Razika Story – “How TuWezeshe Changed my life”

My TuWezeshe Journey: The Opportunity That Changed My Life

Sometimes, the opportunities that transform our lives begin with a single decision. For me, that decision was applying for the TuWezeshe Global Leadership Programme in Ghana – a choice that changed the course of my life in ways I could never have imagined.

I still remember the application deadline: 6th December. Time was slipping away, and I only had a small window to complete my application. I worked as quickly as I could, determined not to let such a valuable opportunity pass me by. When I finally clicked “submit,” all I could do was hope.

A few days later, I received an email that began with one unforgettable word: “Congratulations.” My heart filled with excitement, gratitude, and hope. Although I had no idea what the journey ahead would look like, I knew I had been given an opportunity that could change my future.

In January 2025, I travelled to Tamale to join an incredible group of young women for the first

TuWezeshe Global Leadership Training, organised by TuWezeshe Global, FORWARD, and ActionAid Ghana. As I arrived at Radach Hotel, I felt a mixture of excitement and anticipation. I sensed that I was stepping into a life-changing experience, even though I could not yet see how deeply it would impact me.

Behind my excitement, however, I was carrying a heavy burden.

I had gained admission to study Banking and Finance at the University of Education, Winneba, but financial challenges made it uncertain whether I would be able to continue my education. The weight of that uncertainty became overwhelming during the training, and I broke down in tears.

In one of my most vulnerable moments, Naana and Adwoa noticed my distress. They sat with me, listened to my story, comforted me, and reminded me not to lose hope. Their compassion meant more than words can express. At a time when I felt discouraged, they gave me the strength to believe that my dream was still possible.

Their support did not end with encouragement.

After the programme, they connected me with Auntie Esther from ActionAid Ghana, whose support enabled me to begin my university education. Today, as I prepare to enter Level 300, I often reflect on that moment with immense gratitude. TuWezeshe did not simply teach me about leadership—it helped make my dream of higher education a reality.

Throughout the fellowship, I gained invaluable knowledge and practical skills in leadership, self-awareness, communication, teamwork, and project planning. More importantly, I discovered that leadership is not defined by titles or positions. True leadership is about serving others, taking initiative, and creating positive change wherever you are.

One of the most meaningful parts of my fellowship was implementing my Social Action Project, “S.H.S. Guard Project — Ending Sexual Harassment,” at Kumbungu Senior High School. Through interactive discussions and presentations, I engaged students on understanding sexual harassment, knowing their rights and responsibilities, and creating safer and more respectful learning environments.

Watching students participate openly, ask thoughtful questions, and reflect on these important issues reminded me that meaningful change often begins with honest conversations.

During the leadership training, I wrote a poem titled “Violence Against Women and Girls Must End Today.” Through the poem, I used my voice to advocate for a world where women and girls can live free from violence, fear and discrimination. It reminded me that words, just like actions, can inspire awareness and positive change. That experience strengthened my belief that every effort, no matter how small, has the power to create lasting impact.

The TuWezeshe journey transformed me not only as a leader but also as a person. It strengthened my confidence, improved my communication skills, and inspired me to continue volunteering and serving my community. Most importantly, it showed me that young women are capable of leading boldly, inspiring others, and becoming powerful agents of change.

Although my fellowship officially ended, my journey with TuWezeshe has continued.

Because I believe deeply in the programme’s mission, I have remained actively connected to the TuWezeshe family. More recently, I had the privilege of contributing the idea for the TuWezeshe@10 celebration campaign, “10 Girls, 10 Stories of Change.” Being invited to continue contributing reminded me that TuWezeshe is more than a leadership programme -it is a lifelong community that continues to nurture, support, and believe in young women long after the fellowship ends.

As TuWezeshe celebrates its 10th Anniversary, I celebrate every mentor, facilitator, partner, and supporter who has invested in the lives of young women like me. My heartfelt appreciation goes to TuWezeshe Global, FORWARD, ActionAid Ghana, our mentors, and everyone who believed in my potential even when I struggled to believe in myself.

Looking ahead, my commitment is to continue serving my community, empowering girls and young women, and using everything I have learned through TuWezeshe to create opportunities for others. I want my story to remind every young woman that one opportunity, one application, and one act of courage can completely change the direction of a life.

If you are ever given the opportunity to be part of TuWezeshe, embrace it wholeheartedly. You may think you are simply applying for a leadership programme, but you could be taking the first step towards discovering your purpose, your confidence, and your future.

Thank you, TuWezeshe, for believing in me before I fully believed in myself. Thank you for opening doors I never imagined possible and for reminding me that leadership begins with service, courage, and hope.

Happy 10th Anniversary, TuWezeshe. Congratulations to FORWARD on a decade of empowering young women to lead with purpose and transform their communities-and may your impact continue for generations to come.

Razika Yakubu, Tuwezeshe Fellow Ghana 2025