Haneen Bader from Palestine, has been engaged with MCW Global for almost 15 years. Among other things, she has been a Young Leaders Program mentor since 2016 and has witnessed the program transform from early to recent years.
Today, as MCW Global marks its 25th Anniversary, she sat to speak more on what the organization’s mission means to her, its multilayered impact, and how through the connections and lessons learned by MCW Global she paved a path for youth activism and community change.
Haneen, currently working at Mercy Corps as the Gaza Sky Geeks Program Community and Mentorship Lead, recalls that she grew up as a Palestinian woman with a passion for advocacy and change, driven by resilience and empathy.
“I joined MCW Global for the first time as a mentee in 2010. Being a mentee in that year was a life-changing experience for me and I believe that being part of the MCW Global family over the years led me to be the woman I am today personally and professionally.”
“It also impacted my choice to change my career from working in the private sector to being part of youth support in making this world a better place for the next generation and working with an international non-governmental organization.”
Having always had an interest in the humanitarian and development sectors, even before she started her professional career, Haneen believes that her participation in the MCW Global Youth Leadership Retreat [now Young Leaders Fellowship] was a turning point in her personality and goals.
“My time at MCW Global shaped who I am today. I have dug deep into leadership and the journey of change and met leaders from different countries around me. Being engaged with MCW Global introduced me to a global network of passionate leaders, which was incredibly eye-opening for me as a young Palestinian woman.”
She underscores the cultural exchanges and diverse perspectives she gained as instrumental in broadening her worldview and enhancing her empathy and resilience.
“These experiences [through MCW Global] have enriched my approach to leadership and advocacy, reinforcing my commitment to the humanitarian and development sectors. I remember how much I enjoyed the night chats, the experience, and cultural exchange with other mentees and mentors both when I was a mentee and a mentor, and how this gave me a different new perspective on life.”
Supporting her Community and Connecting with Youth Worldwide
One of her initiatives involved supporting women in her hometown, Hebron, a Palestinian city in the southern West Bank. Through this, Haneen aimed to bridge the educational gap between urban and rural female students in Hebron by offering them awareness sessions about the importance of education and supporting them financially to get transportation from their village to the school in the city.
Haneen touches upon this and expresses her deep appreciation and alignment with MCW Global’s vision.
“It was through MCW Global that I deepened my understanding of leadership and the importance of fostering change. This vision has guided my efforts, from supporting women in Hebron to mentoring leaders from diverse backgrounds globally and finally professionally being able to help and mentor young men and women to get jobs in Palestine, compete in the international market, and support the Palestinian economic growth.”
After finishing university, she returned to the MCW Global as a mentor in the Fellowship program, and over the next six years, she assisted mentees in understanding leadership and implementing their social initiatives in their countries.
“These mentees were from around the world. The support and mentorship I received through MCW Global were transformative, enabling me to mentor other leaders from different countries around the world and contribute to their growth.”
“MCW Global is also a key factor in rooting resilience, empathy, and commitment to positive change and advocacy for my community and beyond.”
Transforming Communities for 25 Years: Looking Back, Moving Forward Project brings to you a series of exclusive articles celebrating the 25th Anniversary of MCW Global. The stories and reflections shared represent the experiences and perspectives of individuals involved with the organization in various capacities, starting from alumni, board and team members, affiliates, supporters, and donors.
