UPG Viewer

31 Years Old

Ethiopia

Female

Yes! That is really who you are!

I have a diverse background as a gender and food security expert, with a deep commitment to advocating for sustainable and inclusive development. My journey began with an educational foundation in gender studies and food security, which sparked my passion for addressing the intersecting challenges of gender inequality and access to resources. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with various organizations, including CIAT, ILRI, Interpeace, and others, where I’ve developed expertise in gender policy, climate-smart agriculture, and community empowerment.

Throughout my career, I have focused on understanding and amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, particularly rural women, to inform policy and drive change. My research on home gardening and its impact on food security has been a cornerstone of my work, allowing me to explore sustainable solutions that improve the livelihoods of rural households. I’ve presented my findings at international conferences and engaged in policy dialogues, advocating for gender-inclusive practices in agriculture.

Additionally, my role as a volunteer and consultant has allowed me to work directly with communities, where I’ve witnessed the power of grassroots initiatives in driving meaningful change. I’ve been honored with awards for my contributions to gender and food security research, and these experiences have reinforced my dedication to making a difference through evidence-based advocacy and collaborative approaches.

Overall, my journey has been shaped by a commitment to creating a more equitable world through research, advocacy, and capacity building. I continue to seek opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to efforts that support gender equality and sustainable development on both local and global scales.

I am capable of being a UPG Sustainability Leader due to my strong background in gender and food security, combined with excellent analytical, research, and leadership skills. My collaborative mindset allows me to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders, fostering partnerships that drive impactful sustainability initiatives. I bring a deep commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that solutions are tailored to meet the needs of all community members. My adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills enable me to navigate complex challenges and inspire collective action towards sustainability goals. Additionally, my passion for sustainable development and continuous learning drives me to stay updated on best practices and innovations, making me well-equipped to lead and advocate for a more equitable and sustainable world.

One of my key strengths is my **collaborative mindset**, which I used effectively when leading a project on promoting gender-inclusive climate-smart agriculture practices in rural communities. In this project, I brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including local farmers, NGOs, government officials, and private sector partners, to develop and implement sustainable farming techniques that would improve food security and resilience to climate change.

To ensure the success of the initiative, I facilitated workshops that encouraged open dialogue, allowing each stakeholder to share their insights, challenges, and expertise. By fostering a collaborative environment, we were able to co-create solutions that were both practical and culturally appropriate. For example, we integrated traditional farming knowledge with modern sustainable practices, which not only increased acceptance among the local farmers but also enhanced the overall effectiveness of the intervention.

This collaborative approach led to the successful adoption of climate-smart practices by the community, resulting in improved crop yields and resilience against weather fluctuations. Additionally, by involving female farmers and emphasizing gender equity, the project empowered women and ensured that the benefits were shared across all community members. This experience reinforced the power of collaboration in achieving meaningful and sustainable outcomes, and it remains a cornerstone of my approach to driving positive change.

Yes, I have experience as a volunteer, specifically at the Meserete Kristos Church Relief and Development Association, where I served as a child and youth officer. In this role, I worked closely with young people, providing mentorship, organizing educational programs, and supporting various community development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children and youth in underserved areas. My responsibilities included designing and implementing activities that promoted personal development, leadership skills, and community engagement among the youth.

Through this volunteer experience, I learned the importance of empathy, patience, and the value of empowering individuals to become active contributors to their communities. It taught me how to connect with people different background

Graduate: I have completed a graduate degree (e.g. I have a Masters degree or PhD)

If I were to lead a sustainability-related project in my community, I would focus on establishing a **community-based homestead gardening initiative** aimed at improving food security and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. This project would empower households, particularly women and marginalized groups, to grow their own nutritious food using climate-smart and resource-efficient techniques, such as composting, rainwater harvesting, and organic pest management.

The reason for choosing this project is rooted in my extensive research and experience in gender and food security, where I have seen the profound impact that accessible, small-scale agriculture can have on household nutrition, economic stability, and community resilience. Homestead gardening not only enhances food security by providing fresh, diverse, and nutritious produce but also reduces the environmental footprint by minimizing food transportation and encouraging the use of organic methods.

Moreover, this project would foster community collaboration and knowledge sharing, as participants could exchange seeds, tips, and experiences, creating a supportive network that strengthens local food systems. It would also provide educational opportunities, teaching participants about sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and the importance of environmental stewardship.

By focusing on homestead gardening, the project would directly address multiple sustainability goals, including zero hunger, gender equality, and climate action, making it a holistic and impactful initiative for the community. Ultimately, this project would not only improve food security and livelihoods but also inspire a greater sense of agency and resilience among community members, driving long-term positive change.

Implementing a community-based homestead gardening initiative may face challenges such as limited access to resources, resistance to adopting new practices, lack of gardening knowledge, and ensuring long-term engagement. To overcome these, I would seek partnerships with local organizations for resource support, involve community leaders to build trust and demonstrate benefits, provide comprehensive training and ongoing technical support, and foster a sense of ownership and accountability through community groups. By addressing these challenges proactively, the project can effectively improve food security and promote sustainable practices within the community.

About 50 people

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