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I Am a Girl from Africa: A Memoir of Empowerment, Community, and Hope
A “profound and soul-nourishing memoir” ( Oprah Daily ) from an African girl whose near-death experience sparked a lifelong dedication to humanitarian work that helps bring change across the world.
When severe drought hit her village in Zimbabwe, Elizabeth Nyamayaro, then only eight, had no idea that this moment of utter devastation would come to define her life’s purpose. Unable to move from hunger and malnourishment, she encountered a United Nations aid worker who gave her a bowl of warm porridge and saved her life—a transformative moment that inspired Elizabeth to dedicate herself to giving back to her community, her continent, and the world.
In the decades that have followed, Elizabeth has been instrumental in creating change and uplifting the lives of by fighting global inequalities, advancing social justice for vulnerable communities, and challenging the status quo to accelerate women’s rights around the world. She has served as a senior advisor at the United Nations, where she launched HeForShe , one of the world’s largest global solidarity movements for gender equality. In I Am a Girl from Africa , she charts this “journey of perseverance” ( Entertainment Weekly ) from her small village of Goromonzi to Harare, Zimbabwe; London; New York; and beyond, always grounded by the African concept of ubuntu —“I am because we are”—taught to her by her beloved grandmother.
This “victorious” ( The New York Times Book Review ) memoir brings to vivid life one extraordinary woman’s story of persevering through incredible odds and finding her true calling—while delivering an important message of hope, empowerment, community support, and interdependence.
When severe drought hit her village in Zimbabwe, Elizabeth Nyamayaro, then only eight, had no idea that this moment of utter devastation would come to define her life’s purpose. Unable to move from hunger and malnourishment, she encountered a United Nations aid worker who gave her a bowl of warm porridge and saved her life—a transformative moment that inspired Elizabeth to dedicate herself to giving back to her community, her continent, and the world.
In the decades that have followed, Elizabeth has been instrumental in creating change and uplifting the lives of by fighting global inequalities, advancing social justice for vulnerable communities, and challenging the status quo to accelerate women’s rights around the world. She has served as a senior advisor at the United Nations, where she launched HeForShe , one of the world’s largest global solidarity movements for gender equality. In I Am a Girl from Africa , she charts this “journey of perseverance” ( Entertainment Weekly ) from her small village of Goromonzi to Harare, Zimbabwe; London; New York; and beyond, always grounded by the African concept of ubuntu —“I am because we are”—taught to her by her beloved grandmother.
This “victorious” ( The New York Times Book Review ) memoir brings to vivid life one extraordinary woman’s story of persevering through incredible odds and finding her true calling—while delivering an important message of hope, empowerment, community support, and interdependence.
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2021
159 people are currently reading
9887 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Nyamayaro
5 books148 followersElizabeth Nyamayaro is a renowned authority on social change, an award-winning humanitarian, and a former United Nations senior advisor. She spearheaded the creation of HeForShe, a groundbreaking global movement for gender equality that sparked over 1.2 billion online conversations within just five days. As a thought leader, her work has captured attention in major media outlets: The New York Times, Time, Good Morning America, NPR, CNN, BBC, and Vogue––with her TED Talk garnering an impressive 1 MILLION views shortly after its release.
Nyamayaro has counseled Fortune 500 CEOs and world leaders and has held leadership roles at the World Bank, World Health Organization, and the United Nations. She holds an MSc in Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science and has completed executive education at Harvard Business School and Harvard Medical School. You can also read her memoir, I Am a Girl from Africa.
Nyamayaro has counseled Fortune 500 CEOs and world leaders and has held leadership roles at the World Bank, World Health Organization, and the United Nations. She holds an MSc in Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science and has completed executive education at Harvard Business School and Harvard Medical School. You can also read her memoir, I Am a Girl from Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
January 29, 2025
Black History Month
In April 2022, Bea invited me to LA Times Festival of Books. As a newb, I only attended one day and gladly followed her to her chosen panels.
Our first panel, Memoir: Family, Food and How it Shaped Me, was moderated by Traci Thomas, a friend of Bea's. Other authors on the panel were Grace Cho and Hannah Howard. I also loved TASTES LIKE WAR and PLENTY: A MEMOIR OF FOOD AND FAMILY.
A smaller panel in an intimate setting, we got to connect with the authors after and discuss what food and immigration meant to us. All of the women were personable with stories that moved me, but Elizabeth was a bright light despite all she endured growing up.
I'm not sure what took me so long to read her book. It's beautifully written, and both incredibly sad and yet quite uplifting. Dream big. Don't give up. You can do it.
Remember the HeForShe initiative spearheaded by Emma Watson? This was Elizabeth's baby. What an incredible leap for gender equality. We have many miles to go, but we have to start somewhere.
Sometimes I wish I did a job that mattered. But I'm not sure I could go to work every day in the face of all of this injustice and not break apart. I know someone has to do it. I want to do more. We should all do more.
In April 2022, Bea invited me to LA Times Festival of Books. As a newb, I only attended one day and gladly followed her to her chosen panels.
Our first panel, Memoir: Family, Food and How it Shaped Me, was moderated by Traci Thomas, a friend of Bea's. Other authors on the panel were Grace Cho and Hannah Howard. I also loved TASTES LIKE WAR and PLENTY: A MEMOIR OF FOOD AND FAMILY.
A smaller panel in an intimate setting, we got to connect with the authors after and discuss what food and immigration meant to us. All of the women were personable with stories that moved me, but Elizabeth was a bright light despite all she endured growing up.
