Siphosami Rugare Tsikirai is a law student at Africa University. Her passion lies in leadership, law and governance. I would like to be a diplomat; I believe that diplomacy and international cooperation can address pressing national and global issues that affect young women.

With such conviction, being part of the 2024/2025 LEMHs class has equipped to be a leader who will implement effective and meaningful change at community, national and global levels. With discussions on young women and intersectionality, marginalisation of women in public leadership and governance, I am motivated to advocate for the increase in the participation of women in leadership. “True leadership lies in the ability to amplify the voices of the marginalised and under-represented”.

Through the bootcamp I have valued the teamwork and networking. In a world of challenges, the power of teamwork and advocacy knows no bounds”. I have gained the necessary advocacy skills to promote young women’s rights, to ensure their voices are heard, to address marginalisation of women in taking up leadership and also how to address critical global challenges such as climate change. I am overwhelmed with the knowledge imparted in me and I cannot wait to empower other young people.

My plan after the bootcamp is to have a “Girls in Leadership” movement which aims to increase participation of young women in leadership in various areas of their lives, including personal, schools, church, communities and all other platforms that give them the opportunity to represent themselves adequately.