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Every day a learning journey
My time at GL thus far has been action packed, every day has, in some way or another, been a learning experience; some professional, others personal. As a result, every time I am asked to write a learning journey at Gender Links it always takes me longer than one page should. So today, I once again find myself wanting to cram every little experience into the allocated space despite knowing full well that I can't.
My name is Kelello Tekateka and I am a Mosotho/South African, born and raised in Germany. Growing up I remember trips ‘home' to Lesotho from Germany to visit extended family. I remember loving these trips while always being fascinated at the stark difference between the two worlds I inhabited. From a very early age I knew that I wanted to do something that would work towards bridging that socio-economic divide. It was my passion for development, specifically development in Southern Africa, that led me to Gender Links.
I arrived at Gender Links in 2010 expecting business as usual, however within days it became clear that this relatively small organization does an amazingly large and impressive amount of work. GL has a very high work ethic, something that every member of the GL staff - both past and present - will attest to.
It would be a lie to say working at GL has been all fun, games and the fulfilment of long-held passions, or to suggest that even for a second, my experience thus far has been easy. In fact, I can confirm that I have worked longer hours and slept less in my time at GL than I did while completing my Masters dissertation. But, despite the stress, and the aforementioned blood, sweat and tears, I'm still smiling because it has been an amazingly fulfilling journey.
When I joined the GL justice team I had no experience working in gender-based violence. I don't even think I fully comprehended the impact gender-based violence can have on socio-economic development. Not really knowing what to expect, the emotional learning journey that ensued was surprising. Gender Links has opened my eyes to the many aspects of development that many development practitioners forget. I am constantly reminded of the importance of critical analysis, awareness and how necessary it is to consider my own role in perpetuating the gender stereotypes that feed the subordination of over half of the world's population. It is very easy, when you hear shocking statistics of rape and violence against women, to forget that for each number there is a story and an individual journey of healing and strength. Gender Links has ensured that I never forget this. I believe that I am a better person for working at Gender Links, and I will always be grateful to GL for nurturing the gender activist in me.
Gender Links has taught me that the battle we fight as women or as development practitioners is never done. There is no time to breath because there is always something that can be done, improved or reconsidered. I have learnt that to endure this battle we fight, you need to have stamina and a love for what you do. This type of work is not going to get any of us on any of the Forbes' rich list. But it may just help us sleep a little better at night knowing that every day was a day well spent.
I think the most important lesson I have learnt at GL is that I am in the right place, doing the right thing. GL has shed light on so many aspects of working in this industry; the good, the bad and the ugly. GL has further entrenched my goal to foster a career in the development sector.
Besides the numerous professional benefits of working hands on at a regional NGO like Gender Links, I have also benefitted a great deal from the connections and friendships I have made.
Kellelo Tekateka is the Gender Justice Officer at Gender Links.
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