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  "path": "/2026/04/29/my-journey-as-an-awa-empowerher-fellow-taking-on-leadership-and-making-an-impact/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-29T16:00:06.000Z",
  "site": "https://diff.wikimedia.org",
  "tags": [
    "African\nWikipedian Alliance (AWA)",
    "EmpowerHer\nProject",
    "Code for Africa (CfA)",
    "European Partnership\nfor Democracy (EPD)",
    "Michael\nDiala",
    "Ramatu Haliru",
    "Blessing\nOjewuyi",
    "Bukola James",
    "52 contributions",
    "32 new Wikidata items",
    "Solange Swiri\nTumasang",
    "Arrey-Echi\nAgbor-Ndakaw",
    "Halima Farah\nGodane",
    "event page"
  ],
  "textContent": "Being an AWA Fellow has been a defining phase in my life.\n\nThe African\nWikipedian Alliance (AWA) **EmpowerHer\nProject** is a fellowship supported by Code for Africa (CfA) in partnership with the European Partnership\nfor Democracy (EPD). It brought together four female African Wikipedians-in-Residence under AWA to support experienced Wikimedians in closing the gender gap and increasing the visibility of African women on Wikipedia and Wikidata.\n\nI remember that while applying for this fellowship, I wrote: “ _If I can learn so much as a participant, I will definitely learn more as a fellow_.”And looking back now, that became my reality.\n\nThose weeks were filled with learning, stepping out of my comfort zone, thinking on my feet, and taking responsibility for others. I intentionally supported each participant who showed interest in the project, ensuring that both newbies and experienced editors stayed on track. I made a conscious effort to carry everyone along and create a sense of belonging.\n\nI also deeply appreciate my participants. Their eagerness to learn and the energy they brought into every session gave me so much joy. Watching them contribute, ask questions, and stay committed became one of the most fulfilling parts of the journey for me.\n\nThe feedback I received meant a lot, and at some point I told myself, yes, this is it. You are doing a great job.\n\nThere were also challenges along the way. The network provider I had been using became frustrating at a critical time. Interestingly, the very day I received my acceptance email into the AWA EmpowerHer Fellowship was the day I decided to switch networks, and I made a decision not to let network issues stand in the way of this opportunity.\n\nOne of the biggest shifts for me was in communication. Before the fellowship, I expressed myself more through writing. I preferred being behind the keyboard. But during this journey, I grew into speaking more confidently. I facilitated sessions, and engaged in one-on-one mentorship with participants.\n\nI also guided participants on the importance of using email as a professional communication tool. Through this, they became more familiar with Google Workspace by engaging with surveys, invitations, and structured communication that supported a more professional workflow.\n\nCollaboration played a huge role in this experience. I worked with community leads like Michael\nDiala, and Ramatu Haliru for participant recruitment. I also collaborated with Blessing\nOjewuyi to facilitate training sessions, and her support remained consistent and invaluable throughout.\n\nThis journey would not have been as smooth without the constant support of our community coordinator, Bukola James. Her responsiveness, attention to detail, and commitment to ensuring all fellows succeeded made a key difference.\n\nOne of my personal goals was to recruit new participants, especially women, and I am proud to say that this goal was achieved.Out of the **22** participants who joined the project, **12** were newbies, marking a significant step in expanding the community.\n\nA total of **\n52 contributions** were made, including **20** improved Wikipedia articles and the creation of **\n32 new Wikidata items**. These efforts focused on documenting notable African women from **Cameroon** , **Somalia** , and **Sudan** , thereby contributing to improved representation and recognition of their achievements.\n\n## **Notable Examples of Created Items**\n\n  * **Solange Swiri\nTumasang** : Cameroonian gender and child protection advocate and General Coordinator of the Network of Women-Led CSOs in Cameroon (NEWOLEC).\n  * **Arrey-Echi\nAgbor-Ndakaw** : Recipient of multiple recognitions, including the Cell 101 International Advocate of the Year (2019), World Pulse Spirit Award (Encourager Category, 2020), and Deaf Women Breaking Barriers Award (2021). She was also named a WILD (Women in Leadership & Disability) Woman.\n  * **Halima Farah\nGodane** : Founder of the Somali Women Solidarity Organization (SWSO).\n\n\n\nMore details are available on the \nevent page to explore the full impact of the project.\n\nThis fellowship has helped me grow, take on leadership, and become more confident in my abilities.",
  "title": "My Journey as an AWA EmpowerHer Fellow: Taking on Leadership and\nMaking an Impact"
}