“I have been empowering women in my community by mentoring, providing opportunities, and fostering a culture of support and collaboration.”
We know that you are a Queen from Tcheboa kingdom in Cameroon and a Medical Doctor working in Nigeria. Can you briefly describe yourself and the work that you do?
My name is Rachel Destiny Baringne; a medical doctor providing conventional medicine, Chinese, and African medicine. My work involves offering diverse healthcare services, blending Western, Chinese, and African medical practices to meet the needs of my patients while serving as a leader and caregiver in my community. Additionally, I am a wife and a mother of 8 biological children and 39 adopted children, further enriching my life and experiences.
As a woman in the Medical Field, what is the biggest challenge that you ever faced and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I faced was breaking through gender stereotypes. I overcame it by staying confident, seeking support from mentors, and proving my competence through hard work and professionalism.
What is the one advice you would give to aspiring young African girls who want to be Medical Doctors like you?
Believe in yourself, work hard, pray and never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams of becoming a doctor because of your gender or background. Seek out mentors, stay focused, and remember that your voice matters in medicine.
You are a Mother Queen, a Medical Doctor and a Changemaker. Looking at this many sides of you, how have you been able to create a work-life balance?
To balance my role as a mother, queen, medical doctor, and changemaker, I prioritize and plan my time carefully. I delegate tasks, communicate openly with my support system, and make self-care a priority to manage my responsibilities effectively and remain present in each aspect of my life.
There is a general belief that women don’t support women. Do you think that is true?
It’s true that some women may not support each other, but in my experience, I’ve seen many women come together to uplift and empower one another in various aspects of life. I myself have been empowering women in my community by mentoring, providing opportunities, and fostering a culture of support and collaboration.
Beyond your personal and professional achievements as a woman, how do you hope to empower and inspire more women in Africa?
I aspire to empower women in small and medium enterprises and inspire them in farming and into politics, mentoring young women and amplifying their voices and contributions in society. “Surrounding yourself with supportive and empowering women can make a significant difference.”