MICHAELLA NJEMINA

Michaella is the founder and CEO of Smart Girls Initiative Sierra Leone, and the public relations officer of Children Forum Network (CFN) Sierra Leone. She has dedicated her time to inspiring young women and girls within her community, and raising their awareness that they can be change makers in their communities. She has been providing vital informative programs, especially for those in high risk and underserved areas. Her vision and mission are central to their collective efforts in generating much-needed awareness of the issues affecting women and girls in their communities.

“I have learnt that there is no way I can make everyone happy around me, no matter how much I want to.”

Q: Tell us a few things about your country, and also your life's story!

I was born and raised in a rural community in Kono district, in the Eastern Region of Sierra Leone, where opportunities were limited. But I always had this self-belief that I wanted to make a positive contribution to my country. As a child born during the civil war period in Sierra Leone, I witnessed frequent loss of life, as many of my extended family and friends succumbed to the deadly Ebola epidemic. As a result, I grew up with my extended family, surrounded by cousins and close friends who had been orphaned after the Ebola scourge. 

My country is also known as Sierra Lowa which means Lion Mountain. Sierra Leone is blessed with natural minerals like gold, diamond, bauxite, iron ore and lot more. There are many rivers, streams, beautiful beach shores and green woods. Sierra Leone is rich in national resources which are still unexplored. The population is estimated at over 7 million and it is made up of sixteen ethnic groups. Sierra Leone is a country that enjoys religious tolerance between the Muslims and Christians. Sierra Leoneans are honest, helpful, friendly, fun loving and peaceful people. 

Q: What was your experience of the global pandemic crisis? Did it change your life and/or your views about the world? If so, how?

I have had a lot of doubts during this pandemic. It is clear that everyone around the globe is feeling it too and, despite the public health and financial hardships we’re all facing, it’s comforting to have family and friends to talk to. I have been freer with my emotions, weeping easily over public displays of singing in the streets, online musical collaborations, and food drives. Anything that shows the generosity of the human heart opens my heart right up. It’s been wonderful watching people around the world care for one another and make each other laugh. 

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

Lack of good medical facilities and institutional breakdown within the government which has contributed to poor healthcare delivery. Limited opportunities for women and girls. Poverty and illiteracy rates in our country are very high, and my fellow women and girls are victims of these statistics. They are disadvantaged with limited opportunities to attend school and have little understanding of their rights. 

Q: Can you share with us some of the hurdles that you have had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them? 

In my country and Africa as a whole, it is widely believed that men have a better shot at leadership positions in the public space. It is tough being a young woman aspiring to be a better leader in a male dominated society. I persevere in doing what I am passionate about, and always go for what I want by aiming my eyes on the prize and not to giving up. 

Q: If you were to ask one thing from our current leaders, what would it be?

I would love to ask for the opportunity to pursue my dream to be an advocate for women, community leader/organizer through scholarship opportunities. 

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

It is important to me because I am learning many valuable lessons from my mentor. As Benjamin Franklin said, "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." With a mentor, I tapped into a wealth of knowledge that got me up to speed faster and shortened that learning curve. 

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share? 

I shouldn’t be taking the blame for things I can't control. I have learnt that there is no way I can make everyone happy around me, no matter how much I want to, which is a key life lesson for me. 

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives!

Smart Girls Initiative Sierra Leone, an organization I founded. I organized the 2020 Girls talent festival and documentary night with the theme: “Artistry at its Best by Harmonizing Talents: Maximizing Skills.” This festival served as an avenue where young girls could showcase their knowledge and skills in all learning areas. It was a platform where young girls shared their talents in front of professionals from all walks of life. It was a capacity-building initiative, aimed at addressing challenging issues affecting young girls and women in our society. 

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?

Our women and girls in Sierra Leone face challenges with child marriage, teenage pregnancy and targeted violence.

Q: Share with us a phrase, a poem or a story that you love or you find interesting!

Child marriage is not just about a wedding day; it holds girls back for the rest of their lives. It means that girls usually drop out of school and start their own family. It denies them the opportunities that will create a better life for themselves and their families. It prevents them from contributing to their communities and societies. 

Q: Can you share with us a project that you would like to make happen for your country or a cause that you are passionate about? 

I am passionate about tackling some of the disturbing figures on violence against women and girls in our society. I want to raise awareness about these alarming issues affecting women and girls, with my organization (Smart Girls Initiative) which I am passionate about. That is why I took it upon myself and decided to create a platform by organizing a yearly event called: GIRLS TALENT FESTIVAL AND DOCUMENTARY NIGHT.