Spotlight on Sara: An Inspirational Volunteer Journey

In the world of international volunteering, some stories stand out for the empowerment and inspiration they bring. Sara’s international volunteer experience is one such story. A Canadian volunteer from Victoria, British Columbia, Sara has shown a remarkable commitment to fostering meaningful collaboration and impactful action through her international volunteer work with WUSC and their partner in Amman, Jordan.

With a Master’s in Conflict Resolution and a wealth of experience in humanitarian operations, Sara decided to volunteer internationally with WUSC, motivated by her desire to contribute to meaningful change, specifically in empowering women and challenging traditional gender norms. Sara found her calling as an Organizational Development Advisor with the Wise Women Plumbers Cooperative (WWPC). This role allowed her to leverage her professional background and engage in personal and professional growth by working alongside the dynamic team at WWPC and the local communities. 

The Wise Women Plumbers Cooperative is a transformative grassroots organization, founded by women plumbers in Amman, Jordan, in 2014. It arose from a critical need to address cultural norms that prevent male plumbers from entering homes when only women were present, creating significant barriers during plumbing emergencies. Dedicated to challenging traditional gender norms in the conservative plumbing industry, WWPC empowers women, including refugees, people with disabilities, and the visually impaired, by training them in plumbing and water conservation. This initiative addresses Jordan’s pressing issues, such as water scarcity, gender inequality, and unemployment, aiming to enhance water efficiency and provide sustainable livelihoods. Moreover, it seeks to challenge societal norms to make the plumbing industry more inclusive. With the support of WUSC, WWPC is expanding its mission to drive broader societal changes, promoting green jobs and environmental conservation.

In Jordan, a context marked by limited opportunities for women in technical and leadership roles, Sara’s role at the WWPC stands out as part of a collective effort to drive change. As an Organizational Development Advisor, Sara contributes to the team’s ongoing work by organizing leadership workshops and coordinating networking events that link aspiring female leaders with industry professionals. These initiatives, crucial for empowering Jordanian women, provide them with practical skills and confidence within a supportive environment. Together with her colleagues at WWPC, Sara is helping to address broader challenges of gender inequality in Jordan, supporting WWPC’s mission to open up new avenues for women in traditionally male-dominated fields like plumbing. 

Sara’s volunteer experience was marked by her encounter with various challenges, such as the limited availability of comprehensive training materials and resources, which were crucial for the training programs. Additionally, logistical issues within the partner organization sometimes hindered the smooth execution of program activities. 

Navigating these challenges contributed to Sara’s learning and growth, as she managed through them with innovative solutions and strategic planning. This experience underscores the importance of a diversity of perspectives from volunteers, partner organization colleagues and community members required to tackle challenges, find solutions and highlights the enriching exchange of knowledge and skills between volunteers and partner organizations like WWPC.

Reflecting on this transformative journey and the meaningful connections she made within the WWPC, Sara highlighted the invaluable lessons learned about empathy and collaboration. She shared, “Through my WUSC volunteer experience, I’ve come to realize the power of empathy and collaboration in creating meaningful change. It’s about walking alongside communities, listening to their needs, and working together towards a brighter future.” 

For Sara, the journey with WUSC and WWPC is more than an international volunteer assignment; it is an opportunity for growth, learning, and connection. The experiences gained, challenges overcome, and friendships forged along the way have left a lasting mark on her life, shaping her outlook on international development and global citizenship.

As Sara’s story continues to inspire, her advice for future volunteers resonates with wisdom and encouragement: “Embrace every opportunity with an open heart and mind. The journey of volunteerism is as much about the impact you can make on the world as it is about the personal growth and understanding you gain along the way.”