Rai Sow

Rai is the Executive Director of Make Every Woman Count

Having worked in the international development sector for over a decade, I have witnessed first-hand the impact of well-implemented policies on people’s lives and, more specifically, on vulnerable groups and those discriminated against in society. I knew that even though the organisation I am working with is doing its part in the fight for gender equality and ensuring that women’s rights are respected, the achievement of gender equality requires having better policies in place, making an impact not only on the life of hundreds of women but on millions.

As a well-respected university with a worldwide reputation in public policy, LSE was the right fit for what I was looking for in terms of the programme structure, flexibility, contents and location. I needed a programme where I could continue working. Still, at the same time, I could meet and share experiences with my classmates. I was amazed by the diverse groups of people in the programme from Africa, Europe, America, and so on – although the outbreak of COVID-19 meant that the first year was solemnly online, making it challenging to deepen connections with my classmates during the first year of the programme.

The programme has done more than just influence my career. Even though I was still doing the same job before the EMPA, the programme has helped me to answer many of the questions I have been battling with throughout my adult life. The course challenged me at all levels (in addition to the COVID-19 outbreak), but it also helped me improve my research and writing skills and analyse data to help make informed decisions. It helps me better understand how governments function, the policy-making process, and, most importantly, how well-crafted and implemented policies could improve people’s lives and make the world a better place for all. Furthermore, the course has helped me to strengthen my leadership skills and deepen my understanding of the different types of leadership and in what circumstances to use them.

Despite all its challenges, the EMPA has been an incredible learning journey, and I am ever grateful for the opportunity to be part of the LSE's amazing alumni community. Aside from the learning, my favourite thing about the EMPA would be the fantastic people I have met throughout the course. My cohort, with some of whom I have remained good friends, and the team behind the programme with their kindness and support. Despite living on different continents and countries, we made the most of our few months together, and those moments be it in class or socialising, will stay with me forever. I am leveraging my learning and acquired knowledge from the EMPA in my work with various governments, institutions and civil societies organisations to advance the women’s rights and gender equality agenda.

Rai is happy to conect via LinkedIn.