As the world celebrates Women’s Day, Dr. Teclaire Same Moukoudi epse Okie, a Humanitarian Affairs Officer with UNOCHA in Bangui, Central African Republic, shares her inspiring story of overcoming obstacles and empowering others. Growing up in an underprivileged background, raised by a single mother, Dr. Same’s determination to serve others led her to the United Nations, where she has nursed a vision for a brighter future for women in Cameroon and globally.
“Coming from an underprivileged background and raised by a single mother, I am inspired by the power of service and the importance of giving back,” Dr. Same says. Her advice to young women from Kupe Muanenguba aspiring to work with the UN is inspiring: “Start where you are – volunteer with local NGOs, faith groups, youth associations, or women’s cooperatives. Real impact begins at community level.”
Dr. Same emphasizes the importance of women’s representation in leadership positions, citing progress but noting that “representation remains uneven and fragile – especially in peace and security, finance, tech, and local governance.” She advocates for setting targets, fixing pipelines, and family-friendly policies to improve.
As a woman in a global organization, Dr. Same faced challenges, including being away from family and being heard in male-dominated spaces. Her advice? “Build strong social capital, prepare, and be consistent.”
Dr. Same work contributes to promoting women’s empowerment in Cameroon, particularly in Kupe Muanenguba, through awareness-raising and supporting women’s leadership in community committees. She highlights the UN’s support for women’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through policy advocacy, program financing, and capacity building.
Women play a crucial role in achieving the SDGs, especially in education, health, decent work, and peace and justice. “When women thrive, children, markets, and institutions do too,” Dr. Same emphasizes.
Looking ahead, Dr. Same hopes for a future where “girls’ education is uninterrupted, women own and lead, economies value care work, and humanitarian systems are locally led, with women’s organizations resourced as equal partners.”
Dr. Same’s key takeaway: “Integrity and relationships are your real currency. Lead with values, do your homework, and lift as you climb; your legacy is measured by how many others rise with you.”
Her story is a testament to the power of empowered women empowering nations. As we celebrate Women’s Day, let us strive for a brighter future for all.
The Ultimate Newspaper is proud to feature Dr. Teclaire Same Moukoudi as a champion of women’s empowerment and development. Her vision inspires us to work towards a world where women and girls can thrive.
By Olive Ejang
