in their area of expertise. We are working mainly on entrepreneurship, youth and gender issues and health issues.
You were selected for the 2013 MILEAD Fellowship, how did you find out? What was your first reaction?
I was very happy . I’m so impressed with the work that other young women are achieving throughout Africa, it’s a privilege. This nomination came at the same moment I was distinguished by the international organization of Francophony in Paris, during the “Francophonie au Féminin” exhibit.
How important are initiatives like MILEAD Fellowship when it comes to stimulating good leadership in Africa?
It increase women’s desire to move forward and accomplish their dreams. It stimulates us to do more and more. It is very important to recognize talents and to promote youth and women innovation.
In 2012, you designed a project called Women’ s Empowerment Campaign which was funded through the First Lady Michelle Obama program for Young African Women Leaders. In March 2013, the International Organization for French speaking Countries distinguished you as one the most outstanding young women in Benin. What drives you? and what or who do you attribute your success to?
I was selected among 10 young women leaders in Bénin. My vision is to accomplish something new for young people by young people, my strong will to give back to the community are the reasons of this recognition. I attribute my success to my parents, my mentors and people who believe in me until now.
If you president of Benin for a day what would be the first thing you would do?
Education, education and education
I would Improve the education system and find opportunities for brilliant students to have global experiences and come back to develop Benin. I’ll will work to change mindsets .
Education, transparency, good governance and fair management of national resources.
What do you think are some of the challenges facing African youth today?
Weak political systems, Lack of leadership, Limited access to education, youth Unemployment, HIV AIDS, Corruption, environment issues. We need to apply good governance concepts instead of promoting theory. The good governance concerns our natural resources (oil, diamond, uranium etc)
What does it mean to be a young woman from Benin in the 21st century?
Benin is a small country located In West Africa, near Nigeria. Benin is not well known at global level and it is my reponsibility to represent my home country as much as I can. It‘s very challenging but I’m proud of my culture, my identity and my values. We have political stability, democracy, peace and we are trying to improve our economic growth index. More women are in public service and in government. Youth is dynamic and own very innovative businesses. Some famous celebrities from Benin are the singer Angelique Kidjo and actor Djimon Houssou.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
In five years time, I will be specialist in gynecology and public health, working for my country and /or international health organization. I’ll extend the activities of my organization at African level.
Who are your top 3 role models in Africa?
Nelson Mandela, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf , Marie Elise Gbedo (the first Beninese woman to run for office twice)
What are your favourite hangout spots in Benin?
I like going at the beach and eating fast food with my friends.
What are you listening to at the moment
Adele- Don’t you remember, but I like zouk music, slow and Benin traditional music
What would say is your favorite book?
I don’t have a favorite book but I like romance and humor; my favorite leadership book is “The seven habits of successful people”. I’ m currently reading the 8th habit.
What advice would you like to give young women across Africa who would love to make something of their lives?
Have a clear vision of your goals, be pro active, dream big, start doing something even at local level, partner and engage with other youth who share your vision. Find a mentor who can guide you. And think SUCCESS
How can other youth connect with you?
Mail: [email protected]
Twitter @BEWAJ
