Zubaida Mabanu Ismail

Zubaida Mabuno Ismail has over three years of experience in the communication sector, specifically in journalism. Two years ago, she developed a passion for mentoring and began a speed-mentoring program for students in primary and middle schools and girls in high school. The program is active in four schools in northern Ghana. Currently, Zubaida is the northern regional correspondent for TV3 Network Ghana Limited, a free-to-air television station located in Accra, the capital city. She was contacted to interview and report on girls dropping out of school due to unwanted pregnancy as a result of child marriage by Tuma-Kavi and NORSAAC, two non-government organizations. Zubaida Mabanu Ismail then became a mentor with the organizations. As a victim of teenage pregnancy herself, she was motivated to work with girls to ensure their retention and successful progress in school. Zubaida holds a high national diploma in Media and Mass Communication from the Tamale Technical University. She motivated by her own experience with unwanted pregnancy to provide education of sexual and reproductive rights and the dangers of unprotected sex. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Zubaida plans to expand her mentoring program to four more institutions.