I'm not sure what took me so long to read her book. It's beautifully written, and both incredibly sad and yet quite uplifting. Dream big. Don't give up. You can do it.
Remember the HeForShe initiative spearheaded by Emma Watson? This was Elizabeth's baby. What an incredible leap for gender equality. We have many miles to go, but we have to start somewhere.
Sometimes I wish I did a job that mattered. But I'm not sure I could go to work every day in the face of all of this injustice and not break apart. I know someone has to do it. I want to do more. We should all do more.
May 6, 2021
I Am a Girl from Africa is an excellent personal account of an African woman chasing her dreams. Nyamayaro accounts her successes and failures. Elizabeth explains where her dream to work for the United Nations and her struggles to get there. Eventually she accomplishes her dream. She explains the importance of not giving up. Elizabeth is always trying to help others. She has lived in many countries and explains how her experiences shaped her. This is an inspiring memoir while explaining some of Elizabeth’s personal experiences. Nyamayaro grabbed my attention from the beginning. I was very invested in her story, and I am truly inspired by her. Elizabeth’s story is unique and not like anything I had read before. I highly recommend I Am a Girl from Africa to anyone looking to learn about Africa and the United Nations as well as learning about an inspiring woman.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Nyamayaro. She did a great job narrated her story and added more emotion to this great story.
Thank you Simon Audio and Scribner for I Am a Girl from Africa.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Nyamayaro. She did a great job narrated her story and added more emotion to this great story.
Thank you Simon Audio and Scribner for I Am a Girl from Africa.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
January 15, 2021
4.5 stars. Inspiring and uplifting.
October 4, 2021
Elizabeth Nyamayaro’s memoir of growing up in a small village in Zimbabwe and experiencing starvation from drought. When she is helped by a United Nations humanitarian worker, she is inspired to follow in her footsteps. Nyamayaro lives in poverty with her grandmother, but, with the help of an uncle, and through hard work to support herself, is able to gain an education. She eventually works for the UN and World Health Organization. She travels back to her home country of Zimbabwe and to other African countries, assisting with HIV/AIDS and River Blindness education and treatment.
This is an uplifting story about a woman who overcame many hardships to achieve her dream of working for the United Nations. Her book is founded on the concept of ubuntu, an ancient African philosophy that recognizes the connectedness of humankind. One of the common themes running through her story is the need to develop a sense of community.
She has formed an organization that advocates gender equality, an inclusive movement that includes men and boys, HeForShe. She truly believes that transformative change is possible through working together and is passionate in her support of this belief. She is working to end child marriage and domestic abuse.
I think the book could have been organized in a way that flowed better, but overall, it is a wonderful example of a woman overcoming many obstacles to make a difference in the world.
“What we share is more powerful than what divides us.”
This is an uplifting story about a woman who overcame many hardships to achieve her dream of working for the United Nations. Her book is founded on the concept of ubuntu, an ancient African philosophy that recognizes the connectedness of humankind. One of the common themes running through her story is the need to develop a sense of community.
She has formed an organization that advocates gender equality, an inclusive movement that includes men and boys, HeForShe. She truly believes that transformative change is possible through working together and is passionate in her support of this belief. She is working to end child marriage and domestic abuse.
I think the book could have been organized in a way that flowed better, but overall, it is a wonderful example of a woman overcoming many obstacles to make a difference in the world.
“What we share is more powerful than what divides us.”
May 25, 2021
I don't have the words enough to describe my feelings. I would highly recommend this.
A wonderful, moving book. I have so much admiration for Elizabeth. ❤🧡💛💚
A wonderful, moving book. I have so much admiration for Elizabeth. ❤🧡💛💚
January 28, 2021
I need to be Elizabeth Nyamayaro's friend. She seems so genuine, kind, inquisitive, bodacious, and cerebral. Her writing reflects so much life experience and is a wonderful storyteller. I could picture everything she spoke about. I felt as though I was feeling her hunger, her sadness, her relief, and her passion. I couldn't recommend this book enough.
May 30, 2022
Full disclosure: I won a free copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Elizabeth Nyamayaro was on the Daily Show promoting this book. So, when I saw this giveaway, I figured, "Why not?" I literally didn't remember anything about the content, just, "Hey, it's that woman who was on the Daily Show." So I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was.
The book opens with eight year old Elizabeth weak from hunger, not having had anything to eat or drink for three days. She's on the verge of giving up entirely, when she is found by an aid worker in a blue uniform who offers her food and water. Elizabeth vows to work for the United Nations when she grows up, so that she can help people in a similar fashion.
Elizabeth's story is a fascinating one, bubbling over with infectious joy, hope, and optimism. One of the central concepts is that of ubuntu, an African concept that's translated as, "I am because we are." There's a strong sense of community and family to this book.
Ultimately, this is a book to be shared, to be thrust into the hands of friends and family with the exhortation, "Read this!" It's a ray of sunshine that you hope will brighten the lives of others as it did yours. This book was a delight, and it made me smile. Highly recommended!
Elizabeth Nyamayaro was on the Daily Show promoting this book. So, when I saw this giveaway, I figured, "Why not?" I literally didn't remember anything about the content, just, "Hey, it's that woman who was on the Daily Show." So I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was.
The book opens with eight year old Elizabeth weak from hunger, not having had anything to eat or drink for three days. She's on the verge of giving up entirely, when she is found by an aid worker in a blue uniform who offers her food and water. Elizabeth vows to work for the United Nations when she grows up, so that she can help people in a similar fashion.
