Empowered through mentorship, Lydia Dziedzorm Senanu is transforming WASH in rural communities—one inspired step at a time.
Welcome to “Voices of Change,” a blog series dedicated to sharing the transformative stories of individuals who have participated in our Women in WASH Mentorship Program, in collaboration with the Rural Water Supply Network. Through the eyes of these emerging leaders, we witness the power of mentorship, cultural exchange, and professional growth within the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector.
We invite you to explore these stories with us and join in celebrating the inspiring individuals who are shaping the future of WASH!
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In April 2024, I was fortunate to be given a chance to join the Agenda for Change Women in WASH mentorship program for the first time. Through the program, I was introduced to my mentor, Pauline Egan, who has extensive knowledge and experience in managing WASH programs in rural Africa. Her expertise and availability were invaluable as she helped me expand my knowledge and skills in both WASH and rural sanitation.
The mentorship spanned six months, during which Pauline guided me in identifying my strengths and areas for improvement. Through our conversations, I gained a deeper understanding of WASH program management from Pauline’s perspective, and she shared her journey of working in rural Africa and advancing in her career. This connection allowed me to learn from her experiences and approach challenges with a more positive outlook.
Throughout the mentorship, we adapted to challenges such as time zone differences, and we found that using WhatsApp for our communications made it easy to stay connected. Pauline provided direct support with improving my CV, identifying job opportunities, and drafting a five-year career plan that highlighted areas to address for growth. Her guidance helped me recognize the value of my past experiences and gave me the confidence to pursue new opportunities that I initially felt I wasn’t qualified for.
Beyond career guidance, Pauline introduced me to her network, which eventually led to a job opportunity! Her inspiring journey and our shared experiences as women in WASH created a strong bond between us, and our mentorship evolved into a lasting friendship.
Reflecting on this journey, I feel this program was exactly what I needed, and I am immensely grateful to Agenda for Change and to Pauline for the support and inspiration she offered. I now hope to become a mentor in the future, sharing the knowledge and encouragement I received to help others achieve their potential.
Lydia Dziedzorm Senanu