A Village Tucked Away: Growing Up in Rhamu
- Svetlana Aguilera Horta
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
A place so remote that, for years, it was little more than a dot on the map — this is Rhamu, a small village tucked away in Kenya’s Mandera County. The village I grew up in.
Yet, it was not just the remoteness that shaped me, but the resilience of its people, especially the women. I saw girls married off too young and bright boys drawn into drugs or extremism, not by choice, but through a lack of opportunity. These early experiences with marginalization became the foundation of who I am; H.E. Fouzia Abass, the Ambassador to Kenya in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Defining Moments: Life’s Turning Points That Shaped My Journey
The journey began with a simple, powerful question: «What would it take for a girl from Mandera to thrive?» This question guided my work, especially after witnessing communities rebuild with dignity in conflict zones like Darfur, Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia. These experiences taught me that meaningful change is rooted in listening and local wisdom.
My appointment as an Ambassador reaffirmed that someone from the margins can sit at the global table—and bring others along. This became my turning point – leading me to build an NGO dedicated to doing just that.
Lessons in Leadership: Insights from Over Two Decades at the United Nations
Leadership is not about titles, but about trust and communication. True leadership begins with listening, co-creating with communities, and connecting the dots between social, economic, and emotional needs. It means showing up with integrity, not ego. For women, leadership is collaborative, courageous, and deeply values driven. The most meaningful impact comes when we treat dignity as a strategy, not just a sentiment.
Navigating Diplomacy as a Woman Today: Empathy Meets Strategy
I approach diplomacy by blending empathy with strategy. As a woman and someone who grew up far from traditional power centres, I often represent perspectives that are rarely heard but urgently needed. My advocacy for inclusive development, climate equity, and gender justice is not just policy — it’s lived experience.
Diplomacy today must go beyond protocol. It should amplify local voices, challenge the status quo, and make space for new voices.
Words to My Younger Self: Courage, Voice, and Strength
✨ Your voice matters, even when it shakes.
✨ Don’t shrink to fit the expectations of others.
✨ Be bold. Ask the questions no one wants to answer.
✨ Remember: your roots are your strength, not your limitation.
What My Leadership Journey Teaches Us: Humility, Presence, and Purpose
The future belongs to those who build with humility, hold space for others, and remain connected to their communities. You don’t have to be loud to be seen, but you do have to be present. From Rhamu to Bern, I’ve learned that leadership grounded in dignity and purpose is not only possible—it’s transformative.
