Rise Book Circle: I Am a Girl from Africa by Elizabeth Nyamayaro

What does it take to transform a life shaped by hardship into one dedicated to changing the world? And how much of who we become is determined by the people who lift us up along the way?
In I Am a Girl from Africa, Elizabeth Nyamayaro shares her remarkable journey from a childhood marked by poverty and hunger in rural Zimbabwe to becoming an internationally recognized humanitarian and advocate for women's rights.
As a young girl, Elizabeth experienced a life-changing act of kindness when a United Nations aid worker helped her during a devastating drought. That encounter planted a dream: one day, she too would work for the United Nations and help others.
Her path was anything but straightforward. Through personal setbacks, educational opportunities, determination, and the support of others, she eventually found herself working on the global stage, including helping to launch the UN Women's HeForShe movement, which invites men and boys to become partners in achieving gender equality.
But this memoir is more than a story of individual perseverance. At its heart is the African philosophy of ubuntu—the belief that our humanity is deeply connected to the humanity of others. Nyamayaro challenges the familiar idea that success is something we achieve entirely on our own, reminding us of the extraordinary power of community, compassion, and collective action.

A Few Questions to Consider as You Read

1. The power of one act of kindness: How did a seemingly small encounter change the direction of Elizabeth's life? Have you experienced or witnessed a moment when someone's kindness had an unexpectedly lasting impact?
2. Ubuntu and our shared humanity: How does the philosophy of ubuntu challenge our ideas about independence, individual success, and personal responsibility? What might our communities look like if we embraced it more fully?
3. Resilience and opportunity: Elizabeth's story is one of extraordinary determination, but also of people who opened doors for her. How much of success comes from personal resilience, and how much depends on access to opportunities and the support of others?
4. Women, leadership, and change: What does Elizabeth's journey reveal about the barriers women face, particularly in communities with limited resources? What lessons might her experiences offer for advancing gender equality today?
5. From inspiration to action: Memoirs like this can leave us feeling hopeful, but what does it take to turn inspiration into meaningful change? Did Elizabeth's story challenge you to think differently about your own ability to make a difference?

Join the Conversation!

At Rise Book Club, we explore books that broaden our perspectives, challenge our assumptions, and encourage us to think more deeply about the world and our place in it.
Whether you found Elizabeth's story inspiring, thought-provoking, or even challenging in places, we'd love to hear your perspective.
Come ready for an open, thoughtful conversation. Different viewpoints are not only welcome—they're what make a great book discussion!
We look forward to seeing you!