Elizabeth's story is a fascinating one, bubbling over with infectious joy, hope, and optimism. One of the central concepts is that of ubuntu, an African concept that's translated as, "I am because we are." There's a strong sense of community and family to this book.
Ultimately, this is a book to be shared, to be thrust into the hands of friends and family with the exhortation, "Read this!" It's a ray of sunshine that you hope will brighten the lives of others as it did yours. This book was a delight, and it made me smile. Highly recommended!
March 18, 2021
A deeply personal and wonderfully inspirational memoir that will resonate with anyone who has had to overcome the greatest of odds to reach their dreams and achieve their goals. Elizabeth Nyamayaro weaves a powerful tale of humanitarianism, Africa's history, and what it means to live a life in service of others. Each chapter begins with an African proverb and is peppered with the right amount of humour, genuineness and optimism. This is a memoir about struggle, but not your typical 'black issues' book. I Am A Girl from Africa is a rally cry for Africa's people. A hopeful and optimistic reminder of Africa's potential and, more importantly, the potential of its daughters.
April 12, 2021
I could not put this down. And I learned so much.
I was expecting a sweet, anecdotal memoir in this debut, I Am A Girl From Africa.
Instead I discovered the powerhouse of Elizabeth Nyamayaro - who did truly a force to be reckoned with and an inspiration. I learned so many things from this book including the lack of laws around child marriage in the US, amazing results from the HeForShe campaign and in depth looks at what the UN and WHO are doing around the globe.
This was a 5 star read for me.
I was expecting a sweet, anecdotal memoir in this debut, I Am A Girl From Africa.
Instead I discovered the powerhouse of Elizabeth Nyamayaro - who did truly a force to be reckoned with and an inspiration. I learned so many things from this book including the lack of laws around child marriage in the US, amazing results from the HeForShe campaign and in depth looks at what the UN and WHO are doing around the globe.
This was a 5 star read for me.
May 3, 2021
I so wanted to love this book. After all, the author has accomplished incredible things & helped so many throughout her life. Unfortunately, I found the writing to be self-indulgent, more so than your standard memoir. It was a push to finish the book, as a struggled to connect with the author, as she jumped from decade to decade throughout her journey.
December 3, 2024
Recently I have decided I want to read more memoirs and biographies. Reading the words from those who lived through it has always fascinated me. I Am a Girl from Africa was a deeply inspiring and fascinating way to start this reading journey.
Elizabeth Nyamayaro was born in a small village in Zimbabwe being raised by her loving and determined grandmother, GoGo. One day when she was about eight years old, Elizabeth nearly succumbed to dehydration and starvation during a very terrible drought. She was brought back from the brink of death when a girl in a blue uniform, ( A Un aid worker), came to her rescue and fed her a bowl of porridge. After her encounter with the woman, Elizabeth makes it her lifes mission to help others in need like she once was. She starts working hard anyway she can to save up enough money to go to London and make her dreams come true.
I learned so much from this book, some things I have never even heard before. One thing I didnt know was that Iceland was one of the only countries that has a law in place to prevent unequal pay for men and women. That the US has no laws prohibiting child marriages. I didnt even know that there was a organization to educate people on gender equality. You learn so much about so many important things and how they were founded. How it took hard work and determination to get them put into action. It didnt just take one voice, it took the voices of many who wanted to see something be done and to prevent these things from happening so frequently.
The best part of this book was seeing Elizabeth's hard work and determination to not give up on her dream. She wanted to be that girl in the blue uniform and she was going to be no matter what. I loved Elizabeth's outlook on life and how at times when she wanted to give up and quit, she thought of her family and her community, that thought alone gave her the strength to continue forward. Elizabeth's connection to her homeland and her heritage was very inspiring and how she incorporated all of the things she learned from her community and her teachings from her family into her everyday life really showed how our heritage is more important then we think. This women deserves so much recognition and honor for all of her hard work and her loving and caring demeanor. She is truly a hero of our time.
This book was so inspiring and uplifting, which is definitely needed in times like these, and it has shined a light on one of this modern ages unsung heroes. Thank Miss Nyamayaro for writing this book and for all the work you have done.
Elizabeth Nyamayaro was born in a small village in Zimbabwe being raised by her loving and determined grandmother, GoGo. One day when she was about eight years old, Elizabeth nearly succumbed to dehydration and starvation during a very terrible drought. She was brought back from the brink of death when a girl in a blue uniform, ( A Un aid worker), came to her rescue and fed her a bowl of porridge. After her encounter with the woman, Elizabeth makes it her lifes mission to help others in need like she once was. She starts working hard anyway she can to save up enough money to go to London and make her dreams come true.
I learned so much from this book, some things I have never even heard before. One thing I didnt know was that Iceland was one of the only countries that has a law in place to prevent unequal pay for men and women. That the US has no laws prohibiting child marriages. I didnt even know that there was a organization to educate people on gender equality. You learn so much about so many important things and how they were founded. How it took hard work and determination to get them put into action. It didnt just take one voice, it took the voices of many who wanted to see something be done and to prevent these things from happening so frequently.
