Work in general is never easy, and becomes increasingly more difficult in the developing world.
I have been reminded of that this week working in Tanzania. Being the CEO of a global non-profit (HERHealthEQ) has many perks. Most of which disappear once I leave the developed world. As a growing organization, the day-to-day hands on work, especially when on location are included in the “job responsibilities”. Walking equipment over the border, sweating with anticipation of whether or not I will be stopped by customs and how long I might be detained, or creating google drives to store data all fall within my role. It’s one I gladly take responsibility of and it becomes increasingly more difficult in the developed world.
Working with governments and companies that are themselves developing and changing every single day is a reality. Paying exorbitant amounts for taxi’s because it’s easier than dealing with paying fines/bribes along the road. Explaining that you are in fact legit, and not like other organizations that promise the world and never deliver. Constantly changing rules/reality is a daily occurrence. Those and many more are reality and must be expected when working in locations that are also developing.
Hand-in-hand we are all developing together. There are the fair share of loud debates, frustrations, and head scratching. But there is also the joy that comes with seeing the work and accomplishing progress. The frustration is nothing in comparison with what women in developed countries have to face, especially regarding their health. There is joy knowing that for all the frustration that I might face in this process, the ultimate goal of helping women will still be achieved, regardless if I get my perfectly placed photo-op or not.
Working in general is never easy, and is a thousand times more frustrating when in developing countries, but it’s also a thousand times more rewarding. The impact, the joy, and the difference are worth the frustrations. All of us making an impact try to keep the larger perspective in mind, otherwise me might all tear our hair out if only focused on the day-to-day.
