Student scoops African ambassadorship

University of Cape Town (UCT) film and media studies honours student Soligah Solomons is one of 20 African student leaders to receive an All-Africa Students Union (AASU) SheGame Award 2020.

The AASU describes itself as the largest student movement in Africa and the “umbrella” organisation for all students on the continent. The award, conferred to women student leaders from several universities across the continent, will enable recipients to act as ambassadors for their respective institutions, their countries and the continent. The organisation received roughly 2 000 award nominations from students across the continent.

According to Solomons, the accolade recognises young women leaders at universities and provides an opportunity for awardees to contribute to important discourses affecting the continent. It’s also a chance to network with like-minded students across a range of disciplines.

Empowering students

As one of the awardees, in partnership with her peers, Solomons said her role will involve “empowering others [students] through actively challenging stereotypes, fighting biases, broadening perceptions and celebrating women’s achievements”.

“It feels surreal that I am being celebrated [on this level]. To represent UCT and the country is something I could never have imagined and it’s something I’ll forever be grateful for,” Solomons said.

She said she is excited to attend the annual AASU summit later this year and come up with ways to empower fellow students in their respective communities.