We're pleased to announce Dr. Nataliey Bitature as our newest member of both the UK Women’s Network and the Africa Advisory Board.
The UK Women’s Network forms part of our global female philanthropic movement, ONE HUNDRED STRONG, and was created to connect women who are passionate about girls’ empowerment and gender equality, as well as fundraising for the newly established Girls’ Impact Fund. Composed of individuals passionate about our work across the Continent, the Africa Advisory Board plays an integral part in supporting our nurturing strategic and long-lasting relationships with African philanthropists.
An interview with Dr Nataliey
Dr Nataliey, we are delighted that you have joined the Save the Children family, as an Africa Advisory Board member and a Women’s Network member! What made you specifically choose Save the Children as a charity to support?
Over the last 10 years of my career, I have been passionate about my work in women’s empowerment and the vast majority of young women I have had the pleasure of serving have been mothers. When engaging with African women in any capacity you need to be mindful about the needs of their children. Save the Children is one of the most impactful and hands-on charities in the world and I admire the commitment and reach of the programs offered across the world. By supporting the work of Save the Children I am confident we are furthering the women’s empowerment agenda as well.
Working alongside other Africa Advisory Board members, what do you see as the key priorities for your role as a Board member for Africa?
I believe it is crucial to have African voices participate in the conversations and decisions about development and aid on the continent. I am proud to be included on such a diverse board, and see how we can lend our experience and expertise from different sectors and countries to best advise and support Save the Children’s activities across the African continent. We should be able to utilise our networks for greater awareness and fundraising for Save the Children’s efforts - and in turn build more local support.
As a philanthropist yourself, what role do you think African philanthropy can play in helping children to learn, grow and fulfil their potential?
The population of Africa is growing rapidly; my own country Uganda has one of the fastest-growing populations in the world. On the ground today - and for the next 15 years at least - that means we have a great number of children to provide for. The population boom comes at a challenging time and most African governments are not going to be able to meet the demands on their own. Millions of children will require food, clothing, shelter, education, healthcare and later economic opportunities. The private sector must step in through philanthropy to close the gap.
The rights of women and girls are a huge passion of yours. What are you most looking forward to about engaging with Save the Children?
I was briefed on some of the education and wellbeing programs Save the Children currently operates and I was very encouraged! I really appreciate the holistic and innovative approach that takes into consideration the cultural backgrounds many girls are coming from. By educating teachers, parents and communities on the value of girls’ education and creating a safe space for dialogue, great progress can be made.
Girls’ education is a focus for the Women’s Network this year and next. Why is ensuring girls have access to equal education important to you?
In addition to the great loss of life, the global COVID-19 pandemic has undone years of hard-won progress for girls’ education. Now is the time for major focus and a massive drive to get girls back into school. Through Save the Children I have already had a chance to hear from some of the girls affected by COVID-19 and the challenges they now face trying to get back into education. It will take a concerted effort to gain back the ground lost, and also make new programs to support the new mothers who suffered from abuse when out of school over the last 18 months. By supporting girls through education, we ensure they have a strong foundation for agency in their lives moving forward.
As a member of the Women’s Network, you have committed to supporting the Girls’ Impact Fund. Why is funding for girls specifically important?
An empowered woman not only changes her own life trajectory but also has a positive impact on her community. Whether it is her children, spouse, relatives, neighbours, colleagues or elders, a woman who is able to work, save and make decisions is an asset to any community. I am committed to supporting the empowerment of women through funding, education, and opportunity, as I have benefitted from such support and have witnessed the great impact empowered women have on their communities and nations.
If you would like to know more about the Women's Network or Africa Advisory Board, please contact [email protected]
