Spotlight Speakers: Rahwa Tilahun Yohaness

“Decent work and economic growth for everyone is one step in the right direction to social justice for all” — Rahwa Tilahun Yohaness

Rahwa Yohanness will be moderating Role of Governments and Businesses in Building Back Better, 27 May from 15:00–16:00 CEST.

This interview is part of our online Spotlight Series focused on UN SDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Opportunity.

Visit our Spotlight Series website to view the full programme.

About The Speaker

Rahwa T Yohaness is a public speaker, activist, social critic, and the founder and director of Manifold, an organisation promoting diversity and positive changes in society, focusing on empowering and creating opportunities and spaces for Black and minority women and youth in Norway.

Rahwa works as the Partnerships and Events coordinator at African Innovation Week and is an event producer at the Oslo Afro Arts Festival. She organises and hosts academic, cultural, social and community events in collaboration with academics, artists, professionals, and activists in the diaspora.

Read below to learn what drives Rahwa and other SDGs she works towards through her work.

Interview Highlights

1. What excites you most about participating in our Spotlight Series?

I am excited about the the ideas and solutions that will come out of it. I am happy to be a part of a socially conscious, future- and solution oriented program. It is very timely and it is needed, especially in times like these.

2. What motivates you to help tackle SDG #8 on Decent Work and Inclusive Economic Growth?

Social justice is an important value for me, and decent work and economic growth are closely linked to justice and equality. People in the margins are the ones that suffer the most in times of job scarcity and economic decline. Our society will not be just and fair before all people, regardless of gender, sexuality, race or (dis)ability, have access to decent work without discrimination or exploitation and are as economically safe as everyone.

3. How does your work contribute to achieving SDG #8?

One of Manifold’s core values is making opportunities and knowledge accessible. In Norway, opportunities don’t just mean access to work but also access to spaces and people. We also know that the barriers to economic growth, for example, are much more complex than what we see at face value. Working to lay the foundations for long-lasting impact is where we invest our efforts by raising awareness and challenging biases, working against discrimination, amplifying minority youth and womxn’s voices, and ensuring everyone are represented and speaking for themselves.

4. In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge in the attainment of SDG #8?

Aside from the obvious challenges the pandemic poses, I think we have some values decision-makers should reconsider. I have been in rooms where decisions about whom to give an opportunity to were made, and each time, money was prioritised over social impact. Another problem is how policies and solutions are made and implemented; the processes seldom include those affected.

5. Why is it important to spread awareness around SDG #8?

Justice and equality are closely linked to SDG #8, working towards that goal is one step in the right direction to making that a reality.

6. How can others take part and get involved in creating meaningful change?

I believe that everyone can do something in their respectful homes, work or areas of expertise. You don’t have to be directly affected by something for you to show compassion or show solidarity with others. Learn, be mindful and do what you can where you can.

7. What are the top three issues you would like to see highlighted in post-COVID recovery?

Environmental justice

Equal access to health care

Social justice

8. Is there another SDG you are working towards in your professional or personal life? What action are you taking to support it?

Gender equality: I engage in gender and racial equality activism. I work with different activists, scholars, artists and organisations to find solutions, show solidarity and create safe spaces to come together. We also work on expanding knowledge and challenging existing structures. Our work at African Innovation Week picks different SDGs for every annual conference, last year, we had numbers 1, 5, 4, 8, 9 and 17 on the agenda.

9. What and who inspires you with awe?

The women and activists I work with inspire me through their dedication, determination and actions.

A Nobel-winning economist, the UN & global CEOs? Join us 26–28 May!