She shares facts from The American Woman 1999-2000, the seventh volume in a series of books that look at women's health, wealth, educational and political status. The author tells us how the women of Sierra Leone, after nine years of war, are on the front lines when it comes to making peace even in the face of the military junta. Some women had to flee the country. Many have been raped, maimed and forced into marriages with warring factions. The women of Sierra Leone continue to struggle through women's organizations for their rights and active participation in the government.
Many women are jobless, penniless, homeless and without much hope.
They know the future is their children so they sacrifice to make sure the children survive. We meet Maria da Fezinha, a single, African-Brazilian mother of two boys and grandmother of two girls. Her name means faith capable of great things. She also works with several popular movements and community services. She is thinking of running for city council.