By Kossi Messanh Tsenou, Senior Communication Officer

Teresa’s five years with FAWE have been marked by transformative achievements, unwavering dedication, and a vision for a brighter future for girls’ education in Africa. Her leadership continues to inspire her colleagues, partners, and the countless girls whose lives have been changed by FAWE’s work.  

Teresa is driven by a lifelong passion for creating positive change and building more inclusive and equitable societies. As an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, she specializes in human rights, gender, and social inclusion, with 19 years work experience in the non-governmental sector. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Teresa is a wife and mother of two. She finds joy in adventure travels and immersing herself in different cultures. When asked what she would do in her next life, she firmly asserts that she would once again dedicate herself to championing the rights of children and women, she would not make a different choice. 

Significant Achievements and Lasting Impact 

During her five-year tenure, Teresa has played pivotal role in some of FAWE’s most notable accomplishments such as the 2019-2023 Strategic Plan, which was launched by H.E. Macky Sall, the then President of Senegal, in February 2020 at the Committee of Ten (C10)  on Education Science and Technology ordinary meeting at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, and the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, unveiled by the Zambian Minister of Education, Hon. Douglas Syakalima, in Lusaka in January 2024. Teresa significantly contributed to FAWE’s growth in funding partnerships. Her direct involvement in securing 12 key partnerships has been particularly impactful. Notably, she helped secure two significant grants from Mastercard Foundation: $5 million grant from the for the Imarisha Msichana programme in Kenya, aimed at reducing incidences of teenage pregnancy in 20 Counties of Kenya and over $182 million in support for a seven-year initiative across ten African countries, providing young women and men with a second chance at tertiary education. She also played pivotal role in securing the grants from the Netherlands Government, FAWE working in consortiums; Break Free Alliance and Make Way Consortium and the Global Affairs grant through IDRC a project on Knowledge, Innovation Exchange in East Africa targeting refugee and internally displaced persons in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. 

One of Teresa’s most proud achievements is the Women in Political Participation programme, which focuses on identifying and nurturing female leadership from primary school through university. This project supported by the Swedish Government through International IDEA, FAWE has developed a school model leadership curriculum for primary schools which will pave way for a generation of empowered women who will drive Africa’s development. 

A Passion for Empowerment and Change 

In joining FAWE, Teresa was drawn to the extensive geographical reach and FAWE’s impact on girls’ lives across the

continent. A turning point for greater purpose was in her first mission attending a graduation ceremony for FAWE scholars in Rwanda. The powerful testimonies of these young women, who had overcome immense challenges to succeed academically, deeply moved Teresa and reinforced her commitment to education not only as a foundational element of women empowerment but also the key to unlocking the potential of women across Africa. 

Driving Organizational Growth and Innovation 

As a strong advocate of organisation growth, Teresa has deliberately worked with FAWE national chapters to increase their vibrancy and championed for investing in FAWE’s human resources as the greatest asset of an institution. She has influenced improved human resource policies and procedures, contributing to a more motivated and effective workforce. FAWE formidable teams continue to propel innovative models that have changed the education ecosystem in Africa. For example, Comprehensive scholarships and Gender Responsive Pedagogy; FAWE is the only organization known to cover costs of nannies for teenage mothers, enabling the teen mums to return to school and focus on their education.  

Looking to the Future 

FAWE continuing to be a thought leader in girls’ education in Africa and expanding its reach to all 54 African countries is Teresa’s desire. She commits to continued strengthening FAWE’s national chapters, cultivating a dynamic and fulfilled workforce, and securing the financial resources needed to achieve these goals.  

A Call to Action 

Teresa reflects on the challenges of girls’ education in Africa, particularly the deep-rooted gender biases that persist in many societies. She advocates for continued efforts to promote gender-responsive policies, laws, and practices, as well as innovative education models that support girls and women. She desires convergence—where efforts to champion for the rights of girls and boys lead to a more equitable society. She aptly puts it, “The context of championing for girls’ or boys’ rights are different and based on different experiences. It is never a competition of the two sexes; instead, we should all aspire for convergence for equity that translates to equality.”