From silence to prominence with REFLECT

This is what Dora Jalloh a community woman and REFLECT circle member had to say:

“I am now 38 years old, married with 4 children and my husband is a farmer I first met ActionAid in 2006 in a community meeting where we were told that they will be working with adult and illiterate women in our community commence a REFLECT session. The essence of the REFLECT circle was well explained and I was motivated to register as a member. We were 25 in number and ActionAid supported us with books, a blackboard, chalk, pencils, a hurricane Lamp and kerosene. We were also taken through a very interesting training.

The following year, we were supported with seed rice to sow in order to have food and income. At the end of the year I started reading the class 3 reader and taking leadership roles in community meetings such as welcoming people or giving vote of thanks at the close of gatherings/meetings. By doing this on regular basis, I developed self confidence to work for myself and the community.

In October 2008, the councillor of our Ward visited our community and said he had a tractor for the women of our community to help them begin mechanised agriculture. I was bold enough to thank him on behalf of the community women and was asked to write down the names of all the Women present at the meeting. Due to my positive contribution, colleagues immediately elected me to be head of the management committee of the tractor. Currently we have a Bank account to which I am the lead signatory.

Today, with the income acquired, I have a mini-shop where I sell all sorts of cooking materials and foodstuff. I am now able to monitor my last daughter’s exercise book on a daily basis and by this she has proved well in school by moving from  8th position to 3rd position in class during her promotional exam to class five.

I have also helped my husband to become a tractor operator and he earns income from this.

I am the advocacy focal person for the women of our community and we have attracted a lot of support from the district council.

In the past women were not part of the local court sittings in this community but currently two other women and I are members and we influence decisions and propose laws that protect women and children which is being endorsed. My family is no longer constrained for things like food or clothing and the voice of women in this community is an integral and significant part of all the voices that make and enforce laws.

Thanks to ActionAid for empowering me.”