My understanding of the field of development has been shaped through a journey of discovery

that started during my undergraduate degree in International Relations and I gained practical
experience through my role as a project manager. These experiences have been enlightening and
helped me uncover my interest in girls’ education as a promoter of development. However, I
continue to need to learn more analytical and technical skills to have a meaningful impact on
more Mozambican girls, which is why I intend to pursue a Master’s degree in Global
Development.

In 2020, I became a project manager in the Machel Fidus Association, which is improving the
quality of education in a secondary school in the Xilembene Village. Through this experience, I
was first introduced to girls’ education, because I organized a digital literacy program for girls,
as well as I supported the awarding of scholarships for technical courses such as plumbing and
electrical. These activities contributed to increasing the retention rate of girls in school, while
also taught them crucial life and employability skills. This life-changing opportunity allowed me
to uplift my leadership and problem-solving skills.

I also engaged in activities to promote girls’ education during my academic journey. My

passion for research, combined with the underrepresentation of women in International
Relations, conducted me to create in 2020 the RIDA Journal. RIDA is the first scientific journal
in Mozambique founded by a woman and aims to encourage more girls to produce scientific
articles and increase the collection of articles written by women. I am the Executive Director,
and I lead the editorial team of five women working to feminize this field of research. Through
this experience, I developed research skills, such as attention to detail and critical thinking.

My major motivation for pursuing a Master’s degree in Global Development is to advance in my

career and work as a Gender Policy and Advocacy Specialist. I intend to contribute to girls’
education through the reforms to education national plans, and strengthen capacity in policy
advocacy. Considering the research skills I will acquire during my Masters, I plan to enlarge the
impact of RIDA Journal by organizing workshops and training on scientific research in
Mozambique, to stimulate women’s participation in social science as a tool for empowerment.

I am applying to this program because the University of Leeds offers several modules aligned to
provide me with the required tools to develop policy advocacy and research studies to empower
Mozambican girls. The modules of “Education for Development” and “Gender, Globalization
and Development” will allow me to evaluate policies and analyze gender inequality using a
multidisciplinary approach. These modules will enable me to develop and monitor girls’
initiatives, considering various perspectives.

As a University of Leeds student, I intend to establish powerful relationships with students from
all over the world, to share and acquire new knowledge about the major challenges of the Global
Development and particularly around girls’ education initiatives. Overall, studying the Master of
International Development at the University of Leeds is an unprecedented opportunity to
enhance my policy analysis, research, and development management skills. Thus, I will
contribute to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs in Mozambique, focusing on ensuring
women’s empowerment through inclusive and equitable education.