Maya | Broadcaster |spent over 7 years as one of the main presenters at the first English radio station in Sudan, Capital Radio 91.6FM | became the longest running English Radio Host in the country | also host of presidential events such as the official welcoming of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda or PM Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia |Content Creator | Social Activist | over 15 years of human-centred training in various fields | trained for over 500 hours as a Medical Herbalist in patient-centred herbal clinics at UCLan in Preston and around the UK | over 10 years of experience in student-centred teaching after obtaining CELTA certificate at the British Council in Khartoum | Music is my passion | I'm a talkative person, I love talking, interviewing and getting to know people | Khartoum, Sudan
Instagram: @mayagadir
Website: www.mayagadir.com
1) THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
I was asked to host the first official celebration of Sudan's Independence Day in English after our revolution that changed the political system from dictatorship to democracy which was broadcasted by over 17 international channels. I actually was the first English Speaking host to be part of this official celebration in the history of my country, Sudan. December 31st 2019 was the best day in my life.
2) THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?
I can’t remember anything bad that happened this past year It’s been a
journey of full exploration and self
rediscovery.
3) YOUR BIGGEST WISH FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
I really hope that awareness keeps spreading around so that people fully understand their rights and freedoms as humans wherever they are.
4) YOUR BIGGEST WORRY FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?
My biggest worry is the spread of greed, war, genocide and injustice around the world specially in Africa specially during these times.
5) A CONTEMPORARY WOMAN YOU CURRENTLY ADMIRE?
Beyonce, she's a mother, wife, artist and business woman. Mad Respect!
6) A ONE-SENTENCE MESSAGE TO OTHER WOMEN? Express yourselves proudly and confidently.
A few more questions about the current situation (Covid-19, lockdown, black lives matter protests, politics, finances, mental health, health, and so much more).
7) THE WORLD HAS BEEN CHANGING DRAMATICALLY IN RECENT MONTHS, HOW ARE YOU COPING?
Well it's been tough specially being in a country which is extremely unstable politically. Sudan is facing inflation which reached almost %222 in August in addition to many other crisis with scarce petrol, lack of bread and lack of medical care. There is a lot going on on top of the pandemic. Since I quit my job last July to stay at home with my son being a single mum, I was able to work from home to keep me afloat financially. However, mentally I kept myself sane by establishing a series of interviews on Instagram where I get to interview people from different parts of the world. I interviewed directors, djs, artists, psychologists and many others. I spoke about real matters with people and that helped me stay sane.
8) WHICH CHANGE OR EVENT HAS AFFECTED YOU THE MOST / HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU PERSONALLY?
Leaving my radio hosting job after 7 years. Although it was about time for me to explore new avenues and venture into new experiences within the Sudanese media when it came to my career, leaving my job allowed me to reflect on my personal life quite a lot since I had plenty of time to think. I realised that I didn't have time for my son, my family nor myself. I am in the process of building a normal personal life now and it has been fun.
Another thing, I got married last Saturday, so I was blessed to maintain a relationship during this difficult time and we ended up together, my partner is very patient that's why, plus he is a musician so it was a perfect match. The wedding happened in a week's time so I didn't really plan for it, but it turned out as perfect as I imagined it to be. This is another change that happened this year. It has been a blessing in disguise.
9) WHAT ARE YOU MOST CONCERNED ABOUT THE RIGHT NOW?
The news of the second wave of Corona virus is quite concerning. Going through another lockdown is going to be tough plus not having a clear plan of what I'm going to do till the end of the year is daunting. My son needs to go back to some normality and I have no idea how normal will look like for him. There are many concerns that run through my mind, but one thing I've learnt during these times is that you need to learn to live in the present, appreciate each moment that passes and make every second count. You must take each day as it comes, one DAY at a time!