CONTRIBUTORS
Doris N. Omao
Advocacy and Communication Officer
Who is Doris?
First of all, I am a diehard Manchester United fan. Second, my friends affectionately call me Reese or Doro despite my birth certificate reading Doris Nyaboke Omao. At the Center, I am an Advocacy and Communication Officer. At home, I am a big sister—the secondborn in a family of six. Career-wise, I am on the cusp of defending my master’s thesis proposal.
Although my original home is in Igenaitambe village, Nyamira County, I was born and raised in Nakuru County by the most strict parents. My dad, a now-retired headteacher, was feared by all his students and that discipline was reflected at home for my siblings and I. My mum was equally a serious disciplinarian, fully supporting her better half when it came to using the rod. I think I turned out okay and all credit to my folks! I would do anything for them.
From an Intern to an APHRC Advocacy Champion: A Journey of Passion.
I am six and a half years old at APHRC. Before joining the Center, I had never heard of APHRC until a churchmate mentioned an open internship opportunity there that I could explore since I was seriously looking for a job at the time. Despite the internship position offering a stipend of about $90 per month, with an open mind and eagerness to learn, I looked up APHRC and submitted my application. After a series of interviews, I got the best call from Nancy, the Assistant HR Manager. She informed me that I was successful and could start as soon as I was ready.
Here’s the catch: She informed me that I had performed so well in the interview that, coupled with my previous experiences, they were offering me a one-year temporary position instead of an internship. So, I joined APHRC on March 18, 2018, as a Project Assistant in the Education and Youth Empowerment (EYE Unit). The rest is history! APHRC has since nurtured me, allowing me to grow in leaps and bounds in different aspects. Learning immensely from the various teams I have worked with, my career has been most fulfilling, rising from a Project Assistant to a Program Administrative Assistant and finally to an Advocacy and Communication Officer. I have gained and honed new skills professionally and personally, pursued a master’s degree, and finally discovered and settled on my greatest passion – advocacy and communications.
My Best Advocacy Win.
I enjoy implementing advocacy interventions because I can contribute to the change and gradually witness the transformation. My best advocacy win is seeing how sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) policy and advocacy interventions have progressed in Liberia and Sierra Leone. After conducting a series of SRHR policy advocacy and communication capacity-strengthening workshops over the last three years, I have witnessed the civil society organizations (CSOs) gain and skillfully apply the knowledge they have gained in their advocacy activities. The sub-grantees are ably supporting these local activities and leading significant interventions. This progress is not just a win for me but for everyone who believes in the power of advocacy.
My Transformative Journey as a YALI Fellow.
My experience as a YALI Fellow was nothing short of transformative – I would relive it in a heartbeat. The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is the United States’ signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. YALI gave me a platform to discover my voice and push beyond my comfort zone. I never imagined that a month-long course could deeply ignite my passion and broaden my horizons. The most rewarding aspect was connecting with young leaders across the continent, exchanging stories, and learning from each other. The “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” stood out among the many valuable lessons. Graduating from YALI felt like a rebirth, and a significant part of who I am today can be attributed to this remarkable program.
Fun fact: I faced two setbacks before my application was finally accepted. For those who are eligible (age 18 – 35), I strongly encourage you to apply to YALI or the Mandela Washington Fellowship, which I am currently exploring.
Striking a Balance Between Social Life and Travel for Work.
Frequent travel has significantly impacted my social life. On the one hand; it’s been incredibly enriching, allowing me to make new friends and forge valuable connections that I truly cherish. However, these travels have sometimes caused me to miss my vibrant social life back home. When I’m not traveling, I consciously try to spend quality time with friends and family.
A Moment of Recognition While Working at APHRC.
One of the standout moments for me at work was receiving an email from the Executive Director recognizing the team’s hard work and achievements. Seeing my name included among those applauded was incredibly rewarding, especially after a challenging period. It was a powerful reminder that our dedication was truly valued and that our contributions made a significant impact.
If I Had a Chance to Influence the Kenyan Government to Change One Law…
I would focus on sexual and reproductive health laws, particularly improving access to comprehensive sexual education.
The current state of sexuality education in Kenya is often limited and varies widely in quality, leaving many young people without essential knowledge about sexual health, consent, and safe practices. By advocating for a more inclusive and comprehensive sexual education curriculum, we can ensure that all young people receive accurate, age-appropriate information. This would not only empower them to make informed decisions but also help in reducing rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, ultimately contributing to healthier and more informed teenagers and young adults.
Beyond Advocacy.
I would become an Early Childhood Development (ECD) kindergarten teacher if I switched careers. I am deeply passionate about working with children and nurturing their growth. I would find immense joy in engaging them daily while striving to build a strong foundation for their education.
Alternatively, I would take up a career in football as Manchester United’s goalkeeper!
Parting Shot.
I have learned that keeping an open mind can lead you to places you never imagined. It’s important to appreciate what you have now while striving toward your future goals. Embrace the journey and trust the process. Today, you might be a street vendor, engaging with various customers and personalities while tomorrow, those people skills and experiences could lay the groundwork for you to become an exceptional leader.
I wouldn’t be who I am today without my diverse experiences. As a cyber cafe assistant, I honed my typing skills. As a street vendor selling kitchenware, I developed and sharpened my persuasion skills. As a call center agent, I refined my customer service skills. As a receptionist at a veterinary clinic, I learned how to serve animals quite literally. Looking back, every role I have held has taught me something valuable and contributed to my growth.