Jacinta Okwaro supports African countries in development challenges
In ‘Stream of consciousness’, we give the floor to someone from the UAntwerp community. Jacinta Okwaro is a Governance and Development (Institute of Development Policy) alumnus. She works for UN Environment as a governance and gender specialist, with a special focus on citizen engagement. In this capacity, she concentrates on involving citizens in the sustainable management of natural resources.
What drives you?
I want to bring about positive changes in this complex world. A seemingly small change can sometimes have a huge impact.
What is your motto?
Always be ready and on the lookout for new opportunities!
What trait do you admire most in your best friends?
I particularly admire their devotion and loyalty to their families and communities.
Do you have any advice for prospective students?
Think carefully about your choice of programme and try to go with one that is aligned with the career you aspire to. It’s incredibly satisfying to be able to work in your own field of study and to link the skills you learnt at university to your career goals. University is one of the few places where you learn the skills to further develop your passions, where you can combine your know-how and your passion. So use your time well.
University is one of the few places where you learn the skills to further develop your passions, where you can combine your know-how and your passion.
What is the most important lesson you learned at university?
There are so many means of learning, so many different ways to learn. When you think of university, you of course automatically think of books, but there are also workshops, online tools, group projects with fellow students, study trips, etc. That versatility is what makes life at university so interesting.
What would you like to study next?
I would like to learn more about development economy, taking into account ecological, social and economic aspects.
How does your job give you satisfaction?
I work in the African context. Of course, Africa is a continent that faces a great many development challenges. I like helping and supporting countries in prioritising Sustainable Development Goals. It gives me great satisfaction to be able to make an impact that way.
What frustrates you in your professional life?
Professional insecurity and instability can be very frustrating. My job is always based on projects; when a project comes to an end, the same goes for my work. Which means I have to go out and find something new.
What would you still like to achieve?
In spite of the aforementioned instability, I would like to keep working in smaller projects that can have a big impact at the national level.
City or countryside?
I prefer the countryside. It’s just so much more peaceful.
Cycling or going for a walk?
I prefer walking in the mountains or at the coast. I don’t really feel comfortable cycling in my city.
Fiction or non-fiction?
Fiction! Every so often I love getting away from the real world for a bit.
Working from home or at the office?
I prefer the office. I’m always happy seeing and talking to my colleagues.