Yunga Empowers Girls and Women

I hail from Zangtembeng, a vibrant rural community in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. My upbringing, deeply rooted in subsistence agriculture, ignited my passion for advocating for the rights of rural women, especially within the agricultural domain. 

My academic foundation includes the Master in International Development from Sciences Po’s PSIA, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Development Studies from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Buea, Cameroon. In essence, my background and the rich experiences from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po have carved a path for me to become an advocate and empowerer, deeply committed to catalysing change in the communities I serve. 

During my time at Sciences Po, one of the most memorable experiences was attending the Scholars retreat, which was transformative. It was there that I truly connected with fellow Scholars, understanding their journeys and personal narratives. This immersive experience allowed me to confront and reconcile with facets of myself I'd previously shielded.

Volunteering with Sciences Po Refugee Help (SPRH), I had the opportunity to teach menstrual hygiene classes at various refugee centres in Paris, to advocate for asylum seekers' rights, and even to educate students about the complexities of immigrating. This hands-on experience reinforced the values I uphold and highlighted the critical role of education and advocacy in shaping global narratives. Also, participating in the Paris Peace Forum reinforced my belief in global cooperation. These engagements significantly molded my worldview and commitment to positive change. 

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po has been more than just financial support for me; it's been a holistic experience. This program gave me the privilege of being part of a community filled with intelligent, kind-hearted young people who have since become invaluable to me. Beyond that, the Foundation consistently opened doors for learning, networking, and personal growth. 

When I first received the scholarship award email, a mix of emotions engulfed me: excitement, happiness, fear... In addition to the main missions of the Scholars Program, the team organised enriching workshops and retreats, which helped me discover myself and find the emotional support I needed while I was away from my family.

Getting to connect with other scholars definitely made me feel much more connected to the continent. As members of the Mastercard Foundation student community, we often got together for activities like networking events, dinners, and regular get-togethers where we talked a lot about the African continent. We learned from each other's different experiences and backgrounds as we looked into the growth strategies and policies of our home countries. This intellectual group was a great source of support, making it feel like a second home even though we were far from our home countries.

Absolutely. As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at Sciences Po, I studied gender dynamics in depth. I launched Agro-Venture, a social enterprise aimed at empowering rural women  in 17 rural communities in the North and Southwest regions of Cameroon with the best agricultural practices, educating women on climate change, biodiversity, etc.

As the founder of Women Corner, a community-based NGO, I was also able to establish gender school clubs and create gender impact assessment guides in Cameroon's conflicted regions. We led a Know Your Rights campaign in the face of police violence amid the continuing Anglophone conflict that was aimed at educating teenage girls on their rights as rape incidence were increasing.

I had the opportunity to intern at the Food and Agriculture Organization in Ghana, which further broadened my knowledge of gender issues in agriculture. These endeavours are testament to my unwavering dedication to championing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically SDG 5 (gender equality) and women's empowerment and rights. 

I'd say: remain authentic and deeply connected to the challenges you wish to address. The Mastercard Foundation values individuals who not only display academic excellence but also demonstrate a commitment to creating lasting change in their communities. It’s essential to articulate your vision, the impact you wish to achieve, and how studying at Sciences Po aligns with that journey.

Lastly, perseverance is key. Face challenges head-on, learn continuously, and never lose sight of your goals.