The best part of this book was seeing Elizabeth's hard work and determination to not give up on her dream. She wanted to be that girl in the blue uniform and she was going to be no matter what. I loved Elizabeth's outlook on life and how at times when she wanted to give up and quit, she thought of her family and her community, that thought alone gave her the strength to continue forward. Elizabeth's connection to her homeland and her heritage was very inspiring and how she incorporated all of the things she learned from her community and her teachings from her family into her everyday life really showed how our heritage is more important then we think. This women deserves so much recognition and honor for all of her hard work and her loving and caring demeanor. She is truly a hero of our time.
This book was so inspiring and uplifting, which is definitely needed in times like these, and it has shined a light on one of this modern ages unsung heroes. Thank Miss Nyamayaro for writing this book and for all the work you have done.
June 8, 2021
**Copy of this book provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Inspiring memoir about the power of the dream. Author is so absorbed by fighting the inequalities and injustices of this world that her own story is barely there. It feels more like a book about a big cause consuming author's life, a book where empowering ideas are more important than a person inspired by them which, I admit, is an interesting approach. The overall message is amazing, left me uplifted and in awe of author's stunning work. Perfect story for the moment when you feel a bit down or when you want to learn more about United Nations work.
Inspiring memoir about the power of the dream. Author is so absorbed by fighting the inequalities and injustices of this world that her own story is barely there. It feels more like a book about a big cause consuming author's life, a book where empowering ideas are more important than a person inspired by them which, I admit, is an interesting approach. The overall message is amazing, left me uplifted and in awe of author's stunning work. Perfect story for the moment when you feel a bit down or when you want to learn more about United Nations work.
October 26, 2021
What an inspiring memoir!
We follow Elizabeth Nyamayaro on her turbulent journey to achieve her lifetime dream of helping others and giving back. As a man from Africa this story really touched me, I really could relate to a lot of what being said. I'll always keep her struggles and pulling through close to my heart till time of need..
Furthermore, I'd like to thank Elizabeth for writing her memoir and teaching me many-many beautiful lessons such as ubuntu: "I am because we are, and because we are, you are." -no one is truly equal until we are all equal and that when we up lift others, we in turn up lift ourselves.
Last but not least, Thank you for the African proverbs at the beginning of each chapter. I loved (and highlighted) each and every one of them.
I'm so glad I stumbled across this book ❤
We follow Elizabeth Nyamayaro on her turbulent journey to achieve her lifetime dream of helping others and giving back. As a man from Africa this story really touched me, I really could relate to a lot of what being said. I'll always keep her struggles and pulling through close to my heart till time of need..
Furthermore, I'd like to thank Elizabeth for writing her memoir and teaching me many-many beautiful lessons such as ubuntu: "I am because we are, and because we are, you are." -no one is truly equal until we are all equal and that when we up lift others, we in turn up lift ourselves.
Last but not least, Thank you for the African proverbs at the beginning of each chapter. I loved (and highlighted) each and every one of them.
I'm so glad I stumbled across this book ❤
May 3, 2021
Happy Pub Day! Thanks to @dartfroggco and @scribnerbooks for the gifted copy.
"Ubuntu is the essence of who we are as Africans, a lesson we learned from our ancestors who understood that we are all part of one human family. We need each other and we are responsible for each other."
I am a Girl From Africa is a beautiful memoir written by Zimbabwean born author and humanitarian Elizabeth Nyamayaro. She has been a fierce advocate not only for all African people, but for women all over the globe. I admire the work she has done with HIV/AIDS patients and with the U.N. projects of gender equality. I plan to learn more about her work with #HeforShe
Elizabeth had a rough upbringing and almost died several times because of the effects of poverty. A run in with a U.N. relief worker who helped her stuck with her and became her motivation for doing whatever it took to get hired by the U.N. in order to uplift her people.
She tells her story in dual timelines, her childhood and upbringing and her present efforts and relevant field work. Her love for her grandmother carries her throughout her life and she does not let any obstacles determine her from her end goal. What really struck me about Elizabeth's story was:
🌍 Her holistic and cultural approach to coming up with solutions to help people
🌍 Her adaptability and willingness to learn from other women already doing the work
🌍 Her unwavering faith and belief in her culture's beliefs and practices for the greater good
🌍 Her boldness to challenge herself in unknown situations
🌍 Her innovative ideas for inclusivity
🌍 Her love of her family and community
🌍 Her strength of character
Elizabeth never feels sorry for herself and holds on to her culture's traditions to motivate her to keep pushing forward towards her goals. She tackles every challenge that comes her way and widens the work that needs to be done to a global level. Overall this read was inspiring. I learned a lot about not only Zimbabwe, but other countries in Africa. I am looking forward to researching more about Elizabeth's work and finding out ways that I could get involved in gender equality project.
Bookdragon rating 4.5 🔥
"Ubuntu is the essence of who we are as Africans, a lesson we learned from our ancestors who understood that we are all part of one human family. We need each other and we are responsible for each other."
I am a Girl From Africa is a beautiful memoir written by Zimbabwean born author and humanitarian Elizabeth Nyamayaro. She has been a fierce advocate not only for all African people, but for women all over the globe. I admire the work she has done with HIV/AIDS patients and with the U.N. projects of gender equality. I plan to learn more about her work with #HeforShe
Elizabeth had a rough upbringing and almost died several times because of the effects of poverty. A run in with a U.N. relief worker who helped her stuck with her and became her motivation for doing whatever it took to get hired by the U.N. in order to uplift her people.
