At age 12, I enrolled at a new Catholic school and, coincidentally, during my first week at the school, we received the Bishop from our region at our school. Out of several hundred eager and lovely children, I was selected to deliver a welcome speech and a bouquet of flowers to the visiting Bishop. Clad in my little blue dress and white socks, I remember how nice that moment felt, and I reminisce about it very often.

Looking back, I can now recognize several moments where I was given an opportunity, and I seamlessly took charge without realizing it. Another experience that always comes to mind is when I was asked by my parents to lead a Muslim family prayer session when I was only 10 years old. There were several issues with this request. I was only 10 years old, and as a girl, I wasn't traditionally expected to lead such prayers, which are customarily led by boys or men.  Nevertheless, I led a successful prayer session that was well received by my family members. 

Another transformative event in my leadership journey happened during my third year of high school when our senior prefect failed to show up for morning assembly. A teacher scanned the crowd, pointed at me, and simply said, "Lead the assembly." Having rarely spoken in public before, I should have panicked. Instead, I stepped forward and conducted the entire assembly, addressing over 500 students and faculty with unexpected composure. Half of the students at the school were older than me, yet there I stood, guiding the proceedings with newfound authority. Little did I know that I was unconsciously stepping into my first leadership role.

This moment marked a turning point. By my final year of high school, I had won the elections for the coveted position of senior prefect. At just 17 years old, I was the student leader of the school and in this role, I conducted daily school assemblies and managed the school’s class schedules —responsibilities I embraced wholeheartedly.

The leadership skills I developed at the high school prepared me to participate in student leadership at the university level. As a university student, I was nominated to serve as a running mate for a popular presidential candidate for the student government at the largest university in Sierra Leone. While I did not campaign for this nomination, my colleagues nominated me based on other leadership roles I previously held on campus. As a running mate in the student union elections, I advocated for transparency, leadership development, gender equity and inclusion in leadership. 

These opportunities to lead in my early childhood and formative adult years unknowingly shaped my leadership direction and my sense of responsibility and since then, I boldly took on leadership roles. 

Today, I serve with humility as the first female representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Rwanda, a nation that leads the world with women holding 64% of parliamentary seats, the highest percentage globally and women holding close to 50% of positions in cabinet.

A Global Perspective for women leadership and mentorship

As women's empowerment movements gain momentum worldwide, one truth is becoming increasingly clear: women must not only participate in shaping our institutions, thus must lead them. My personal journey reflects this larger global shift toward recognizing and nurturing women's leadership potential. When women lead, we shape policy, drive meaningful change, and bring essential, diverse perspectives to decisions that affect us all. Under the leadership of Secretary-General António Guterres, the United Nations has made significant progress toward gender parity, working to ensure equal representation of women and men in senior management positions throughout the UN system.

Marking my first anniversary with the UN leadership team in this remarkable country prompted deep reflection on the mentorship journey that has defined my path. Mine has not been a solitary climb driven by individual determination alone, rather, it stands as a testament to the power of women lifting one another, of hands extended, doors opened, and voices that say, “You belong here.”

I have been fortunate to stand on the shoulders of visionaries who reached back to pull me forward. The profound influence of extraordinary women like Anita Kiki Ghebo, and Ahunna Eziakonwa have profoundly shaped my leadership journey, not just professionally, but in instilling a deep commitment to purpose driven service.

This cycle of mentorship must continue. Along the way, I have learned to extend my own hand to the next generation of women leaders, many of whom are still finding their footing in the often rough terrain of the career ladder. Workplace dynamics can be challenging for anyone, but let us be honest, the power of women supporting women is far more common, and far more powerful than it is often given credit for. I am living proof of what happens when women show up for each other with mentorship, collaboration, and solidarity. The sisterhood is strong and it is thriving. 

There is also something incredibly powerful about this support, especially when it is mirrored by men who lead with empathy and allyship. When supportive women stand shoulder to shoulder and men step up, not to take the spotlight, but to hold it steady—magic happens. I have lived this balance. Feminist allies like Dr. Samuel Doe, and Kamil Kamaluddeen (now retired), helped nurture my voice and leadership. Their belief in inclusive leadership created the space for women like me to thrive. For that, I am endlessly grateful.

Continuing the Legacy: My commitment to mentorship

During my first year as the Resident Representative, I had the privilege of working with three brilliant Deputies—Varsha Redkar-Palepu, Shaima Hussien and Nana Teiba Chinbuah, each playing a unique role in supporting and shaping my leadership experience. What made it even more meaningful was being part of a senior management team where women hold half the seats - not as tokens, but as true stewards of innovation, strategy, and impact. The support I received was professional, intentional and empowering with a great touch of humanity – the kind that builds great leadership culture.

To continue this legacy of mentorship, I launched a staff exchange program to enable young professionals to share experiences and learn across UNDP's African network, with a deliberate focus on ensuring gender balance among participating staff. Through this initiative and dedicated mentoring efforts, I have supported five colleagues in securing international roles—four of whom are women—reflecting my strong commitment to empowering female staff and advancing gender equity in leadership and lifting others as I climb.

Conclusion

When we invest in women's leadership, we are not offering favors, we are fueling a fire that already burns within them. True leadership transcends hierarchies and titles – it is a valuable quality waiting to be channeled with wisdom, purpose and a commitment to open doors for others.

My journey from a young girl in a blue dress and white socks presenting flowers to a Bishop to becoming the UNDP Representative in Rwanda demonstrates what is possible when the cycle opportunity, access, and mentorship is unleashed. It shows the power that emerges when purpose meets opportunity, when women lift each other up, and when leadership is recognized not as a position but as a profound responsibility to create pathways for others to follow.

Acknowledgments

Charity begins at home, and so did my support in my career journey. Without a supportive family, including my parents, children and a spouse that cheered me on constantly, I would be far from what I am today.

I also wish to remember and give credit to those who sowed the earlier seeds of the mark of leadership in my professional career such as Letty Chiwara, Izeduwa-Derex Briggs, Dr. Angela Lusigi, Ms. Tacko Ndiaye, Ms. Priya Gajrag, and Ms. Aissata De, current Deputy Regional Director, UNDP.

I am also deeply grateful to Herbert M’Cleod (in blessed memory), Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo, Raymond Gilpin and my predecessor, Maxwell Gomera. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in my potential have made a lasting impact.

There are far more people to thank than space allows, including all 59 UNDP Rwanda staff and colleague representatives in the UN Country Team in Rwanda. I would also like to acknowledge all the UNDP Resident Representatives in Africa who continue to generously offer their time and support whenever I reach out. Your willingness to share your insights and experience means more than words can express.

The future demands leadership that is gender inclusive. When women lead, we revolutionize governance. Our collective strength shatters barriers, elevates a diverse pool of voices, and crafts a world where girls see limitless possibilities. Let us continue to lift others as we climb, by creating opportunities, mentorship, coaching, and paving the way for the next generation of women leaders.

Fatmata Lovetta Sesay is the first female Resident Representative of UNDP in Rwanda. She is passionate about purpose-driven leadership, mentorship, and creating inclusive spaces where women thrive.