Hailing from Ghana, Sandra Martey (MPP 2023) is an advocate for gender equality and social empowerment, whose journey is defined by her commitment to effecting positive change, particularly in leveraging fashion as a tool for socio-economic development.
Reflecting on her path at the intersection of fashion and education, Sandra shares that she started that path off by making dresses with a sewing machine from her room, “I was always a creative person, but it got to a point where my educational journey had a setback. So I had to fall back on what people generally call a hobby, to make ends meet.”
“At the beginning of my journey, fashion was still often dismissed as second rate,” Sandra reflects. “I am proud to be contributing to the shifting narrative today. People are now leveraging creative arts to fight causes and promote issues.” This evolution fuels Sandra's passion for empowering young women who aspire to pursue creative arts, aligning with her advocacy for gender equality.
At the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Sandra led the ‘Fashion Expressions: The Stories She Wears’ initiative, a collaborative project with the Prada Group aimed at promoting equality and socio-economic well-being. Sandra explains, “The objective of the whole project was to target women in vulnerable circumstances in Ghana and Kenya, leveraging fashion as a tool to promote equality and also their socio-economic well-being.” The initiative went beyond mere skills building, to build agency among participants, enabling them to not only start their own businesses but also make meaningful contributions to their communities. Through a series of comprehensive programs and mentorship opportunities, participants were equipped with the necessary tools, skill set, and national accreditation to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys and secure long-term employment opportunities.
“The most fulfilling aspect is witnessing the ripple effect of their success. They’ve started their own businesses, and some of them are employed at the businesses that we put them in, thereby making a meaningful impact in their communities.”
Sandra’s commitment to education and policy reform is deeply rooted in her experiences. “The educational system in Ghana, especially concerning technical and vocational skills, faces challenges. There’s a prevailing narrative that values STEM over creative skills, which I aim to challenge.”
Sandra’s dedication to challenging the prevailing narrative regarding education and policy reform in Ghana led to her selection as a Mandela Washington Fellow in 2023. This prestigious fellowship, part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), aims to empower emerging African leaders with the skills and networks needed to address complex socio-economic challenges. As a fellow, Sandra engaged with other African leaders, fostering collaboration and shared learning to drive positive change across the continent.
Now, as an MPP student, Sandra continues to expand her knowledge and skills to further contribute to her aspirations. She highlights the transformative experience of the MPP program, emphasizing its emphasis on critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning.
“The MPP programme offers a unique approach to learning which has allowed me to explore complex issues from various perspectives, ultimately shaping my understanding of policy and leadership. The peer-to-peer interactive sessions and collaborative projects have broadened my perspectives and enriched my learning experience. For example, at the Blavatnik School I have studied the relevance and the integration of philosophy, politics, and economics perspectives in shaping public policy. Decisions cannot be made in silos, and it is therefore important to build a strong nexus of expertise across the different disciplines and the School does that perfectly, bringing professionals from diverse backgrounds into the programme.”
Sandra also cherishes her experiences at St. Anthony’s College, where she is part of a vibrant community of 19 MPP students. “Being part of the MPP community at St. Anthony’s has been truly inspiring,” Sandra reflects. “For example, despite the demanding academic schedule, we find time to attend college formals and collaborate on projects outside of the classroom.”
Looking ahead, Sandra aspires to pursue a PhD in education, aiming to bridge the gap between creative skills and formal education. “I want to empower individuals to pursue their dreams and aspirations,” she says. “Education should embrace and empower individuals with diverse talents and abilities, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity.”