Nankya Teopistar Joins the Women of Action
“As a young woman, if I was not educated, I would seem invaluable to my community. Because I live in a patriarchal society, I would only be good for marriage and having children. I live in a society where women are presumed to be weaker than their male counterparts, but with a university degree, now even men respect me because my education is a manifestation of my brilliance, commitment and focus.” Nankya Teopistar.
Teopistar is one of the most recent Action in Africa Scholarship Program graduates. She joined the program at the age of 11 in 2011 when she was only in Primary 5. From then on, she has been a big part of the AIA family, visiting the centre often, volunteering with us and pursuing her education. She graduated from Makerere University Kampala with an undergraduate degree in Business Administration this year on February 3rd from the university’s business school. Teopistar now joins a league of women of action, empowered by our programs to create change and impact within their communities and a sustainable future for themselves and their families.
Recent data shows that only 53% of girls aged 6-12 are reported to complete the required seven years of primary education, and merely 22.5% of the female Ugandan population as a whole enrol in secondary education. The United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative reported that more than 700,000 girls in Uganda between 6- and 12-years-old have never attended school. With such grim figures, we think it is impossible to impact the community without having deliberate initiatives targeted at improving the capacity of women. Teopistar shared some of her views about education for women and girls in her community, and her plans.
“I believe I have been a good example for many girls in my community, the truth is that a lot of girls I grew up with have now become mothers with families, failing to complete their education. It is not very much their fault, but a result of the community we live in, where the education of girls is underlooked. So having gotten an opportunity to study on the Action in Africa Scholarship, I was always very committed to ensuring that I finish my education so that I can show everyone that girls are focused and committed. I am very proud of myself, and many young girls now know that it is possible to study and get a degree.”
Now that she has attained this huge milestone, Teopistar is not ready to stop. She shared with us her big plans for the future ahead.
“I have big plans for my future, I am hoping to find employment or create my own business, and after that, I would like to pursue a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) so that I can raise my value even higher, not only for my academic pursuits but also to increase my employment opportunities,” she said. “Education opens doors for those who pursue it, especially women. I also look up to women like Aunt Sarah (Sarah Nininger) who have helped me and my community realize our full potential. I would also like to help my community like them. I hope all young girls keep on dreaming big because I know that all our dreams are possible”
Women play a vital role in the success of a community. We are proud of Teopistar for being a woman of Action who makes the best out of life’s hindrances. We absolutely can't wait to see all the amazing things life has in store for her.
