Alimah International a transformative journey: My story

• In Event: Roundtable Session 1
  In Refereed Roundtable Session: Sharing the mist: An interdisciplinary journey of international women doctoral students

Proposal

Growing up as an African woman, I always felt constrained by societal expectations. There were many expectations, from how I should behave to how I should show respect to those in positions of authority. I never felt confident enough to express my opinions. This, along with the challenges of being a married woman with a family and full-time employment pursuing a PhD in higher education, has been quite difficult. Often, I felt like I was dealing with these issues alone and didn't know how to solve them or find balance in my life, let alone a source of inspiration.
I learned about the virtual PhD exchange program from a colleague at work who encouraged me to sign up. After registering, I received an email from Enet, who leads Alimah International and facilitates the virtual program. In the email, I gained an understanding of the program's goals and intentions, although it was my first time participating in such a workshop. Unfortunately, I couldn't attend the introductory meeting due to challenges with electricity and internet connectivity. However, I was able to catch up by watching a recorded session, where I learned about the importance of acquiring intercultural competence. After watching the recording, I reflected on myself and gained insight into the source of my lack of confidence. I realized how various cultural factors influence confidence and behavior. I was particularly struck by the confidence displayed by women from the USA. The exchange program provided me with a valuable opportunity to experience different cultural perspectives and I now have a greater appreciation for the diverse academic disciplines represented by the phenomenon of women who took part.
The subsequent meetings covered various topics, including individual development planning that emphasized life beyond a PhD, issues concerning gender in higher education, and the last meeting focused on international research and methods for publicizing work. I appreciated how each of the guest speakers shared valuable knowledge and encouraged interaction and participation from everyone. Participating in this workshop helped me recognize that many of my challenges are shared by other African women. Alimah provided a platform to address these issues. Through this exchange, a network of relationships was established, opening up possibilities for future collaborations.
I have learned a lot about the importance of crafting an Individual Development Program (IDP). I have since adopted it and am applying it to create a clearer roadmap for navigating my PhD studies and beyond. Through Alimah International, I learned about interdependence, interrelation, and reflexivity, and what I gained was a transformative experience. This program has allowed me to reflect on my journey, where I came from, my current position, and where I intend to go in my career. It has also emphasized the importance of self-care and recognizing the role I can play in empowering the girls in my community.

Author

• Irene Walter, Chinhoyi University of Technology