2020
Aweqawe (Q) Mda
- Age: 19
- | She/her/hers
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As youth, we need to fight to eradicate gender inequality and increase the number of young people in the forefront of decision making. If we are to fight for girls' and women’s rights, we need boys and men to be with us. Together, we stand a greater chance at success.
- Aweqawe (Q) Mda
Bio
Aweqawe (Q) Mda was born an raised in South Africa. She currently attends The British Academy. Q is an Adolescent Girls Advisory Council member and Caring 4 Girls volunteer. She is a part of campaigns on sanitary wear, girls’ and women’s empowerment, economic and political inclusion, and gender-based violence prevention.
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
I fight to eradicate the inequality between genders because I want to see my sister living in a world where she doesn’t have to be subjected to discrimination simply because she is a female.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
Many girls don’t have access to sanitary wear, and, as a result, they are unable to go to school. I was able to rally up many South Africans to provide girls in the rural outskirts with sanitary pads and tampons.
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy hiking, going for walks, reading, dancing, going to the theatre, friendly netball games, and meditation.
Languages Spoken:
- English (Advanced/Native)
- Sotho (Advanced/Native)
- Xhosa (Advanced/Native)
- Zulu (Advanced/Native)
- Sotho (Advanced/Native)
Speaks On:
- meaningful youth engagement
- rural and informal settlement economic development and empowerment
- inclusion of GBV survivors in legislation
Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:
- Adolescent Girls Advisory Council member
- Caring 4 Girls volunteer
