Second-year University of Toronto Mississauga student Estelle Ah-Kiow represented Canada at the G(irls)20 Summit this past August in Australia, to discuss educational and economic empowerment for women.
The summit is part of an international campaign, “3.5 Billion Ways,” which encourages G20 leaders to engage girls and women “in pursuit of economic growth, political stability, and social innovation.”
Of Chinese ancestry, raised in Mauritius, and an immigrant to Canada, Ah-Kiow actively participates in her community as part of Strength Within Girls Group (Swiggtalk), a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Liz Coulson, the secondary academic internship coordinator at the Ontario Institute for Studies In Education (OISE).
The Varsity spoke with Ah-Kiow about the summit, women’s empowerment, and her plans for creating a mentorship program for at-risk girls in Mississauga.
The Varsity: What motivated you to begin working for women’s empowerment?
Estelle Ah-Kiow: One of the catalysts was reading the book Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. I know that by a twist of fate, I could have been born in a country where my rights wouldn’t have been respected, where I wouldn’t have been able to receive an education, and where I wouldn’t have been able to participate in my country’s economy. So, I believe that I have a responsibility to be an advocate for those who are voiceless.
TV: How does your background affect or intersect with your work with women?
EAK: As a young woman from a minority group, who was not born in Canada, didn’t [speak] English as a first language, and suffers from a speech impediment, these experiences inform my views on certain issues. I believe that some experiences, like immigration, cannot be fully and organically understood unless you’ve been through it, and I think that this helps me better understand and relate to people who are from marginalized groups.
TV: Could you specify some activities you do in your community for women’s empowerment?
EAK: As a regular contributor to The Next Women Business Magazine, I interview high-profile entrepreneurs, who are leaders in their industries. It is fascinating to have conversations with these incredible women, and not only learn about their triumphs, but also about the challenges and roadblocks they’ve overcome in the business world.
TV: Is there a stand-out story that reflects some challenges women face?
EAK: One of my favourite interviewees for Swiggtalk was Noella Milne, who came to Canada when she was 17 from Mumbai, India. She worked full-time during the day while putting herself through her undergraduate degree at night, and went on to get her J.D. from U of T law. [Milne] is now a partner at the Toronto office of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. She stated that at the senior levels, the world of corporate law is still very much a “boys’ club.”
TV: You’re clearly working with very daunting and complex issues. What motivates you to keep going?
EAK: Three years ago, I spent some time in Maasailand, Kenya, where I met Vivian, one of the brightest minds I have ever encountered. Vivian, who was 13 years old at the time, was at the top of her class and dreamed of becoming a doctor. Unfortunately, she comes from a very poor family, and her parents, having six children, could not afford to send all of their kids to school, and decided it was best to educate their two boys. Just as I about to leave Kenya, I learned that Vivian’s parents would marry her off that summer. What keeps me going is thinking of Vivian, and other young girls and women, who are very bright and ambitious, but have no hope of achieving their dreams.
TV: Could you tell me more about your idea for a mentorship program?
EAK: Growing up, I didn’t know any female lawyers or doctors; I didn’t even think attending a university was a remote possibility. I believe that I wouldn’t have pursued many of my endeavours without the support of phenomenal mentors, who have guided me through my educational and career choices, championing me every step of the way. I hope to use the skills with which the G(irls)20 Summit will equip me to expand the mandate and reach of Swiggtalk by creating a mentorship program that will pair young female professionals with middle school girls living in Mississauga. By leveraging technology like Skype and Google Hangout, I want to facilitate mentor-mentee exchanges that will help these girls reach their full potential.
TV: Who are some female mentors that were significant in helping you get to where you are now?
EAK: I recently had the chance to spend time with Farah Mohamed, [the CEO of G(irls)20], and Carrie Kirkman [president of Jones New York Canada], and it was very inspiring to be around these incredible women, who are passionate about the work they do and are also fully committed to making a difference in the world. I believe that the simple act of being around people who inspire you is energizing, and this is one of the reasons why I want to create a mentorship program for young girls.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