She tells her story in dual timelines, her childhood and upbringing and her present efforts and relevant field work. Her love for her grandmother carries her throughout her life and she does not let any obstacles determine her from her end goal. What really struck me about Elizabeth's story was:
🌍 Her holistic and cultural approach to coming up with solutions to help people
🌍 Her adaptability and willingness to learn from other women already doing the work
🌍 Her unwavering faith and belief in her culture's beliefs and practices for the greater good
🌍 Her boldness to challenge herself in unknown situations
🌍 Her innovative ideas for inclusivity
🌍 Her love of her family and community
🌍 Her strength of character
Elizabeth never feels sorry for herself and holds on to her culture's traditions to motivate her to keep pushing forward towards her goals. She tackles every challenge that comes her way and widens the work that needs to be done to a global level. Overall this read was inspiring. I learned a lot about not only Zimbabwe, but other countries in Africa. I am looking forward to researching more about Elizabeth's work and finding out ways that I could get involved in gender equality project.
Bookdragon rating 4.5 🔥
May 1, 2021
Thank you to Libro.FM for the ALC!
3.5 stars. I loved the African proverbs, and that the author represented many nations (through her stories of working with HIV/AIDS clinics, the UN, and He for She. The main thing that dropped the rating for me is that it kept bouncing in time. This is totally a me problem (preferring linear tales). I learned some interesting things and was inspired by her tenacity.
3.5 stars. I loved the African proverbs, and that the author represented many nations (through her stories of working with HIV/AIDS clinics, the UN, and He for She. The main thing that dropped the rating for me is that it kept bouncing in time. This is totally a me problem (preferring linear tales). I learned some interesting things and was inspired by her tenacity.
April 10, 2022
What a life Nyamayaro has lived. I appreciated her stories but didn’t love the writing style. The book is as very predictable. It felt like she didn’t trust her reader so everything was over explained. The format was great (alternating) within chapters between present and past.
May 2, 2021
Couldn't put this down.
Nyamayaro is a remarkable woman and she tells her story with innocence and vulnerability. She has seen a lot of suffering but the philosophy of Ubuntu kept her going.
When we uplift others, we are ourselves uplifted
Nyamayaro is a remarkable woman and she tells her story with innocence and vulnerability. She has seen a lot of suffering but the philosophy of Ubuntu kept her going.
When we uplift others, we are ourselves uplifted
May 7, 2021
Nyamayaro is living an incredible life, and her story is inspiring. However, her editor should be upbraided for allowing (or suggesting) chapters alternating between past and present, especially since so many of them begin with descriptions of rooms in unspecified settings (Tbilisi, Harare, London).
March 1, 2021
Where to even start!?!?! I was blessed to get this amazing book from netgalley and honestly there is just so much about this - I guess simply put I think EVERYONE should read it ! EVERYONE !!!!
This is story about hopes and dream, family, community, perseverance, struggle ... it is a story of inequality and violence but it is also more than a story it is a solution or at the least guidance for stepping into a solution #heforshe is beyond amazing and this story opened my eyes to so much, I cannot even, I think my head may explode! At least in the US I often find in our struggles we tend to isolate not letting others in because you “are not one of us so you cannot speak about our struggle or understand” this just creates greater divide & miscommunication...also you are often leaving out the very people causing the issue the very people you need to change/the ones who MUST be a part of the solution because if they do not understand (self-identify) and if they do not feel responsible and involved I doubt change will happen - I am not saying the racist or the misogynistic ass will be joining you but if it is men or whites or whomever that are the heart of the issue then you must allow people of that group who want to support you to be a part of it because they will reach others like them and they will help foster change too and they will help find solutions and impact the generations to come then hopefully they can change the minds of those creating the issue which to me is what he for she is doing they are holding men accountable and men are holding each other accountable - it also helps when one can see how hurting one or minimizing one is really hurting and minimizing all ! The concept of ubuntu could change the world - “i am because we are, and because we are , you are” if we could all self identify and find empathy and understanding it would change the world!!!!
I could go on and on - I don’t want to spoil this so all I will say is you will be educated and likely disgusted but inspired after reading this ! I am still struggling to take it all in I cannot believe how far we still have to (MUST) go!
This is story about hopes and dream, family, community, perseverance, struggle ... it is a story of inequality and violence but it is also more than a story it is a solution or at the least guidance for stepping into a solution #heforshe is beyond amazing and this story opened my eyes to so much, I cannot even, I think my head may explode! At least in the US I often find in our struggles we tend to isolate not letting others in because you “are not one of us so you cannot speak about our struggle or understand” this just creates greater divide & miscommunication...also you are often leaving out the very people causing the issue the very people you need to change/the ones who MUST be a part of the solution because if they do not understand (self-identify) and if they do not feel responsible and involved I doubt change will happen - I am not saying the racist or the misogynistic ass will be joining you but if it is men or whites or whomever that are the heart of the issue then you must allow people of that group who want to support you to be a part of it because they will reach others like them and they will help foster change too and they will help find solutions and impact the generations to come then hopefully they can change the minds of those creating the issue which to me is what he for she is doing they are holding men accountable and men are holding each other accountable - it also helps when one can see how hurting one or minimizing one is really hurting and minimizing all ! The concept of ubuntu could change the world - “i am because we are, and because we are , you are” if we could all self identify and find empathy and understanding it would change the world!!!!
I could go on and on - I don’t want to spoil this so all I will say is you will be educated and likely disgusted but inspired after reading this ! I am still struggling to take it all in I cannot believe how far we still have to (MUST) go!
