Day 4: Feminist--Wa

Evelyn was kind enough to let us follow her around. I saved today to speak about her; she is a remarkable woman and deserves much recognition. She is a feminist (that itself deserves applause, especially in Africa). Her father was an administrator and she is college educated. She grew up in Wa (upper Northwest of Ghana), saw the community's need, and has dedicated her life to solving the problems. She is a woman of many callings; women's rights, family support, and orphans. She is the leaders of nine women's groups around Wa, helping educate and empower women (Kat and I are invited to attend their monthly meeting next Sunday). Her current focus is on increasing awareness about domestic violence and sending girls to school. She also broadcasts on the local radio station to educate poor families on the available resources (social programs and national health care). Finally, she has recently developed a heart for children orphaned by AIDS. She helps find families to adopt the children and if she doesn't find anyone, she takes them in herself. Alex, for example, is six months old and living with her. She found him, one day old, naked and abandoned in a landfill. That was the start of her "open house." Living with her is Alex, two teenage girls (Benice and Joe), and Joy, an American woman from the Peace Corps. She is not married because she doesn't want to be restricted (sounds strangely familiar, doesn't it?). It's amazing to meet such a strong woman here in Africa. It gives me hope for it's future and solidifies my calling to work with women internationally. I know there is a reason I have met these incredible women.