Ines Djonzo, from Cameroon,class of 2021 International Master of Business Administration (IMBA) program, College of Economics and Management(China-Africa International Business School ), Zhejiang Normal University. Ines emerged as an exemplary student, excelling not only in her academic pursuits but also in leadership and social responsibility. Standing out from over 5,000 candidates, she was selected for the second cohort of the African Young Women Leaders Fellowship program, a prestigious initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Union (AU), recognizing her exceptional abilities and commitment to impactful change.

Figure 1: Promotional photo of Ines Djonzo in the book “Ubuntu: Through the Eyes of African Young Women Leaders” released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Union (AU)

Figure 2: Cover of the book “Ubuntu: Through the Eyes of Africa Young Women Leaders”, with Ines Djonzo circled in red

Figure 3: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Union (AU) awarded Ines Djonzo African Young Women Leader

Master's Career: The Sprout of Academic Innovation and Global Leadership

Ines Djonzo pursued a Master’s degree in International Business Administration (IMBA) at Zhejiang Normal University from 2019 to 2021. As an international student from Cameroon, she exhibited exceptional academic prowess and an unwavering passion for research during her time on campus.

In 2019, Ines published her first book, Désastreuse réapparition, an exploration of the complexity of social realities and the impact of parental relationships on a child's life. The book delves into the delicate dynamics between parents and children, focusing on how the absence of a father can profoundly affect and even destroy a child's future. Through its poignant narrative, Ines reflects on both the fragility and resilience of individuals in challenging circumstances, showcasing her deep commitment to addressing critical social issues.

Figure 4: Cover of “Désastreuse réapparition”

Figure 5: In 2019, Ines Djonzo signed and sold books at the book launch event

During her time at Zhejiang Normal University, Ines Djonzo actively participated in various academic activities and was awarded the Academic Innovation Excellence Award for the 2019-2020 academic year. This accolade not only recognized her academic abilities but also reflected highly on her innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Figure 6: Ines Djonzo wins the Academic Innovation Excellence Award for the 2019-2020 academic year at Zhejiang Normal University

Associate Professor Huang Yupei, Ines Djonzo master’s supervisor, spoke highly of her: “Ines is a serious and meticulous student who demonstrated outstanding academic potential and a strong sense of social responsibility during her graduate studies. Her graduation thesis focused on the factors influencing customer satisfaction in the prefabricated housing industry. To complete this research, she visited relevant companies multiple times to distribute survey questionnaires and gather practical data. The thesis went through several rounds of revisions, reflecting her rigorous approach to research. Ines performed excellently in the academic field, with her graduation defense score being among the highest in her class.

Figure 7: Ines Djonzo attends the graduation ceremony of the college

From Campus to International: The African Young Women Leaders Program of the United Nations Development Programme and the African Union

    Ines Djonzo academic achievements and performance have laid a solid foundation for her future career development. In 2022, she stood out from over 5,000 candidates and was selected as a recipient of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and African Union (AU) Second Cohort of African Young Women Leaders. This prestigious initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of African female leaders who will contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Africa's 2063 Agenda.

 Figure 8: Official promotional photo of Ines Djonzo

Through the African Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) program, Ines Djonzo has had the opportunity to showcase her leadership skills on a global stage. She worked at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Guinea, participating in various UNDP projects. During this experience, she, along with 37 other young female leaders from different African countries, learned how to navigate diverse environments such as international organizations, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Together, they contributed to the formulation and implementation of global policies.

Figure 9: Ines Djonzo interviewed by the United Nations Development Programme

Figure 10: UN Development Programme (UNDP) and African Union (AU) report on Ines DJONZO

This experience was a transformative journey for Ines. She not only learned advanced concepts of global development but also gained a profound understanding of her responsibilities and mission as an African female leader through her interactions with leaders and decision-makers from various countries. During her time at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Guinea, Ines developed a deep understanding of local social issues, particularly in the areas of gender equality and women's empowerment. This experience has further strengthened her determination to advocate for African women and promote social change.

Figure 11: Ines Djonzo visit Nelson Mandela plenary hall, at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa

Academic Creation and Social Responsibility: From Writers to Advocates for Women's Empowerment

In 2022, Ines Djonzo once again showcased her talent by publishing her second book, Dans l’âme des femmes blessées. This book addresses the critical issue of gender violence, calling on society to pay attention and take action to promote gender equality. Through this book, Ines not only demonstrated her academic creativity but also utilized literature as a tool to raise public awareness of gender-based violence. She leverages her literary influence to urge all sectors of society to collaborate in creating a future free from violence.

Figure 12 : Ines Djonzo and her new book Dans l’âme des femmes blessées

Ines Djonzo has stated on multiple occasions, Writing is an extension of my voice. She uses words to convey her thoughts, care, and actions to more people, especially marginalized women. Her works inspire countless women to bravely face difficulties and fight for their rights.

Figure 13: Ines Djonzo signing her book Dans l’âme des femmes blessées at the book launch event

Engaging in the Empowerment of African Women: The Dual Role of Peace and Empowerment

In addition to her creative work, Ines Djonzo serves as the Vice President of the non-governmental organization Arise and as the Country Director of the Influential Figures in the Peace Field Award Program in 2023. In this role, she actively promotes the empowerment and leadership of African women, making significant contributions to combating gender-based violence. Through various empowerment projects, she has helped women achieve economic independence and improve their social status, transforming the lives of countless women through leadership training and financial education.

Figure 14: Ines Djonzo interviewed by media reporters horizon in Guinea

Under her leadership, Arise provided leadership training to 50 women and assisted 20 of them in entering empowerment and entrepreneurship centers, thereby offering opportunities for economic independence. Ines believes that women's economic independence and leadership skills are crucial for promoting sustainable development in African society. Through her efforts, she is advocating for greater social resources and rights for African women, fostering societal development toward greater fairness and inclusivity.

Ines Djonzo also visited Cheikh Anta Diop University in Senegal and Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in Côte d'Ivoire for exchange programs, where she emphasized the importance of girls' education.

Figure 16: Ines Djonzo interviewed by media reporters

Internationalization Education at Zhejiang Normal University: Cultivating Future Leaders in Africa

Associate Professor Huang Yupei, Ines Djonzo master's supervisor, once commented on her: Her success is not only attributed to her diligence and persistence but also to her profound understanding of global issues and her strong sense of responsibility towards society. She exemplifies the achievements of our college in cultivating international talents and embodies the value of our efforts to build a platform for China-Africa cooperation and exchange.

The story of Ines Djonzo exemplifies the success of Zhejiang Normal University in international education and the cultivation of future leaders in Africa. She has not only fought for greater rights for African women through her academic achievements and social contributions but has also made significant strides in promoting global gender equality and social justice. Her experiences inspire countless students and young people to become role models in their communities.

As an outstanding alumna of Zhejiang Normal University, Ines Djonzo's empowering young African women not only showcases the spirit of friendly cooperation among Chinese and African youth, but also showcases the vitality of China Africa friendship in the new era. In the future, the college will continue to strive for excellence in these areas to cultivate more outstanding talents like Ines Djonzo, contributing to the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's 2063 Agenda.