Our Stories

Written by Anne Kazungu Okwera

This week, May 20th, as the world marked International HR Day, I found myself reflecting not just on the profession I love but on my own journey — the highs, the struggles, and the silent hopes I carry with me every day.

When I moved to the UK in 2020, I brought with me over seven years of Human Resources experience. Back home, I had worked hard to build a career grounded in people development, conflict resolution, policy implementation, and employee wellbeing. HR, to me, has always been about more than just systems or procedures — it’s about people, purpose, and creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Naturally, I expected that experience to count for something. But once I arrived here, I quickly realised that breaking into HR in the UK as someone from the diaspora wasn’t going to be easy. Despite everything I had achieved, it felt like I had to start over.

I was fortunate to secure a remote HR Advisor role in the charity sector, which ran successfully for two years. But when it ended last August, I thought, “I’ve got this — now I have UK-based experience too.” Unfortunately, that confidence has slowly been worn down. Since then, I’ve applied to countless roles. I’ve tailored my applications, reached out, and followed up — and still, the rejections come, or worse, no response at all.

I’m now at a point in my career where I just wish someone would give me a chance. I’m not asking for handouts. I know I’m capable, hard-working, positive, and adaptable. I bring both an international perspective and local experience, and I care deeply about the impact HR can make — not just on business outcomes, but on real people’s lives.

It’s frustrating to see how often the value of overseas experience is overlooked. I’ve come to believe that many recruiters and hiring managers don’t look past what’s familiar. And yet, this week we’ve seen HR professionals across the globe celebrating their role in creating fair, inclusive, and supportive workplaces.

I can’t help but wonder: Who’s looking out for the HR professionals trying to get a foot in the door? Who’s making space for people like me — with global experience, fresh perspective, and proven resilience — to contribute to the profession we love?

This International HR Day, I’m not just celebrating the field — I’m also calling for it to be more open, more inclusive, and more reflective of the values it stands for.

To the recruiter, hiring manager, or HR leader who might read this: look again. Talent doesn’t always come wrapped in the familiar. Sometimes, it’s right in front of you — just waiting for a chance to shine. Anne Okwera is an HR professional and the author of The Girl from Orussi. My journey up the career ladder, Anne is also the founder of the Diaspora Charity Network.