SA: A week of learning, growth and opportunities

By Itumeleng Maloka, RWVL and MEL intern

This week marked the beginning of an exciting journey with Gender Links and Renewed Women’s Voice Leadership, and it has been both insightful and inspiring. The induction sessions went exceptionally well, providing a solid foundation for the internship ahead. I am honoured to be among the three interns selected to be part of this transformative experience.

Throughout the induction week, it became evident that there are key areas where many organizations, including ours, can strengthen their capacity, particularly in report writing, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and understanding inclusivity. This internship presents a valuable opportunity to bridge these gaps by learning best practices that can later be implemented within our respective organizations.

Beyond capacity building, this opportunity offers exposure to the broader development sector. It allows us to network with other organizations, engage potential donors and funders, and gain practical insights into fundraising and sustainability areas that remain critical for the long-term success of many non-profit initiatives.

The team at Gender Links and Renewed Women’s Voice Leadership has been incredibly welcoming, supportive, and professional. The work environment is not only conducive to learning but also encourages growth, collaboration, and innovation.

As I embark on this journey, I look forward to acquiring new knowledge, refining my skills, and contributing meaningfully to the team. I am also eager to share the insights and experience gained with my home organization, ensuring that this learning extends beyond myself and benefits the communities we serve.

I am truly delighted to be part of this initiative and confident that the experiences gained here will play a pivotal role in my personal and professional development.