The Executive Director of HOFNA CAMEROON has described the naming of Leymah Gbowee amongst the 2020 Most reputable Africans as a deserved recognition. Christelle Bay Nfor spoke to Hilltopvoices in an exclusive interview after the publication of the list which included the 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate, Liberian peace activist, social worker and women’s rights advocate by Reputation Poll international on Monday July 26, 2020.
Leymah Gbowee 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate
"Leymah is truly a remarkable person."
That first meeting
Christelle Bay Nfor recounts "I still remember so well the first day I met her. I had been selected as one of the fellows of the Women peace and Security Program of Columbia University. Leymah is the Executive director of this program. As myself and my three team members moved to hall, we were looking forward to meeting the organizers of this Program. In our minds, we had a picture of how the presence of the organisers was going to "complicated, official" or let me say "bossy"."
Then the Suprise
"I overheard these 2 ladies talking about humility and respect for others in leadership. That caught my attention. I had to continue to eavesdrop. To my amazement, one of these ladies was eventually introduced in the course of the Program as Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace laureate from Liberia. I had read alot about her. But little did i know that this woman who has done so much for humanity, womanhood and peace in the world would be right there infront of me (us), down to earth, real, kind and motherly!"
Christelle Bay Nfor Executive Director HOFNA CAMEROON
The inspiration
"Leymah's approach to peacebuilding is what inspired me to take up an MA in Conflict, Security and Development. Her approach to Leadership has taught me to remain humble, kind and real. REAL! That us what makes her stand out because real is truly rare in our world today."
The mother in Leymah
"I remember when I told her I have been granted the Chevening Scholarship and will be taking my MA in the UK, her first response was "Bay!! What are you doing to make sure the kids remain comfortable?". This taught me another lesson - no matter how much I grow, my family remains my stronghold."
The Encouragement
"Then she went ahead and told me "Bay, you have been doing alot in peacebuilding. These powerful initiatives that you lead at the grassroots and the impact they have on the lives of women, girls and their communities is what true peacebuilding entails...we need to move away from looking at peacebuilding from the point of a one-size-fits-all or from a point of it being brought from somewhere else onto us...". That day, she reminded me, my team members and the other grassroots women leaders that addressing gender-based violence is a piece of peace, just like women's economic empowerment and engaging youth and women in sustainable Agriculture for improved livelihoods.
Leymah Gbowee Liberian peace activist, social worker and women’s rights advocate
The Impact
"It is worth mentioning that the inspiration i have for my MA dissertation comes from my interactions with Leymah. I am doing my Research on "Pieces of Peace: Grassroots women leaders and the implementation of UNSCR1325 in Cameroon". It is thanks to her and the WPS program that I grew in the understanding that it takes putting together various (or different) pieces of peace inorder to build the big picture of world peace."
The Lesson
"Leymah's story hasn't just been around people and peace; if there is one thing she has planted in me, it is to look up to God Almighty, always. Leymah deserves this recognition and much more. I am proud our paths crossed.."
By Bakah Derick