Eunice Naffie Mustapha: Never allow life beat you, get up and show up

Eunice Naffie Mustapha and I have a common interest which is the passion for the development of young females. Her artistic profile picture on LinkedIn endeared me to draw close to her. She has a profile that shows there is more than what is on the surface.

With a First Class LL.B degree, this Sierra Leonean-born amazon is doing what she loves to do best — telling stories and working on personal development. She describes herself as a writer, one who authored Girlz Planete. She is also a social activist on a mission to make lasting impact and influence people positively. 

Omote Ro Dhe, in her usual manner, got mesmerised by Eunice's unique story. In a chat, Eunice bares it all. Read the excerpts below:

Finishing with First class in Law is commendable, have you deviated or would you say you applying the knowledge now based on what you do presently?

My legal background made me a better sexual reproductive health and rights Consultant in Sierra Leone and also created the foundation for my acceptance into the LL.M National and Global Health Law program at Georgetown Law.

As the Founder of Strong Girls Evolution, can you shed more light on what this is all about?

The vision of Strong Girls Evolution is to build a network of young female leaders that are able to manage limitations and beat insecurities in order to occupy strategic positions in society. We work on getting them to embrace Evolving into better versions of themselves.

What are the major challenges you face and how have you overcome them in the course of your work in Strong Girls Evolution?

Consistency has been the biggest challenge. We started Strong Girls Evolution with zest but a knowledge gap and had to grow into the leadership space and are currently rebranding and restrategizing. We also struggle with access to funds which has also led to inconsistently implementing initiatives.

You described yourself as a writer and social activist who tells stories and work on personal development of young females. What grew your passion for these?

I grew up in Bo Town right next to a swamp. Growing up in a rural setting inspired my writing skills. I stammered a lot as a young girl & writing was an easier means of communication & I had so many stories in my head. When it comes to social activism Sierra Leone is full of social vices inclusive of sexual violence, teenage pregnancy, child marriage etc., and as a teenager,  I decided to do something about that by adding my voice to campaigns. 

Nonetheless, I still saw the gap and inequalities in society; as a solution, I started Strong Girls Evolution to champion personal development initiatives for young female Sierra Leoneans. The truth is we struggle a lot in a patriarchal society. I am still unlearning insecurities & evolving by exploring my interests/strengths & working on personal development initiatives is about doing it collectively with others.

Can you list some women who have influenced you into the woman you have become and what endeared you to them?

Her Excellency Mrs. Nyama Koroma former 1st lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone hosted the 1st personal development platform I participated in (National Girls' Camp), my mom, Lois Eunice Mustapha(as a girl I saw her going to work as a PR & later HR which was unusual where I grew up, she was a professional woman), my elder sister Lois Simche Lebbie who's full of so much love, she consistently made me see the light in others.

Saramba Kandeh, the amazing female Lawyer from Sierra Leone who rocks as an international human rights Lawyer and selflessly guided me, Aminata Kamara HR of Sierra Rutile, Naasu Fofanah, Hawa Samai, and Fiona Kai-Kai.
Sierra Leonean women that are consistently investing in building the capacity of young female Sierra Leoneans, showing the way and reminding me that I have to pay back by lifting as I climb. 

Recently Sarah Bosha, the Director of Capacity Building for the National and Global Health Law Program at Georgetown Law, who is an African woman occupying an authoritative position in a foreign land; I like talking to Sarah as she challenges me alot to think critically.

You authored  Girlz Planete, can you tell us the motivation behind writing this book?

Growing up I wanted to read a teenage-focused book that felt relatable, that is Sierra Leonean. Something fun but that could educate me. Writing Girlz Planete was about filling that teenage gap. I want young girls to read & feel connected. I want parents & those working with girls to get insights into their world. I wish I had access to more resources to have framed it more, but I am happy I still got to tell the story and it inspired me to push harder to get access to resources to send out well-designed stories.

Would you like to share some projects you are working on or what to expect from you in the nearest future?

Her Evolution Project is focused on creating relaxed girls' circles where personal development topics would be discussed in an edutaining manner. I also hope to revamp the Her Story Salone Series which is a Project focused on visiting girls in deprived communities including rural areas to tell their stories. I am excited to also continue implementing grassroots and round table programmes on sexual reproductive health and rights in Sierra Leone.

Success is relative. What does it mean to you? 

Success for me is feeling fulfilled by doing the things I love. It's seeing positive changes in the lives of others whenever initiatives are implemented.

What advice do you have for younger girls pursuing purpose? 

Don't be scared to dream. But don't stop at dreaming, learn to ask questions about how things can be done. There are days you'd be exhausted and it's okay to take a break when you feel tired, but never allow life to beat you, get up & show the world how amazing you are.