I’m Bhekinkosi Bhanxa a second year student at the University of Zimbabwe studying towards a BA Honours Degree in Multilingual Communication Translation and Interpretation. As a female student leader attending this year’s LEMHs training program was an achievement since I had a lot to learn from the training and my leadership skills were enhanced in several ways. From this training program I did not only get empowered but I was also encouraged inspired, motivated and educated. It was only through this training program that I got to fully understand the importance of having a personal plan, this helped me to come up with a clear and well, structured career goals as an individual.
The LEMHs training program was fully packed with a lot of information that inspired me in various ways. Upon learning about the human and women rights, I realized that women can also take up any leadership position. I was inspired to take up leadership positions in political spaces. I was also inspired to be financially independent because where there is money there is power. All the thematic areas that were taught during the training are of equal importance but my passion and interest as an individual is in leadership and advocacy, this is because I always want to be that person who brings change and leave a clear demonstration of good leadership.
Leadership skills have been enhanced especially on leading by example, being a good listener, accommodating everyone with their different flows and traits, tolerance, engagement with the people, observant, less talking and more action and talk last after listening to the views and points of others. I have noticed several changes in terms of my leadership skills due to the training that I received, for instance I always wanted to be the one talking but now I wait and give others a chance to speak and express themselves. Also before the leadership training program I was very intolerant but now I have noticed some change. Some of these skills that I have learnt I am applying them in meetings, public gatherings, in discussions and even at a personal level. Now im facing new challenges like lack of the same empowerment and knowledge on these leadership skills with those that are around me. So such topics like leadership I feel like they are required by everyone in life.
In the next ten years to come as a skilled, trained and empowered LEMHs Alumni I see myself as a prominent human rights lawyer, as a prominent influential female politician, a powerful speaker and advocate for young girls and women. I also see myself as a founder of an organisation that supports the participation of young women and youths in politics, also a founder of an outstanding orphanage in the country.