Nancy Oloo
BIO
Epidemiologist, mother of two.
Nancy Oloo
“Motherhood came in, but I kept to my academic aspirations.”
My science journey began when I landed in college to take agriculture and biological sciences. These are areas most females would not want to venture into because of the technical terms and other technicalities of the course, but I held on till I graduated and become a trainer in the two subjects.
I had my first child when still in college and this did not interfere with my studies. Motherhood came in, but I kept to my academic aspirations. As a mother, I had to balance my time for each activity I had. This included my study time, bonding time with my baby, and other household chores. I was still single at the time of giving birth. Later, after graduating I got married and again joined the university to do the same science courses but with an additional course on counseling. I got a lot of support from my parents and siblings.
Being a mother at that tender age and as a student, was not a death sentence to me. It made me work even harder to justify the fact that all was still possible with me and other girls.
As a wife and a mother, I still managed to scale high. I did not stop there, but again pursued a master’s in public health, and had my second child just when I was doing my research. I finished within the required time and now pursuing a PhD.
To all mothers out there: it’s all about decision-making, persistence, and not forgetting your obligations. My career path was not affected negatively in any way, but it opened my eyes. Currently, am a gender mainstreaming champion and emphasize the retention of young academic mothers in school and college. I got a women’s honorary award from the Minister of Industrialization for bringing change, creativity, and innovation.