World Pulse At 20: From Uncertainty To Transformative Impact.
Apr 17, 2024
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Arrey- Echi
Cameroon
Joined Jan 25, 2016

Photo Credit: Jensine
Meeting Jensine and Corine at Eugene, Oregon
I still vividly remember that day of January 2016. I have just been encouraged to apply for the Voices of Our Future Program by long time World Pulse Sister, Precious Meshi Nkeah. I have also just timidly started my blogging and advocacy journey.
This day stands out because it was the beginning of a life long transformative journey especially in my chosen work in advocacy. You see, I was reluctant to apply for the Voices of the Future program because it was a purely online program. My worry was not because I thought the program could be too difficult for me but rather on how I was going to hear and engage with others. I shared this concern with Precious who shared the opportunity with me. She encouraged me to apply and if selected, voice my concerns.
Well, I did find the program background intriguing and as a novice in advocacy, I felt it would be a great opportunity. So I applied. I was selected. And I wrote to World Pulse talking about my hearing impairment and the challenges I would face, participating in the Program.
I must admit I wasn't 💯 % sure of what the response would be like and I had already mentally prepared myself for a possible rejection with the same line I get always from many others ... We are not able to accommodate you...
Instead of that recurring line, I got...how best can we accommodate you so you can fully engage during the program? I was pleasantly surprised but happy that finally someone is willing to listen to me. My joy was multipled when I explained what could be of great help and not only did World Pulse listened, they actively made sure my needs were met.
This was during the era of no closed captioning on Zoom but yet, I had a transcriber during every meeting and through this, a bond was growing, first with Corine, my foremost transcriber, for whom I will always be grateful.
I learnt a valuable lesson that has stayed with me. Always raise your voice. Someone somewhere will listen no matter how many NOs you get.
There was also something that stood out in my case. You see, many of my beautiful VOF sisters were dealing with one issue plaguing women or another but I came in talking about a completely different reality. I had always wondered how I could fit into an organization focused on women issues primarily when talking about sickle cell. I mean, you read a multitude of posts and yours is the only one talking Sickle Cell and you are like are you sure you are on the right platform? And as if World Pulse was privy to my inner debate, I got my first story award!
This story award amplified my voice and taught me another valuable lesson: never be afraid to stand out because your voice and story matters. This has been a lesson I hold on to and I have remained true to my vision and advocacy...telling my unique story in a sea of women rights movements and stories. And in some cases, this unique story has opened me doors and opportunities.
Through World Pulse digital programs such as #SheTransformsTechs, #TheFutureOfSecurity, etc, my voice has continue to be amplified.
It has been an incredible honour to be a part of World Pulse. To be recognized again and again as a story awardee, World Pulse Spirit Awardee amongst others, which have continued to amplify my voice. The impact on my person and advocacy cannot be quantified. I have been mentored by two incredible women - Debra Engle and Stella Paul. I have been given the opportunity to mentor . I met amazing friends who let me know how much they believe in the power of my voice and who continue to cheer and motivate me. I am forever grateful to World Pulse for the gift of an incredible sisterhood that inspires and empowers without being judgemental , the opportunity to give back in one way or another to this unique community that continue to mould us into fearless change makers.
The willingness to listen, the readiness to accommodate and the lengths taken to be inclusive is a gift that holds a special place in my heart. I am grateful for those who have and continued to go above and beyond for me like Sisters Jensine - the memories of our meet up in Eugene, Oregon still ever fresh in my heart; - Yvonne Chi - I still remember our first meet in Bamenda and all that we share - Stella, - my mentor extraordinaire -, Tosin, - meeting you in Lagos is a memory I will always hold dear-, Dawn, Anna, Corine- it was such a joy to meet you in Eugene, Oregon-, Jill, Kirthi, Urmila, Karen, Mama Tam, Nakinti -the sound of our last meeting still echoes in my heart- ; Sally, Sherna, Paulina, Regina , Veronica, Sabeena, Manasa, Martha, Jo Marie, Elizabeth , Ruthiebelle, JBrenda - my cherished mentee-, infact, so many valuable names and friendship that I cannot put all here, but I do deeply appreciate you all. I hold the memories of those I have been able to meet physically dear.
From uncertainty to being a valuable and cherished member of World Pulse is a gift that I will always cherish. I have seen beautiful attempts at vocalizing and amplifying the voices of the disadvantaged and I am humbled by the honour to let my voice continue to thunder, in all the ways that truly matter.
As I take this trip down memory lane, I am grateful for the transformative journey World Pulse has given me and I pray and hope more women would have this same opportunity, this 20 years of World Pulse and beyond.
Here is to a Happy 20th Anniversary Celebration and many more impactful and transformative years to come.
Viva World Pulse! May the Pulse keep on Pulsing!