My name is Cecilia Anzoa Irama Michelle, a student at Strathmore University pursuing a Diploma in International Relations (DIR). As part of my program requirements, I was required to complete a minimum of three months in an industry-based attachment. The purpose of this attachment was to give me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in my field of study. Internship is essential for personal and professional growth, providing valuable tools for career building. It allowed me gain practical skills, develop expertise, explore career paths, build my network, and strengthen my resume.
I applied for UWONET internship program expressing my passion for advancing women’s rights and promoting gender equality in Uganda. Inspired by my recent research on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment as a Paradigm for Development in Uganda, “I was eager to join the women’s movement and gain insight into the organizational side of gender advocacy. UWONET recognized my enthusiasm and offered me an internship, which I began just two weeks after submitting my application”.
At first, I was introduced to UWONET’s core values that include unity in diversity, women’s dignity, justice, equality, and accountability. I was also tasked to go through documents i.e. reports, bulletins and the current strategic plan to better understand UWONET’s work. The orientation process helped me efficiently fulfill my tasks, as it clarified how my responsibilities aligned with the organization’s mission to transform gender relations and advocate for women’s rights in Uganda. Understanding these expectations made it easier to navigate my internship successfully.
During my internship, I took an active role in minute writing, rapporteuring, developing concept notes, and supporting my supervisor in doing various tasks. I also assisted in drafting reports and attended numerous meetings to represent and document key points. A highlight of my experience was my involvement in the 16 Days of Activism campaign, where I helped organize awareness-raising events at universities and cultural institutions to spotlight gender-based violence issues. This project allowed me to contribute meaningfully to outreach efforts and deepened my understanding of advocacy in action.
How the program helped Cecilia grow, develop and strengthen her skills.
Career & Self Development: The internship reinforced my passion for policy advocacy and gender equality. I now have a clearer direction for pursuing a career in development studies and philosophy, with a focus on women’s rights.
Communication: Through regular meetings, report writing, and participation in advocacy campaigns, I enhanced both my written and verbal communication skills. This improvement was especially noticeable during public engagements, where I had the opportunity to present on behalf of the organization.
Equity & Inclusion: Working in the Knowledge Management, Voice, and Accountability department deepened my understanding of the importance of gender equity. I participated in advocacy efforts aimed at fostering an inclusive environment for women in politics and promoting economic transformation
Leadership: I assumed leadership roles, particularly during the 2022 International Women’s Day event, where I coordinated various tasks and represented UWONET in stakeholder engagements.
Professionalism: This experience taught me the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, particularly in balancing workload with personal commitments. I consistently met deadlines, managed tasks independently, and upheld a professional demeanor in all interactions.
Team Work: I collaborated closely with the programs team on various projects, including organizing and planning for UWONET’s public events. Through this experience, I learned to appreciate the contributions of each team member.
Technology and new methodologies of work: I enhanced my digital design skills by creating social media flyers, which significantly boosted UWONET’s online presence. Additionally, I became proficient in Microsoft Office tools for report writing and presentations.
Critical thinking: I applied my theoretical knowledge to real-world issues, with a particular focus on stakeholder analysis and advocacy work. This experience enhanced my critical thinking skills regarding policy implications and their effects on women at the grassroot level.
What sparked her interest in UWONET, and how it aligns with her future career goals?
Her practical experience with gender issues in Uganda inspired her understanding of this field. Working with UWONET reaffirmed her passion for finding sustainable solutions to Africa’s unique challenges. She is particularly interested in the intersection of feminism and development, and committed to contributing to a future where women and girls experience dignity and equity in all aspects of life.
During her internship, she made her most significant contributions within the Programs team, specifically in the Knowledge Management, Voice, and Accountability department. She supported on various advocacy campaigns, communications and report writing. She took the initiative to enhance UWONET’s digital presence by creating social media flyers for different campaigns. Although she had no prior experience in this area, she conducted necessary research to develop the skills and utilized helpful organizational tools such as Canva and PosterMyWall. She also valued the feedback from the team, which played a crucial role in improving her abilities.
Throughout my internship, I quickly recognized the importance of effective time management and my responsibilities. To streamline my workflow, I adhered to a structured work plan that prioritized my daily tasks. Arriving at the office by 8:30 AM allowed me to thoroughly review my assignments. I also utilized my breaks strategically to check in with my supervisor and team members. By setting daily goals and consistently updating my progress, I successfully met deadlines and avoided last-minute pressure.
My dress code at UWONET was business casual, reinforcing the need for professional presentation. I ensured that I maintained a neat and modest appearance throughout my internship, which helped me convey a professional image during meetings and interactions with external stakeholders. Living a considerable distance from the UWONET office in Ntinda posed some challenges, particularly with traffic congestion. To navigate this, I opted to use boda boda for my daily commute, a choice that proved beneficial as it provided me with valuable time to mentally prepare for the day ahead.
One big assignment for me, was crafting the press statement for the 2022 International Women’s Day. Given the urgency of the task, it required a collective effort from the entire team. I conducted numerous research, drafted, and revised the statement in collaboration with the programs team. The result was a successful public release that garnered significant media attention.
Language barriers presented significant challenges when interacting with women in communities where Luganda and Lusoga are spoken, particularly during fieldwork trips, as I do not understand either language. To overcome this obstacle, I sought translation support from colleagues during meetings and engagements.
The internship exceeded my expectations in numerous ways. I gained invaluable hands-on experience in advocacy and policy work, enhanced my professional skills, and connected with a dedicated network of feminists. This experience thoroughly prepared me for other opportunities that included the PISCA Mentorship Program at FIDA-U in 2023.
I encourage future interns to ask questions whenever they feel uncertain, take initiative whenever possible, and fully immerse themselves in the experience. This internship offers a valuable opportunity for both personal and professional growth.
Cecilia is a top performer, hardworking, self-driven, and completes all assigned tasks with dedication. In her first few months, she was relatively new to the field, but she approached each challenge with courage, embracing the learning curve and collaborating closely with the team. Her competence was quickly recognized, and she received the “Rising Star” award from UWONET’s Executive Director. Our work environment is dynamic and demands flexibility to manage numerous activities, and Cecilia excelled under pressure, demonstrating adaptability and resilience throughout.
Sarah Jesca Agwang – Director of Programs
“Cecilia possesses a strong spirit of volunteerism, punctual, an effective communicator, and very hardworking. She quickly adjusts when given feedback, consistently asks questions to clarify any uncertainties, and works with impressive speed”
