WOVOP VOLUNTEER/INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCES-Meet Maureen Wangui 📝

Hey, fellow change-makers! Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to Maureen Wangui, a dynamic 23-year-old from Kenya, hailing from Siaya County. Maureen is driven by her passion for Gender Based Violence, Peace advocacy, and Sexual Reproductive Health Rights. With a heart full of curiosity and a desire to learn from like-minded individuals, she embarked on an enlightening one-year volunteer journey with Women Volunteers for Peace (WOVOP) focusing mainly on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights issues.

Empowering, Exciting, Illuminating, Maureen sums up her transformative journey with WOVOP. But let's dig deeper and uncover the magic she found along the way. Maureen states that WOVOP’s unwavering dedication to addressing two vital issues in the world - women's empowerment and peace advocacy made her excited to volunteer there. As someone directly affected by these issues, Maureen couldn't help but be drawn to the organization's radical and game-changing approach.

One challenge that hit close to home for Maureen was combating sexual gender-based violence among youths and adolescents. Though she wasn't directly involved in the solution-making process, she firmly believes that increasing sensitization forums, especially in schools, could make a significant impact in curbing this threat.

Like any journey, Maureen's volunteer period had its ups and downs. While she relished every moment spent with the amazing WOVOP team, her low moments came from living in Siaya while the organization was based in Kisumu, limiting her interactions. But hey, she got to enjoy fun moments, like hiking, visiting prisons together, and attending gender inclusivity programs, and that made it all worth it!

Maureen claimed that WOVOP's work is nothing short of radical and impactful, empowering the community while smashing negative societal norms. She got a taste of this during the gender inclusivity program in budget planning processes which taught her the power she wields as a person and a woman in shaping crucial decisions.

Maureen reflected that she found her tribe at WOVOP, an extraordinary group of people who welcomed her wholeheartedly and made her feel right at home. The warmth and inclusivity she experienced left her feeling important and cherished.

One project that truly impacted her was "Mental Health Fridays". With the alarming number of people battling mental health challenges, she stated that WOVOP's initiative to address it and help people all over the country truly touched her soul.

Maureen had one powerful recommendation for WOVOP, “Keep doing what you are doing, as it brings positive change to society”. She also had a message for all young people out there “Don't miss out on this life-changing opportunity! Joining WOVOP's exchange or volunteer/internship program has broadened my perspective on peace advocacy and empowered me to make a real difference.”

She is currently volunteering with other NGOs and this step has been greatly influenced by WOVOP since this is where she got her learning experience about volunteering and even created a good foundation for volunteership.

So there you have it - the inspiring journey of Maureen Wangui and her empowering experience with WOVOP. Remember together, we can be the change we wish to see! Let's make it happen! Leave a comment, like and don't forget to subscribe!!