¡°As we face unprecedented challenges that require us to think outside the box, we can get through the storm if we stick together,¡± says Niatou Maria Mingou, who works in civil-military coordination?with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
What motivated you to pursue a career in Civil Military Coordination?
Persistent inequality and injustice, which I have also witnessed in my own country of Senegal, inspired me to get involved in the humanitarian field. It is crucial for me to contribute to this collective effort to provide support, assistance, and protection.
I have come to the realization that if I can change even just one person¡¯s life for the better, then my mission is largely accomplished.
I firmly believe that each one of us has a role to play in improving people¡¯s lives, and when we come together, we can find the right solutions for those who need them most.
What I love the most about my job is the opportunity to connect with others, break down barriers, and work together to provide the protection and assistance that communities need.
It can be sharing knowledge and experiences with my colleagues as we come together to tackle cross-border issues collaboratively, or through training activities that allow me to raise awareness among humanitarian and military actors on issues related to civil-military coordination?and humanitarian action.
What are some challenges you face at work?
Working in the Regional Office for West and Central Africa keeps me on my toes! I always need to be ready to go often without notice, which means I have to be flexible both professionally and personally.
It is challenging to juggle all at once, as I must ensure that I can follow through on the commitments I take on - which is vital for maintaining my professional credibility and the trust that colleagues put in me.
At the same time, having supportive friends and family who understand the nature of my work really helps me manage the demands.
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