Case Studies
Rashidatu Iddrisah
"The first day we started the programme we had an intense discussion on whether leaders are born or made. After the discussion, all of us in the group acknowledged that all of us have an ability to lead – your skills and strength as a person makes you a leader."
Name: Rashidatu Iddrisah
Position: Programmes Manager
Company: CAMFED – Campaign for Female Education
Industry: Not-for-profit
Programme and year attended: Africa Venture 2018
Hometown (City, Country): Tamale, Ghana
- What are you most passionate about?
I had a tough childhood. There were several points in my childhood when I had given up on getting an education. But thanks to my teachers, family, friends and CAMFED, I was able to complete my education. This is why I am passionate about seeing young girls from rural communities have the chance for an education so they can be empowered and as a result strengthen their families and communities. For me, my job at CAMFED is more than just a job: it is my calling.
- What was your biggest learning from the programme?
The first day we started the programme we had an intense discussion on whether leaders are born or made. After the discussion, all of us in the group acknowledged that all of us have an ability to lead – your skills and strength as a person makes you a leader. These becomes your influence, powerful tools that you can use to change the status quo or to make an impact. There’s also a reciprocity between a leader and their team members. An inclusive leader recognizes that a member of the team would have the strength or skills that they lack so they rely on that person to get the job done. In this instance, the team member becomes the leader.
- What is your favourite memory of Common Purpose?
During the programme we had a group coaching exercise, where one member of the group shares their challenges and the rest of the group helps to provide solutions. I remember I became very emotional when I shared a personal family problem involving my brothers alcoholism. One member of the group went through the same thing with her brother and she was very instrumental for me to realize that we needed to seek professional help if the family intervention is no longer working. Back in April, I am so proud to say my brother was released from the rehabilitation center and has been doing amazingly well since his release.
I had a tough childhood. There were several points in my childhood when I had given up on getting an education. But thanks to my teachers, family, friends and CAMFED, I was able to complete my education. This is why I am passionate about seeing young girls from rural communities have the chance for an education so they can be empowered and as a result strengthen their families and communities. For me, my job at CAMFED is more than just a job: it is my calling.
The first day we started the programme we had an intense discussion on whether leaders are born or made. After the discussion, all of us in the group acknowledged that all of us have an ability to lead – your skills and strength as a person makes you a leader. These becomes your influence, powerful tools that you can use to change the status quo or to make an impact. There’s also a reciprocity between a leader and their team members. An inclusive leader recognizes that a member of the team would have the strength or skills that they lack so they rely on that person to get the job done. In this instance, the team member becomes the leader.
During the programme we had a group coaching exercise, where one member of the group shares their challenges and the rest of the group helps to provide solutions. I remember I became very emotional when I shared a personal family problem involving my brothers alcoholism. One member of the group went through the same thing with her brother and she was very instrumental for me to realize that we needed to seek professional help if the family intervention is no longer working. Back in April, I am so proud to say my brother was released from the rehabilitation center and has been doing amazingly well since his release.