February 14, 2021
My Review of
I AM A GIRL FROM AFRICA
By Elizabeth Nyamayara
Published by Scribner
On Sale: 4/20/21 - Link In Bio
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This was a memoir but did not read like one. It read like a beautiful story that had me so engrossed that I absolutely could not put it down. The Author does such brilliant storytelling of the dual time lines of when she was younger living first with her Grandmother after being abandoned by her parents in Africa to when she moves to London.
The visualization of Elizabeth’s stories growing up and the important lessons learned through her African culture are resourceful and influence her life as an adult while trying to help others. She recreates the good and bad of how life was growing up in a village of Zimbabwe and the resilience that was needed to survive the droughts, not having money for food or to go to school.
To learn how she was raised to rely on one another to get through the hard and difficult times was such a powerful theme. It is one that we all must take heed and replicate ourselves in society. “I am because we are, and because we are, you are”. From helping each other in desperate times of need or when there is an illness spreading throughout the country, we must come and work together; united with the same goal.
The aspirations that Elizabeth had began as she lie dying under a shadeless tree, during a drought from hunger, no water and extreme heat. She will never forget the memory of being saved when a woman walks up from the United Nations and provides her with food and water. From that day forward she made it her dream to work and help people for the United Nations, as was done for her. This led her to work hard in school, take any jobs she could to put herself through college and ultimately find herself applying for the chance of a lifetime. Her voice at first small and not so confident grows loud and demands change for all those in need throughout the world.
This book has given me a hero, someone I will continue to look up to and inspire my daughter to be like.
I AM A GIRL FROM AFRICA
By Elizabeth Nyamayara
Published by Scribner
On Sale: 4/20/21 - Link In Bio
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This was a memoir but did not read like one. It read like a beautiful story that had me so engrossed that I absolutely could not put it down. The Author does such brilliant storytelling of the dual time lines of when she was younger living first with her Grandmother after being abandoned by her parents in Africa to when she moves to London.
The visualization of Elizabeth’s stories growing up and the important lessons learned through her African culture are resourceful and influence her life as an adult while trying to help others. She recreates the good and bad of how life was growing up in a village of Zimbabwe and the resilience that was needed to survive the droughts, not having money for food or to go to school.
To learn how she was raised to rely on one another to get through the hard and difficult times was such a powerful theme. It is one that we all must take heed and replicate ourselves in society. “I am because we are, and because we are, you are”. From helping each other in desperate times of need or when there is an illness spreading throughout the country, we must come and work together; united with the same goal.
The aspirations that Elizabeth had began as she lie dying under a shadeless tree, during a drought from hunger, no water and extreme heat. She will never forget the memory of being saved when a woman walks up from the United Nations and provides her with food and water. From that day forward she made it her dream to work and help people for the United Nations, as was done for her. This led her to work hard in school, take any jobs she could to put herself through college and ultimately find herself applying for the chance of a lifetime. Her voice at first small and not so confident grows loud and demands change for all those in need throughout the world.
This book has given me a hero, someone I will continue to look up to and inspire my daughter to be like.
February 28, 2021
An absolutely must-read memoir, pertinent most especially in this century. Ms. Nyamayaro's spellbinding account of her life's course, from near-death by starvation as a tiny girl in a small Nigerian farming village if not for the providential intervention of one angelic blue-garbed UN aid worker, to nearly starving to death again as a young-adult emigree in gritty London with dreams of saving the world under that same United Nations banner, yet without money for food or the educational prerequisites for achieving that dream. But with grit, resourcefulness, passion, perseverance, and a solid sense of community--ubuntu--instilled in her by her fiercely nurturing gogo/grandmother and the all-for-one ethos of all the honorary "uncles" and "aunties" who share her small-town African culture--"It takes a village," quite literally--the author rose up to become one of the fiercest advocates for health, for women, and for equality on multiple levels as part of the very United Nations that seemed so unattainable to her for so many years. Her thoughtfully crafted words reveal a luminous young woman, a supernova among daughters of Africa whose campaigns, most notably for the UN-affiliated organization HeforShe she founded to pursue gender equity, are not just hopes or platitudes but have changed whole nations' policies in life-changing, permanently positive ways, as described in fascinating detail throughout this book. Ms. Nyamayaro deserves acclaim and name-recognition amidst the realm of the Malalas and Gretas of our world; God willing, this book will make it so, especially for the sake of today's young movers and shakers. The powerhouse that is Ms. Nyamayaro is anything but a cliche; she is goodness, light, intelligence, modesty, . . .and a force to be reckoned with for years to come on the world scene, and a voice for profound hope, firmly grounded in the wisdom of the ancestors. What a pleasure to be swept up in this mighty wind of change!
August 12, 2023
Read Around the World: Zimbabwe
This was probably one of the best books that I have read about Africa since I have started Read Around the World; while there are absolute moments of sadness [famine and drought are a constant fear] and the author comes close to dying several times [what happens during one of these episodes is what frames the rest of her life], Elizabeth is determined to rise above her circumstances and be more than what was planned for her. With the support of her Gogo and Aunt and Uncle [her parent's come into play later in the story, but I have FEELINGS about them and what they do and expect, that its better if I don't address them here], she accomplishes her dreams and so much more. I was left so encouraged by her infectious spirit and her love for her country and the women [plus the women around the world] she is trying to save.
My only issue [and what kept this from being a 5 star read for me] was that she jumps back and forth from current time and her childhood/teen years and there is no delineation of when that is going to happen. I got lost several times and had to backtrack, which was a bit annoying. Also, I was not a huge fan of her as a narrator, but that was absolutely more of a personal preference than any real issue on her part - she reads it well and the emotion is very evident when talking about tough things, it is the staccato delivery that was jarring at times.
