‘Energy and persistence conquer all things.’  — Benjamin Franklin.

Welcome again to our Catalyst of the Month spotlight, where we celebrate the individuals who underpin our work at EduSpots! This month, we are hearing from one of the Ignite Equity coordinators, Abudu Gifty from Akumadan Spot. ‘Ignite Equity’ strand aims to involve both girls and boys in girls’ empowerment areas, recognising the role both boys and girls can play in upholding or challenging gender unequal norms.

Gifty shares her first-hand experience of facilitating activities in the Spot as well as her insights on the challenges and impacts of leading discussions to promote gender equity. It is inspiring to see how attitudes are being transformed through the patience and persistence of volunteers like Gifty! 

1: Please introduce yourself. 

I am a Catalyst from Akumadan Spot and a midwife by profession. I lead the Ignite Equity strand at Akumadan Spot and I love to be around kids. 

2: Please tell us about your Spot. 

Akumadan Spot is one of the first Spots that was established. We have about 35 Catalysts and it is a community-based Spot. We run all the four main clubs in EduSpots — EduKidz, EduLit, EduSTEM, and Ignite Equity. 

3: What are the team dynamics at Akumadan Spot? What are the roles shared? 

The majority of Akumadan Catalysts are youth and students but we work alongside teachers, parents and other stakeholders. We have assigned each Catalyst to a specific role and we make sure the work is being done. This includes having a treasurer, secretary, financial secretary, females coordinator, Ignite Equity coordinator, and more. We also divide up the work to ensure that when a Catalyst is away, for example going to school, the others will take up the load of the role. There are separate female and Ignite Equity coordinators as we have been running a girls club since before EduSpots launched an Ignite Equity club. We have continued to run it, and the coordinator leads girls of all ages in the Spot, as Ignite Equity club does not include the early child stage. 

4: As the Ignite Equity coordinator, what are some of the challenges you have encountered? 

Making the boys join the clubs has been a challenge especially when it comes to discussing and educating them on girls-related topics. 

5: What measure have you put in place to overcome this challenge? 

We usually pick male resource persons for girls-related topics so that the boys can see how men are talking about these in a mature and open way, such that they can model after them. It helps with easing any discomfort, shyness, or apprehension the boys may feel around these conversations. There is a lot of improvement and the guys are now willingly joining the club. 

6: What are your plans for the Akumandan spot in 10 years to come? 

My plans for Akumadan is for it to be one of the greatest Spots worldwide and be one of the Spots that takes Eduspots across the globe as an inspiration for everyone. 

7: What advice do you have for other volunteers, especially the newbies? 

Be focused. There are a lot of challenges: from the community, the schools and a whole lot but just be strong and stay determined to make a positive impact for #ourcollectivefuture.

Thank you for reading this month’s spotlight! Look out for a follow-up article diving deeper into Gifty’s work with Ignite Equity. We’ll explore Menstrual Hygiene Day projects from May 2024 and the wider impact of the club.