I am thrilled to welcome our new Director Rehma Muguyeneza onboard! Rehma is a member of the Ishami Foundation which works towards bringing awareness of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis, regarding her own personal experience with the Rwandan Genocide. She believes in amplifying the stories of the voiceless, taking pride and power in them. Over the years, she has developed strong skills in childcare, while also working as a teaching assistant. Rehma, a proud mother of two children, joined Teakisi late last year and has been intensely busy since, but we’ve managed to grab her for a chat about herself, entrepreneurship and what she’s looking forward to this year!

Salha: Hello Rehma, and welcome! The UK is back in another lockdown, how are you coping with that?

Rehma: This is our 3rd lockdown and it has been overwhelming, but I keep reminding myself that it’s not only me going through it. There are things that I can control and things that are beyond my control – the pandemic is the latter. I take comfort in my daily prayers, and believe that this shall pass.

Oh! I love practicing yoga, so that helps too.

Salha: Life is busy for you I guess, especially because you are juggling so many things plus Teakisi. How do you manage that?

Rehma: I try to prioritise my roles and tasks. For each role I create a ‘to do list’ which works magic. I stay on top of my commitments this way. With that being said, I have learned that saying no to certain things is ok too.

Salha: What are your passions in life?

Rehma: Uplifting others, learning, health, fitness, and cooking.

Salha: What’s your view on social entrepreneurship?

Rehma: In this modern age, it is the way to go. Social entrepreneurship combines social issues and business – in a way that improves the lives of people connected to the cause. In Teakisi’s case, it is the African woman.

Salha: How do you see it in relation to the future of Teakisi?

Rehma: Teakisi as a social entrepreneurship concept means we are not only concerned with profits. Our success is also defined by how much we improve the world we live in. Our focus with Teakisi is placed in the social and environmental changes we make – not only by changing the narrative of the African woman but also making sure it shapes their futures.

Salha: What are you looking forward to the most as you get started with your work at Teakisi?

Rehma: I’m looking forward to making a difference especially in challenging issues facing our society today. Also empowering and boosting the digital skills of the African woman in any way I can, while connecting with the wider community through digital education. This also includes bringing those who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities together.

Salha: Do you see yourself blogging with Teakisi at any point soon?

Rehma: Definitely! Once I’ve gained the skills required from the best. That’s you, Salha!

Salha: Name five African women that you look up to?

Rehma:

1. My own mother
2. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
3. Louise Mushikiwabo
4. Graca Machel
5. Angelique Kidjo

Now more than ever, the need for digital skills will only continue to increase, which means a greater demand for those skills – be it in a personal or professional level. If like Rehma, you are are interested in boosting your own digital skills, or those of your community, check out our outreach programs and services.