I highly recommend this book - whether you are doing Read Around the World, or are just looking for a book about a different country and how a girl perseveres to achieve her dreams, this book is for you.
This was probably one of the best books that I have read about Africa since I have started Read Around the World; while there are absolute moments of sadness [famine and drought are a constant fear] and the author comes close to dying several times [what happens during one of these episodes is what frames the rest of her life], Elizabeth is determined to rise above her circumstances and be more than what was planned for her. With the support of her Gogo and Aunt and Uncle [her parent's come into play later in the story, but I have FEELINGS about them and what they do and expect, that its better if I don't address them here], she accomplishes her dreams and so much more. I was left so encouraged by her infectious spirit and her love for her country and the women [plus the women around the world] she is trying to save.
My only issue [and what kept this from being a 5 star read for me] was that she jumps back and forth from current time and her childhood/teen years and there is no delineation of when that is going to happen. I got lost several times and had to backtrack, which was a bit annoying. Also, I was not a huge fan of her as a narrator, but that was absolutely more of a personal preference than any real issue on her part - she reads it well and the emotion is very evident when talking about tough things, it is the staccato delivery that was jarring at times.
I highly recommend this book - whether you are doing Read Around the World, or are just looking for a book about a different country and how a girl perseveres to achieve her dreams, this book is for you.
September 28, 2022
22/09
This book... this book has been more than I ever thought it would be. I'll write a review when my heart will have quieted down on all the emotions.
Uptade: 28/09
This book is filled with the ancient African philosophy of Ubuntu
"I am because we are because we are, you are."
This memoir is filled with so much love for humanity that it infused back in me some faith as well.
At the beginning of the memoir, I kept feeling like the author might be a bit too naive, or too enthusiastic for my taste. Then, I realised that maybe I was being too pessimistic because I did not see the beauty of her approach, her faith as to decide to keep going hand in hand with others and keep on trusting, believing despite the harshness of what she has had to see throughout her career, her humble upbringing.
I did not expect to read about all the heavy subjects she tackled: child violence, famine, poverty, AIDS, violence against women and gender inequality mostly in Africa but also across the globe. Yet the tone was never ever gloomy which at the same time did not lessen the impact such topics can have when you read about them.
Because it is a memoir, I expected it to be centered greatly on herself and that's where she taught me another lesson because I have been looking too much through a Western, Occidental lens. So, it was truly refreshing to learn more about a philosophy which I was vaguely familiar with.
Writing this review makes me want to read it all over again!
Read it, read
This book... this book has been more than I ever thought it would be. I'll write a review when my heart will have quieted down on all the emotions.
Uptade: 28/09
This book is filled with the ancient African philosophy of Ubuntu
"I am because we are because we are, you are."
This memoir is filled with so much love for humanity that it infused back in me some faith as well.
At the beginning of the memoir, I kept feeling like the author might be a bit too naive, or too enthusiastic for my taste. Then, I realised that maybe I was being too pessimistic because I did not see the beauty of her approach, her faith as to decide to keep going hand in hand with others and keep on trusting, believing despite the harshness of what she has had to see throughout her career, her humble upbringing.
I did not expect to read about all the heavy subjects she tackled: child violence, famine, poverty, AIDS, violence against women and gender inequality mostly in Africa but also across the globe. Yet the tone was never ever gloomy which at the same time did not lessen the impact such topics can have when you read about them.
Because it is a memoir, I expected it to be centered greatly on herself and that's where she taught me another lesson because I have been looking too much through a Western, Occidental lens. So, it was truly refreshing to learn more about a philosophy which I was vaguely familiar with.
Writing this review makes me want to read it all over again!
Read it, read
September 5, 2021
Mostly an inspiring book about overcoming abject poverty and pursuing ones dream no what your circumstances, it also highlights some critical global issues facing our world, with specific reference to Africa. A book everyone living in Africa must read. Thanks Alex Bouche for the recommendation.
April 15, 2022
I AM A GIRL FROM AFRICA.
BY- Elizabeth NYAMAYARO
I needed time to digest this book before talking about it.
Elizabeth Nyamayaro is phenomenal, in fact utterly extraordinary !!!
Goromonzi, is a tiny village in Zimbabwe, a village where an exceptional human is born. Young Elizabeth lives quite happily with her beloved Gogo, her aunts, uncles, her friends and a couple of chickens and goats. Life for Elizabeth is simple, innocent and happy.
Hard times hit when Zimbabwe experiences severe drought , with so many suffering extreme hunger and malnutrition. Gogo must leave the village for a short time, looking for food. On day 3 a United Nations aid worker finds 8 year old Elizabeth collapsed on the ground, suffering from dehydration and extreme hunger. The kind stranger in the blue dress offers her a bowl of warm porridge and some water, saving her life.
She had no idea at the time that this moment of kindness would one day shape Elizabeth’s life. Elizabeth dreamed of one day wearing that same blue dress!
This transformative moment inspired Elizabeth to become a humanitarian, dedicating her life to giving back to her village, her Africa and The world.
For over two decades Elisabeth has been instrumental in creating change around the world, always remembering what it was like to go hungry.
From her tiny Goromonzi village all the way to London, Geneva and New York, Elizabeth becomes a Senior Advisor for the United Nations,works for The World Bank and goes onto establishing ‘HeForShe’ , a world-changing movement, fighting for gender equality, working to end child marriage and gender based violence.
