Five minutes with Rosemary
Five minutes with Rosemary
Rosemary Mugwe joins us this month to tell us more about her job as Kids Operating Room's Director of Africa, as well as her journey to becoming a part of our amazing team.
What is your role at Kids OR?
I am the Director for Africa here at KidsOR. I founded the Africa office and I am responsible for its day-to-day operations. I work with governments, professional bodies, regional economic communities, intergovernmental organisations, academic institutions and non-state actors to secure partnerships and political commitment to strengthen paediatric surgical intervention in the sub-Sahara region.
How did you find yourself working for Kids OR?
I joined the organisation in January 2020 to set the first KidsOR based in Africa in Nairobi, but before that I was the CEO of the College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa for four years.
I first became a lawyer with a master’s in gender and development studies. My passion for policy and advocacy is what attracted me to the health industries. I have over 15 years of experience working on health development initiative for various governments agencies as well as international and regional organisations.
I got to hear of Kids Operating Room in 2018, the same year I met the Chairman and CEO to understand the objective of the organisation.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
The unpredictability. Today meeting with top government officials, tomorrow in hospitals visiting Operating Rooms, next strategising with partners, next stuck on my desk writing reports and developing plans.
I work with a much-energised team that is passionate about Africa and its peoples, especially children.
Where and what did you study at University?
I studied in Kenya and India. I have a Bachelor in Social Legislation( BSL), a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a MA Gender and Development
Do you have any hidden talents?
Dancing! I love music and dancing. I dance my heart out every time when I get the opportunity, which is more often than not every day.