Harvard Kennedy School students are busy during the summer months, putting their classroom training to work to deepen their understanding, apply new skills, and bring their knowledge to a new challenge, professional sector, policy area, or part of the world.
Femi Olonilua MPA 2025 shares her experience in the La Mé Region of Côte d'Ivoire, speaking with local communities and analyzing demographic data and previous studies to create a gender inclusion strategy for the region.
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Where did you work this summer?
The La Mé Region of Côte d'Ivoire with former Prime Minister and President of the Regional Council of La Mé Patrick Achi , as a research fellow
What did you work on?
During my internship, I worked on developing a comprehensive gender inclusion strategy for the La Mé Region. This project was initiated by the Regional Council of La Mé, led by President Achi, as part of its vision to make the region a “prosperous, supportive, and inclusive economic pole, a model of sustainable local development.”
The project involved extensive research and policy development work. I began by analyzing existing demographic data and previous studies on gender issues in the region. However, the core of my work involved direct engagement with local communities. I organized and participated in focus groups across various villages, speaking with members of women’s cooperatives, mixed-gender groups, and men’s associations. I also administered individual questionnaires to complement these discussions to gather detailed perspectives.
After collecting and analyzing the data, I identified key challenges faced by women in the region and developed policy recommendations categorized into five areas: food security in agriculture, market access and distribution, access to microfinance and savings groups, entrepreneurship, and education and training.
My findings and stakeholder recommendations were presented at a seminar that brought together stakeholders including local officials; representatives from international organizations like the World Bank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and CARE International; and officials from relevant government ministries. My work was part of a larger initiative to improve the socio-economic conditions of women in the La Mé Region, with the goal of promoting sustainable development and gender equality in the area.
What did you learn during your experience? Which new skills did you develop and how do you think you will apply them in the future?
I gained a wealth of knowledge and developed new skills. I learned how to conduct field research in a developing country, which involved organizing and facilitating focus groups as well as designing and administering questionnaires. These experiences improved my cross-cultural communication skills as I navigated language barriers and cultural nuances. I also improved my data analysis skills, particularly in interpreting qualitative data and synthesizing complex information into clear insights.
Perhaps most importantly, I learned how to translate research findings into practical policy recommendations, considering factors like effectiveness, equity, and feasibility. The experience has given me a strong foundation in community engagement, data-driven decision making, and policy development, which are applicable across many fields.
What was fun?
Undoubtedly the fieldwork component. I loved traveling to different villages in the La Mé Region and interacting with local communities. Hearing people’s stories firsthand and gaining insights into their daily lives and challenges was fascinating and eye-opening. These interactions went beyond collecting data for my project—they provided personal connections I’ll cherish long after the internship. I also enjoyed the collaborative aspects of the work, mainly working with local officials. The process of distilling my research into a final presentation was challenging but rewarding, and I found satisfaction in knowing my work could potentially have a real-world impact on policy and people’s lives.
I also had the opportunity to explore other parts of Côte d'Ivoire. I visited Assinie-Mafia, a beautiful coastal town known for its pristine beaches and laid-back atmosphere. It was a refreshing break from the intensive fieldwork, and I enjoyed swimming in the warm waters of the Gulf of Guinea and trying some delicious local seafood. Another memorable experience was my trip to Yamoussoukro, the political capital of Côte d'Ivoire, and visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the largest church in the world. Its enormous size and intricate architecture left me in awe.
Throughout my internship, I also had the chance to immerse myself in Ivorian culture. I tried local dishes like attieke and aloco, learned a few phrases in local languages, and even attended a traditional dance performance. These experiences, combined with my meaningful work, made my internship not just educational but unforgettable.
What are you looking forward to most this fall?
I’m excited to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve gained during my internship to my future studies or work. I’m looking forward to bringing a more nuanced, real-world perspective to my academic discussions, especially those related to international development and gender issues. I’m also eager to share my experiences with my classmates and potentially inspire others to pursue similar work.
Overall, I feel this internship gave me a clearer sense of direction for my future career path, and I’m looking forward to exploring those possibilities in the coming months.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience?
My internship was transformative—it broadened my understanding of global development issues and the complexities of implementing change at the grassroots level.
I was struck by the comprehensive nature of our research, combining quantitative and qualitative methods to gain a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by women in La Mé. To work on a project with real-world impact on policy was incredibly motivating and gave me a sense of purpose. I gained valuable insights into the daily lives and challenges of women in rural Côte d'Ivoire. The experience of collaborating with local government officials and international organizations was also invaluable, giving me a taste of how different stakeholders come together to address complex social issues. My internship not only enhanced my professional skills but also shaped my worldview and career aspirations in meaningful ways.
Femi Olonilua MPA 2025 is among a number of HKS students who received financial support through the School’s Summer Internship Fund (SIF). SIF supports students in two-year programs in one summer prior to graduation. Students apply their classroom learning through meaningful public service summer internships to deepen their experience and develop new skills.