After a great experience in the private sector as Programme Manager for the company Pwrdby based in Los Angeles and with, in my heart, the invigorating memories of a thrilling internship at the United Nations Headquarters in Peacekeeping Operations with the West Africa Integrated Operational Team (WAIOT), I gained valuable tools like design thinking methodology, nonprofit fundraising mechanisms, political analysis and risk management. At that time, becoming a UN Volunteer seemed to be a mandatory step to prove one’s value in the field, autonomy and drive. I chose to be a UN Volunteer in my own country because of an inner feeling that giving back should start in one’s own door and that I had gained enough exposure to valuable tools to be able to bring something new to the table. 

Shamimu Siraji’s passion is enhacing the role of information technology in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During 2019 International Volunteer Day celebrations, Shamimu was honoured for her commitment as a UN Volunteer Information Technology Associate, serving with the UN Sub-office for Zanzibar, Tanzania, receiving the "Volunteer of the Year Award".  Shamimu shares her perspective.

Today, 6 February marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and in Kenya, this year’s celebrations are being held in Isiolo County, led by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). The theme is Unleashing Youth Power: One decade of accelerating actions for zero female genital mutilation. In the build up to this event, a youth caravan travelled through four FGM hotspot counties of Samburu, Isiolo, Meru and Embu, raising awareness among young people of the fight against FGM, and the successes so far.  Aisha Hussein, 25, an anti-FGM Youth Activist from Isiolo County and an FGM survivor, led the caravan. Lucas Odhiambo, one of our National UN Youth Volunteers was there to tell her story.