Addra believes his aunt Anyessi Dossou does not have a story to share, but when prompted, she reveals her experiences of widowhood, raising five children, and loneliness. In 2023, an initiative began to document the stories of older women in Benin, Togo, Sierra Leone, and Gambia, focusing on their challenges and triumphs. Through 100 interviews, it became evident that these women defy age stereotypes, serving as farmers, traders, and leaders in their communities. Their narratives highlight a rich tapestry of resilience in the face of adversity.
Dossou recounts the impact of being widowed at a young age and raising five children. She speaks of small joys and triumphs, and of the intense heartbreak of losing a son.
In 2023, a history of the region is chronicled through the experiences of older women, largely overlooked in official narratives, with over 100 interviews conducted.
The commonality among these women is their defiance of stereotypes, breaking social and cultural barriers as farmers, traders, teachers, seamstresses, businesswomen, and community leaders.
Marie-Therese Fakambi, who sees herself as a mother to the 5,000 children she delivered, reflects upon her influential role as a midwife.
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