I Am a Girl from Africa

By: Elizabeth Nyamayaro

Narrated by: Elizabeth Nyamayaro

A “profound and soul-nourishing memoir” (Oprah Daily) from an African girl whose near-death experience sparked a lifelong dedication to humanitarian work that helps bring change across the world.

When severe drought hit her village in Zimbabwe, Elizabeth Nyamayaro, then only eight, had no idea that this moment of utter devastation would come to define her life’s purpose. Unable to move from hunger and malnourishment, she encountered a United Nations aid worker who gave her a bowl of warm porridge and saved her life—a transformative moment that inspired Elizabeth to dedicate herself to giving back to her community, her continent, and the world.

In the decades that have followed, Elizabeth has been instrumental in creating change and uplifting the lives of others: by fighting global inequalities, advancing social justice for vulnerable communities, and challenging the status quo to accelerate women’s rights around the world. She has served as a senior advisor at the United Nations, where she launched HeForShe, one of the world’s largest global solidarity movements for gender equality. In I Am a Girl from Africa, she charts this “journey of perseverance” (Entertainment Weekly) from her small village of Goromonzi to Harare, Zimbabwe; London; New York; and beyond, always grounded by the African concept of ubuntu—“I am because we are”—taught to her by her beloved grandmother.

This “victorious” (The New York Times Book Review) memoir brings to vivid life one extraordinary woman’s story of persevering through incredible odds and finding her true calling—while delivering an important message of hope, empowerment, community support, and interdependence.

Critic reviews

"Nyamayaro never shies away from the difficult truths of poverty, illness, and maternal mortality rates. She deftly balances her personal story and those of the people she has encountered in her work. Her accent is a combination of Zimbabwean and British, and she captures the accents of others respectfully. Nyamayaro's narration is powerful, not just because of her words, but because she performs with emotions that capture the truth she has lived."

Such an inspiration and compelling story

I particularly enjoyed having the author read this one. Her passion really comes through. I never heard of He for She and now will never forget what it has done to promote gender equality. But what I enjoyed the most was her personal story of her life so far and the people in her life. The beauty of Africa and her people and the spirit of Ubuntu underneath it all.

Inspiring and Empowering Memoir

An incredibly inspiring and empowering memoir. I enjoyed the African proverbs and the weaving of the author's childhood with accomplishments! The narration is EXCELLENT!

The Girl In The Blue Uniform

A truly uplifting memoir. With every possible obstacle in front of her, Elizabeth pushes on. She didn't just reach her goal, she exceeded it.

Dreams can change the world

It was a privilege to hear Elizabeth share her story and learn about the far-reaching effects that resulted from her commitment to following her dream.

Determination. Never giving up. No matter What

This was my first experience with audible books and I look forward to my next experience. I wanted to hear more. I didn’t want the book to end