“With all sincerity, I want to tell people about the stories of each young woman in Tanzania. Each Scholar is a representation of how individuals can overcome labels and form strong connections spreading across continents and ranging thousands of miles.”
Those are the words of Students for Students International’s newest executive board member and Co-Director of Outreach, Nida Waheed. Waheed’s strong interest in spreading the mission of S4Si is what drew her to apply for the position last semester, “its major appeal was the fact that it was a dynamic branch that had the capability of bringing together S4Si with not only potential donors, but also other campus groups, community organizations, and local associations.”
Waheed, a double major in biology and history hailing from Goldsboro, NC, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the S4Si board. As a member of the Muslim Student Association and Women’s Experiences Learning committee at UNC, Waheed is keenly aware of the issues that exist for our Scholars, and sharing a common faith with them makes her connection that much deeper. She strongly believes that education will allow women to break down societal norms and become more active and involved members of their communities,
“Women's education, especially in an area such as Zanzibar, allows the female youth to delve into their academic interest, be a catalyst for change and improvement in the communities, and follow their dreams to the end.”
In the summer of 2008, Waheed spent over 2 months in Morocco volunteering at a children’s orphanage and hospital, and worked at a grassroots women’s empowerment organization. She says that many parallels can be drawn between Tanzania and Morocco, and her time there furthered her interests in Africa and women’s empowerment and education. This trip is what led her to become a member of S4Si.
Waheed’s experience, personal connection to our Scholars, and passion for women’s empowerment will make her a great leader in the organization. The board is thrilled to welcome her as our new Co-Director of Outreach.
A woman in the developing world will reinvest 90% of her earnings into her family’s well-being, compared with 35% for a man.