Elizabeth lives by the power of UBANTU, ‘I am because we are, and because we are, you are’ - when we uplift one person, we are all uplifted.
Elizabeth shares her powerful story, displaying her determination to fight hunger, poverty, education, HIV/Aids, River blindness, healthcare, maternal and child mortality, gender equality, child marriage and gender based violence. She will share with her readers facts and figures that will break your heart.
“I understand what I must do. I know that I must uplift others, just as my life was once uplifted.”
Elizabeth is a testament to the human spirit!
‘You cannot tell a hungry child that you gave them food yesterday.’
A book that will keep inspiring me to help those without a voice, doing my bit to make a difference to the millions around the world, striving for a better life.
An exceptional story about an exceptional woman.
BY- Elizabeth NYAMAYARO
I needed time to digest this book before talking about it.
Elizabeth Nyamayaro is phenomenal, in fact utterly extraordinary !!!
Goromonzi, is a tiny village in Zimbabwe, a village where an exceptional human is born. Young Elizabeth lives quite happily with her beloved Gogo, her aunts, uncles, her friends and a couple of chickens and goats. Life for Elizabeth is simple, innocent and happy.
Hard times hit when Zimbabwe experiences severe drought , with so many suffering extreme hunger and malnutrition. Gogo must leave the village for a short time, looking for food. On day 3 a United Nations aid worker finds 8 year old Elizabeth collapsed on the ground, suffering from dehydration and extreme hunger. The kind stranger in the blue dress offers her a bowl of warm porridge and some water, saving her life.
She had no idea at the time that this moment of kindness would one day shape Elizabeth’s life. Elizabeth dreamed of one day wearing that same blue dress!
This transformative moment inspired Elizabeth to become a humanitarian, dedicating her life to giving back to her village, her Africa and The world.
For over two decades Elisabeth has been instrumental in creating change around the world, always remembering what it was like to go hungry.
From her tiny Goromonzi village all the way to London, Geneva and New York, Elizabeth becomes a Senior Advisor for the United Nations,works for The World Bank and goes onto establishing ‘HeForShe’ , a world-changing movement, fighting for gender equality, working to end child marriage and gender based violence.
Elizabeth lives by the power of UBANTU, ‘I am because we are, and because we are, you are’ - when we uplift one person, we are all uplifted.
Elizabeth shares her powerful story, displaying her determination to fight hunger, poverty, education, HIV/Aids, River blindness, healthcare, maternal and child mortality, gender equality, child marriage and gender based violence. She will share with her readers facts and figures that will break your heart.
“I understand what I must do. I know that I must uplift others, just as my life was once uplifted.”
Elizabeth is a testament to the human spirit!
‘You cannot tell a hungry child that you gave them food yesterday.’
A book that will keep inspiring me to help those without a voice, doing my bit to make a difference to the millions around the world, striving for a better life.
An exceptional story about an exceptional woman.
September 24, 2022
I rather enjoyed this book of Elizabeth Nyamayaro's journey from near death by starvation (and we learn later on in the book, this is the second time, first when she was just an infant) to directer of HeForShe as well as various positions held within the United Nations and World Health Organisations. She is an inspiration and anyone who thinks they cannot do it, must read her book. She had a dream and she worked unbelievably hard to get where she is today.
She tells her story in a beautiful personal and non-boastful way. She is proud of what she has accomplished and feels that she still hasn't done enough. I was inspired and my favourite parts of her story was when she went back to share her life in Zimbabwe with her Gogo - who was the first one to truly believe in her and gave her the foundations necessary to build upon.
I am now a proponent of Ubuntu!
She tells her story in a beautiful personal and non-boastful way. She is proud of what she has accomplished and feels that she still hasn't done enough. I was inspired and my favourite parts of her story was when she went back to share her life in Zimbabwe with her Gogo - who was the first one to truly believe in her and gave her the foundations necessary to build upon.
I am now a proponent of Ubuntu!
January 11, 2023
May have taken me over a year to finally finish this book, but that’s on me, not Elizabeth :)
I came across Elizabeth’s Ted Talk on the infamous #HeForShe United Nations Women campaign a few years ago and have always found her story inspiring.
In this book, she details her early beginnings growing up poor in Zimbabwe and how she consistently backed herself all the way to being a Senior Advisor for UN Women.
A very beautiful story about the infinite possibilities that come with nurturing an environment for women to grow and thrive.
I came across Elizabeth’s Ted Talk on the infamous #HeForShe United Nations Women campaign a few years ago and have always found her story inspiring.
In this book, she details her early beginnings growing up poor in Zimbabwe and how she consistently backed herself all the way to being a Senior Advisor for UN Women.
A very beautiful story about the infinite possibilities that come with nurturing an environment for women to grow and thrive.
June 14, 2025
“Our potential should not be limited by where we are born, nor our dreams be diminished by our current circumstances.”
Oh, I just love finding new authors and books. Especially when I can learn something new about a place (or places) I've never been. Now I'll be honest, I had no idea who Elizabeth was until today. Like a few hours ago when I downloaded her audiobook on Hoopla. Well, I'm a huge fan now. After finishing this book, well, I can't wait to get my hands on the next book she writes or has written. Which, looking at her profile, looks to be one other book: Human Skills.
October 26, 2021
Powerful story and both storylines are well interwoven. However, I found the proverbs a hit repetitive.
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