Shares

Sheila Maingi is a psychologist, writer, women’s right activist, radio presenter and future politician. She’s passionate about development and governance in Africa.

We had a few questions for her and this is what she had to say.

1. Your first phone?

Siemens C35i with a tiny Aerial my dad passed it down when I was in class 6.

siemens-c35i

2. Between Facebook and Twitter, which one do you prefer? Why?

Twitter every day and all year simply because it’s fresh, up to date and informative. Furthermore the ability to follow events and people from anywhere in the world in real time. Also I’m addicted, a Twitterholic.

3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Out of grad school running a Women -Centered Research Organization. The purpose of this center will be to address gender inequality in Kenya by working with gender based organizations (whichever sector) in acquiring relevant data for meaningful project implementation and effective evaluation of the same. Also, hopefully still doing radio and TV but in a larger capacity.

4. Any question for us? We’ll publish our answer as well

So there’s a secret extraction of all the smart, enterprising people in the world to a hidden location where they will build a brand new world removed from everyone else and there’s no going back. You guys coming?

That is an interesting proposition but we are too invested in this world, so we will pass.

5. What would you do if you were president for a day?

Can’t solve anything in a day so this would be a perfect opportunity to use the presidential chopper to visit parts of the country I’ve never been to with a few friends. Hello Turkana!

6. What’s your favorite book & movie?

Books serve so many functions and apply differently at different times. I have many favourites but African fiction is my ideal genre

Movie: I don’t watch movies but I remember watching God’s Must be Crazy part 2 a million times growing up. Lol!

7. Who or what inspired what you do now?

Seeing the oppressed spaces that women occupy in society was reason enough to get me going in fighting for women’s rights. Reading lots of feminist literature as well and seeing the strides women have made in gaining various freedoms and rights for themselves inspires me to get involved.

8. If you were to change jobs, what profession would you get into? Why?

Would definitely be a diplomat. There’s constant travel, interaction with different cultures and the opportunity to build strong inter-country ties. And of course that diplomatic passport to skip check in queues at airports

9. If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Teleporting definitely! I love travelling and if by the snap of a finger I can cure my endless wanderlust by getting myself to the beaches in Hawaii, the mountains in Tibet or the bustling streets of Accra, then my life would be complete!

10. Which 5 things would you want to have if you were deserted on an abandoned island?

-Water
-Foods (All varieties)
-Books
-Internet connection
– Deo and Vaseline

11. If you were a car, which one would you like to be? Why?

Land Rover Discovery 4 because it has power, efficiency and super comfort all rolled in one.

Land rover

12. If you could be in any other band in the world, which one would you like to be in? Why?

Coldplay. Simply cause Chris would introduce me to Beyonce and then I would die happy. Beyhive for life!

13. How has your professional journey been? Any challenges that you have had to overcome?

The journey has been and is about trying to find a home professionally. That has meant moving from different kind of jobs and trying to find something that fits perfectly. That’s a challenge in itself not being grounded in one profession and having to explain the move from HR to writing to radio. Taking it one experience at a time however.

14. Share something interesting about yourself with our readers.

I was a great debater in school and even won a few awards. Trying to get my eye rolling skills recognized by the Guinness Book of Records ;).