Interview with #GDCTeam Human Resource Assistant, Margaret Sigilai #IWD2022

1. Name: Margaret Cherono Sigilai 

2. Designation: Human Resource Assistant 

3. What does your job entail?  

I’m in the HRS department, Medicare section. I am a link between the Medical service providers our staff and their beneficiaries.  I also ensure that the hospital bills are checked to avoid fraudulent acts, process medical invoices and send letters of undertaking to the hospitals in case of admissions. In addition to my work as a Medicare staff, I am a member of the GDC Gender and Disability Mainstreaming Committee, this being my second term of service. 

4. What values guide you in your life?  

Belief in God, integrity, hard work, fairness and transparency. 

5. What word would you use to describe your career journey? 

    Gratifying 

6. Do you have a mentor?  

    Yes, I do. My Mother 

7. What is the most significant message that she or he has shared with you?  

That I am unique and that I was created for a divine purpose, I should be myself and should not imitate other people.  I need to be principled, capitalize on my strength and improve on my weaknesses, sharpen my skills so that I may grow from better to the best that I can be.  

8. Which women have supported you in your career journey?  

My mother, who encouraged me to work hard in school and avoid bad characters who would mess up with my vision/ goals.  Some of my female colleagues at work who trusted me with tasks that helped me grow and unlock my potential. I admire women who have made a difference in society, Margaret Thatcher- Former Prime minister of the UK, Julia Ojiambo – Kenyan politician, academic, researcher and Gender activist; Ellen Johnson Sir leaf – former president of Liberia and Mitchell Obama. 

9. Gender-based equity remains a challenge in our society, what solution/s can you propose, on a personal level;   

Gender refers to both males and females.  To encourage fairness, measures must often be put in place to compensate for the historical and social disadvantages that prevent women and men from operating on an equal level. These include empowering women, Educating society to accept that women are equally able to perform in some male-dominated fields like mechanical, civil and electrical engineering.  

10. What are your hobbies?  

I love reading as a form of knowledge acquisition, travelling, empowering the youth and women. I enjoy singing and I am a member of the GDC choir.  

11. What does it take to balance your family, hobbies and work?  

 Discipline and great sacrifice  

12. What are your aspirations in life?  

I am passionate about counselling which sometimes goes hand in hand with coaching and mentorship. I have seen very close friends and even close family members get into depression due to small matters that could have been sorted through encouraging them to speak out and let others know. I would love to be a counsellor after I leave GDC. 

13. Message to women across the board?  

We are very strong. Don’t allow anyone to belittle or take advantage of you no matter how bad the situation is. Pick up your pieces and move on. Life has a way of rewarding hard work and my parting shot to all women is; hard work, integrity and self-respect is key to your success in life.