In seeking to understand and address global inequalities, I have come to see gender as a structural dimension that cuts across them, with women and girls being affected by all forms of crises and inequalities in distinct and disproportionate ways. I therefore believe that sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing the deep-rooted gendered norms and power structures that shape people’s lives unequally. 

Although not exclusively focused on gender, the course that left the deepest impression on me was “Global Poverty,” taught by Olivier De Schutter, former UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights. Amongst other aspects, the course taught me how the mainstream economic growth logic underpinning many poverty eradication policies disregards care work, and how differently and disproportionately poverty affects women and girls.

After one year working on education policy for sustainable peace at UNESCO, I will soon focus on the localisation of development programmes through civil society engagement at the African Development Bank. Looking ahead, I am eager to keep contributing to the fight against inequality, addressing the structural root causes of poverty and discrimination, and promoting truly inclusive development for all.