Mar 08, 2017
I live in a country where almost every one lacks access to affordable and constant electricity and to most basic social services.
In fact, less than 10% of the population has access to electricity from the national grid – imagine that?
When I started working in this area I had no energy background. However, I believed that my expertise in Project Planning and Management could help me make a significant difference in the implementation of this renewable energy project and in the lives of project beneficiaries. At the very least, I thought I could learn something new, so I took the plunge and I’ve fallen in love with the work and the sector!
The energy landscape in Liberia is in its infancy and there are not very many women in this field. And in general, because of job scarcity in my country there is also a lack of opportunities for young women. They always ask me how I got my professional ‘break'. My advice to them is always to seek learning first, then jobs and money will seek them later. I also encourage them to intern with institutions they are interested in and to build their CVs for at least a year or two, learn everything there is to know about the position they want so they are in a stronger position to apply when the opportunity presents itself.
Outside the energy field, I am inspired by Dambisa Moyo, the author of ‘Dead Aid’. She’s a woman, she’s an African, and she's an economist. Her radical views on aid lend a voice to the discourse on Africa’s development or the lack thereof. Add to that her personal accomplishments at such a young age and her story motivates me to continue striving to be the best I can be and to make a difference in any way that I can.
