Advocating Change on the Frontlines: Elizangela’s Career Journey in Crisis Zones
In the face of adversity, there are women who dedicate their lives to creating positive change. The UNDP Women in Crisis Settings series showcases the incredible career journeys of six resilient women who work in some of the most challenging environments on the planet. These stories of determination and perseverance highlight the extraordinary resilience required to navigate crises while also showcasing the profound impact their work has on communities in need. From conflict zones to disaster-stricken areas, these women not only endure but thrive, adapting swiftly and leading with unwavering commitment.
From Academia to the United Nations: The Early Days
As a student of Public International Law and Political Science, I had one clear goal in mind: to one day work at the United Nations. The idea of contributing to global governance and peace efforts fascinated me from the start. Upon completing my Master’s in Political and International Studies, I took my first major step toward this goal by joining the UN Graduate Study Programme at UNOG in Geneva, Switzerland. My time there allowed me to engage directly in shaping international policies, particularly through the shift from the Millennium Development Goals to the Sustainable Development Goals. This was an exciting and deeply fulfilling start to my journey.
Building on this experience, I set my sights on gaining further exposure within the UN system. I secured an internship at the UN Secretariat in New York, working in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. Even though I was working in an HQ setting, I found myself deeply immersed in the harsh realities of crisis environments. My role required me to attend Security Council meetings, often dealing with countries ravaged by conflict — places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Mali, Colombia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. I was responsible for monitoring the rights of children in these conflict zones and following up on the critical issues raised in peace and security discussions.
A Legal Career in Africa: From São Tomé to Mali
After my internship, I returned home to São Tomé and Príncipe to continue my work in children’s and women’s rights as a lawyer. But the desire to engage in political work on a broader scale soon led me to South Africa, where I joined the African Union as a Governance Researcher. This was a pivotal time in my career. I contributed to the implementation of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic framework for transforming the continent into a global power. Later, I became a Legal Associate Officer at the African Union headquarters, working directly on legal framework reforms. This work allowed me to navigate the intricacies of regional integration and cooperation, shaping policies that could have a lasting impact on Africa’s future.
When the opportunity arose to join the UN MINUSMA mission in Mali as a Legal Officer, I knew that everything I had learned up until that point had prepared me for this role. However, soon after joining MINUSMA, I transitioned to the UNDP Country Office in Mali as a Junior Professional Officer (JPO), a role sponsored by the Netherlands. This transition was significant because it allowed me to work more closely on development issues alongside peacekeeping efforts. In both roles, my focus was on strengthening the rule of law in Mali, particularly on increasing women’s participation in the justice sector. This was not only a matter of gender equality but a necessity in addressing crimes like gender-based violence. Survivors of these crimes are often hesitant to report their cases to male officers or judges, and having more women in law enforcement and the judiciary improves access to justice for them.
Advocating for Accountability and Gender Equality in Somalia
After four years in Mali, I was offered a new challenge — one that would take me to Somalia, a country facing similar yet uniquely complex security issues. I joined the UNDP Office in Mogadishu, Somalia as a Project Management Specialist for the Joint Police Programme. Somalia, like Mali, is a country where armed militias frequently undermine state institutions and where terrorist attacks are tragically common. My role involves improving the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of police services. This program focuses on strengthening police effectiveness while promoting gender-sensitive reforms. The aim is to ensure that police forces are not only better equipped to protect Somali citizens but also reflect the communities they serve by including more women in the ranks.
One of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects of my job is pushing for gender integration within Somalia’s police forces. It’s not enough to simply recruit women; we must ensure they are empowered, trained, and supported in their roles. I have been working to implement policies that increase female representation in law enforcement, but this is a long process that requires cultural shifts as well as institutional reforms. Through collaboration with other UN agencies, including UN Women and the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), we are steadily pushing for these changes. I serve as a bridge between the various stakeholders — UNDP, UNSOM, and local Somali partners — ensuring that our efforts are coordinated and impactful.
Supporting gender integration across the security — and justice system in Somalia is a process that must start from within, meaning with diversifying our team. As the only woman among my two male colleagues, I am confident that my presence enhances our programming. Apart from that, it is crucial for us at UNDP to lead by example in promoting gender equality. I can also reaffirm this also from past experiences.
Having worked with the rule of law in crisis countries for a long time now, increasing female representation in the justice sector is not merely a matter of filling a quota. It is also paramount for the prosecution of crimes such as gender-based violence, especially in tribal courts, as survivors of gender-based violence may be reluctant to report their cases to men. When going to denounce and report any form of crimes or violence that they were subject at a police station or a court the women will feel more comfortable confiding in other women, who are better positioned to represent and advocate for victims and survivors of gender-based violence. This is why it is very importance to train more women as well to train and make aware the male official officer on GBV.
As a female professional working in Somalia, I always have to walk the tightrope of striking a balance between respecting cultural norms and pushing for necessary reforms. As Somalia is culturally a conservative society with its values on a patriarchal nation, UNDP female staff are expected to adapt and respect the norms and cultural rules and values of the country such covering themselves when attending meetings or interacting with national partners outside our premises. Generally, adapting to this cultural setting means we ought to be mindful of how we present ourselves and interact with men. However, within UN or UN-affiliated settings, the dress code is more flexible, allowing you to dress as you professionally normally would, as long as it is respectful. Nonetheless, I choose to see this not as a loss of my identity or my rights, but rather as a transformative exercise pushing me to learn how to adapt to situations I would not normally face at home. Essentially, it is not a balance sheet. Being conscious of how I conduct myself in different settings and observing restrictions does not infringe on my ability to act as a catalyst for change.
Life in Crisis Zones: Lessons in Resilience
Working in crisis settings like Somalia presents unique challenges beyond the professional scope. Living in Mogadishu, most of my time is spent within the United Nations compound due to the ongoing security threats. Unlike Mali, where I could move relatively freely, here movement is highly restricted. Security briefings and training are part of our daily routine, and we rely heavily on armed escorts when meeting with partners outside the compound. On my first day in Mogadishu, the sound of gunfire outside my room was a stark reminder of the environment I was stepping into. What I initially thought was a security breach turned out to be a routine military exercise, but the experience was a quick lesson in adapting to high-risk environments.
The lines between personal and professional life blur in this setting. Living and working within the same compound means finding ways to unwind is crucial. We have access to a swimming pool, gym, and social areas to help balance the intensity of our work. I find solace in exercise, reading, and spending time with colleagues. The compound is home to around 200 people from various UN agencies, and this sense of community is essential in maintaining morale. Every four weeks, we are granted Rest and Recuperation breaks, allowing us to leave Mogadishu for a few days to recharge.
Working in a crisis setting like Somalia has taught me many lessons. Adaptability, resilience, and an open mind are critical for success. I am constantly inspired by my Somali colleagues, who have lived through more than 30 years of civil war yet remain committed to rebuilding their country. Their determination is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and perseverance can drive real change.
Final Reflections: Advice for Aspiring Change-makers
If I were to offer advice to anyone considering this line of work, it would be to ensure your motivations are rooted in passion. Crisis settings are not for the faint-hearted; they require resilience, quick thinking, and a commitment to long-term change. But for those willing to take on the challenge, the rewards — both personal and professional — are profound. Beyond solving problems and delivering programs, you become part of a global effort to foster peace, security, and human rights.
