Femme Special: There's something about Fatou

I met Fatou while I was in Liberia, her smile and warmness immediately captivated my spirit. Fatou worked as a waitress in the hotel I was staying in for work. Immediately when she found out I was Sierra Leonean she was even nicer to me as she shared she was a Sierra Leonean working and living in Liberia. You must be wondering why Fatou is so important for Femme Special Because as much as Fatou will never write a story on Women Change Africa I felt that I needed to share her story along with many other young women such as her. Fatou shared with me that she had moved to Liberia since the war happened in Sierra Leone and Liberia had been home to her, she had a beautiful smile and her eyes lit up as she shared some of her dreams with me. When I asked her what she would like to do in life she mentioned she wanted to finish school and possibly own a restaurant or hotel or her own some day. I was so inspired by her aspirations and told her that anything she set her mind to she can make happen. But did I really believe this for her? See when I asked Fatou if she has ever travelled to Ghana or Freetown both countries really close to her she replied no that she had never travelled anywhere. I was in shock and immediately had a moment of gratitude to God for his blessings. I realized at that moment that only difference between me and Fatou was that I had been blessed to receive more opportunity than her. She was just as smart, beautiful, ambitious and with an amazing spirit. After she served me my meal at the restaurant I thanked her and kept reflecting. What will happen to her? Will she ever travel anywhere? I realized this is the reality for many girls in Africa the hope is there but the opportunity doesn't exist for them. I hope to meet many women like Fatou and be able to share their stories. They too are Bosschiques and should be celebrated. If provided the right economic opportunities women such as Fatou will be doing even more amazing things in their societies, but that day, that moment, those opportunities were just not there. Fatou is doing the best that she can do and with a little opportunity can do more, but for now all I can do is share her story and allow those who are fortunate enough to reap benefits be inspired, and possibly find ways as leaders in their communities to create better lives for women such as Fatou.