Leadership in action: Suzanne Ngo-Mandong and the global fight for equity

EmpowerHer, a series amplifying the voices of transformative women, welcomed Suzanne Ngo-Mandong to its stage to discuss the global fight for gender equity and human rights.

On a crisp November morning in Princeton, Suzanne Ngo-Mandong took the stage to share her story as part of the EmpowerHer series — a program dedicated to amplifying the voices of transformative women. With a calm yet powerful presence, Suzanne guided the audience through her journey from Cameroon to the global stage, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs that have defined her life

The room, filled with attentive men and women, became a space for deep reflection on resilience, gratitude, and leadership. Suzanne described her life as “a rainbow of colors, each representing challenges and achievements that together form a resilient and hopeful whole.

From Cameroon to the global stage

Suzanne was born in Cameroon, a country celebrated for its cultural diversity but burdened by deep inequalities. “In my region, we are known for our strong will and attachment to culture and social values,” she said. Her childhood was shaped by a visionary father who saw her potential beyond societal barriers. Yet, her journey was far from easy.

At age eighteen, Suzanne became a young mother in Moscow, where her diplomat husband was posted. “Balancing motherhood, marriage, and education wasn’t easy, but giving up was never an option,” she recalled. With discipline and community support, she completed her studies and became the first college graduate in her family. Her professional life began in diplomacy but truly flourished in humanitarian work, where she spearheaded key initiatives for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Challenges on the ground: Health, gender, and humanity

In her talk, Suzanne shared candidly about the harsh realities she encountered in her work, particularly in humanitarian crises. Her stories left the audience in awe, offering glimpses into the daily struggles of women and girls:

• The deaf and mute girl: A twelve-year-old survivor of rape who became pregnant, her resilience deeply moved Suzanne. “What struck me was her gratitude for not contracting HIV and her determination to continue her education to build a brighter future for herself and her son.”
• The woman with obstetric fistula: In Burundi, a woman lived for more than fifty years with this debilitating condition, which isolated her from her community. Thanks to UNFPA’s programs, she regained her health, dignity, and place in society.
• Displaced mothers: Suzanne described women who risk their lives gathering firewood, knowing their husbands might be killed if sent instead. “These women embody resilience,” she said.

Through these stories, Suzanne emphasized that sexual and reproductive health is not only a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone for gender equality and sustainable development.

Resilience and positive masculinity: The pillars of change

While celebrating the role of women, Suzanne highlighted the importance of male allies. “Positive masculinity is essential for advancing women’s rights. Men must not be bystanders but active partners in this journey.”

She expressed gratitude for the men who supported her, from her father to her husband, who stood by her choices. “Gender equity isn’t a favor — it’s a shared responsibility,” she affirmed.

A call to action: Inspiring future generations

For Suzanne, leadership goes beyond personal achievements; it’s about collective impact. “We can’t transform the world alone. We need communities that work together, leaders who inspire, and people who act with purpose,” she declared.

She closed her talk by encouraging attendees to reflect on their roles in creating a more equitable world. “Invest in younger generations. They need our stories, our guidance, and our example,” she said.

EmpowerHer seeks to do exactly that: unite voices, inspire action, and foster connections across generations. Suzanne Ngo-Mandong not only shared her story but also ignited a spark of commitment in each attendee, reminding all that meaningful change begins with small actions and big intentions.