As Engineers Without Borders Canada's Gender Advisor this past year, I was privileged to work with Assemblywoman Sarah Kunyangna in Northern Ghana. In 2011, Sarah decided to run for Assemblywoman. She endured vicious bullying and harassment; yet she persisted because she wanted to prove to young girls in her region (the vast majority of whom will drop out of school before the age of 14) that they could amount to something if they continued with their education.
Now, Assemblywoman Sarah is one of the most respected member of her District Assembly, and she has been a champion for women’s rights in her 14 constituent communities. As a member of the Gender Action Fellowship that I created and co-facilitated in Ghana, Assemblywoman Sarah created processes that helped local chiefs outlaw female genital cutting, enabled communities to transform the ways widows had been marginalized, and supported families in banding together to keep their daughters in school, to name just a few of her accomplishments. Sarah is a force of nature, and she is only just starting her journey as a young and empowered women's rights advocate.
This is where you come in. Assemblywoman Sarah has been selected to attend a 6-week leadership program hosted by Engineers Without Borders called the "Kumvana Program;" however, as a result of an unexpected funding cut, the organization needs to raise $4,500 by December 1st in order to cover her participation costs. I'm donating $500, and some of my wonderful family and friends have already chipped in another $1,000.
I know that you want to see an end to harmful practices like female genital cutting, and I know that you recognize the importance of empowering leaders who are already bravely championing these issues in their communities if we want to move forward. And this is why I am reaching out to you. Because I know your heart hurts when you hear about these injustices, and because I know that you want to be a part of the difference.
Tax receipts can be made out to anyone who donates more than $20- just e-mail me at erinaylward@ewb.ca with your address and I will ensure that it gets to you.
In solidarity and with gratitude,
Erin