Karima Amadi is a UN Volunteer Support Officer with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). A native of Afghanistan, she has worked in human resources, administration, and programme management in various United Nations agencies. For Karima, working in systems that weren’t built for women in mind is nothing new. And this experience has made her a staunch supporter of inclusion, especially regarding gender in peacekeeping roles.
“My UN Volunteer assignment gives me a platform to promote inclusion," Karima says. “In spaces where women’s perspectives are often overlooked, I have tried to make sure they are part of the decision-making process.”
Karima grew up seeing very structured gender roles. What women can and cannot do, and the limitations placed on them. Entering the workforce and later supporting international development, she saw the same trajectory where leadership roles were quite often dominated by men.
I’ve had to prove myself more than once. There’s often an assumption that women are less capable in roles involving governance or crisis response. Pushing back against that has been part of my job.”
Karima also works closely in recruitment. She says it is important to get that gender balance right. These may be small actions, she says, but necessary in trying to change the status quo.
For her, volunteering like a woman means standing tall in male-dominated spaces and making sure women's voices are heard.
“Do not let society define your worth. There will be moments when you feel your contributions are being overlooked, but every step forward matters. Volunteerism is not just about giving; it’s about shifting the narrative of what women can and should achieve.”