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Women Leading Africa - Issue 1
African Women's Development Fund (AWDF)
June 27, 2012

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Introduction

Soon after I started working for the AWDF in April 2008, I had the opportunity to interview internationally acclaimed author and feminist, Professor Ama Ata Aidoo at Mbaasem (Women's Affairs) - the writing centre she established in Accra, Ghana. I spent over two hours enthralled in the professor's company. I left feeling inspired to continue my own quest to become a 'proper' writer. I had grown up reading Anowa, I had been cast as the 'Slave Girl' in my sixth form class' production of The Dilemma of a Ghost, I had written my undergraduate dissertation on the concept of home in the writings of Ama Ata Aidoo and Buchi Emecheta, and I had even named the first training programme I co-established 'The Anowa Project'. Spending one-on-one time with Ama Ata Aidoo was a dream come true.

Since 2008, I have had the opportunity to interview numerous inspirational African women across the continent. Some of these women are relatively well known internationally (Ama Ata Aidoo is a case in point), others have come to international recognition in recent times (Leymah Gbowee, for example, who was co-awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize), but the vast majority of women I have interviewed are known only to other members within their sector and more immediate communities - whether this be the artistic community or the women's movement. Yet these women have compelling stories to tell; stories that need to be brought to the attention of wider audiences, compelling thoughts on women's leadership and how they have led within their chosen field. Women Leading Africa: Conversations with Inspirational African Women is part of the AWDF's efforts to communicate the achievements of African women and document our stories for posterity. It is my hope that in a small (or big) way, this book contributes to changing the negative, disempowering images of African women and showcases African women for who we are - powerful agents of change, making a difference in our lives, our communities and the world at large. Be inspired!

My sincere gratitude goes to H.E. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, First Lady of Ekiti State, Nigeria for conceptualising the need for this book, Michelle Wilson who is an invaluable sounding board in my writing and editing process, and all the members of the 'Facebook Palaver Hut' who so enthusiastically contributed questions for my interview with feminist theologian Mercy Amba Oduyoye.

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