Oury Traore
Mali / Ghana
Most important, I am a feminist because I do not conform – I embrace my mind, Soul and Spirit.
I am from Mali, but have been living in Accra, Ghana since 2005. I am
an Independent Consultant working mainly in Peace and Security. I also
undertake assignments in Leadership, Organizational Development, Gender,
Human Rights and Civil Society. My primary skills areas are in research,
training, Evaluation; Program Formulation & Design; Process Facilitation; and
Institutional Building. I train senior military in peacekeeping; conduct evaluation
for donors; Design conceptual framework; formulate research methodologies,
etc. I work mainly with the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, the European Union
(EU), donors and the International NGOs. I also train in conflict resolution
techniques, Civil-Military relations and other peace and security issues.
I am a feminist because I do not believe that I am a sub-human or that I am less
of a human being because of my sex. I believe that all human beings should
have equal rights and equal opportunities regardless of their sex. Although
women and men have different physical traits, they are both capable to think
on their own, to have ideas, lead effectively, and take decisions that affect their
lives. I am a feminist because I believe in women’s emotional, physical and
financial integrity and independence. I am a feminist because I am not afraid
to stand on my own and assert myself. Most important, I am a feminist because
I do not conform – I embrace my mind, Soul and Spirit.
Feminists in Africa are misunderstood by our society at large. We are also
isolated from the mainstream of global feminism because we struggle with our
identity. Furthermore, Feminists in Africa are not really working in solidarity
despite some of the efforts that are underway. We should focus so we can
dismantle this well-established patriarchal structure by developing strategic
leadership of women of all ages; allocate resources to feminist’s movements
and institutions. We also need create a healthy space to amplify the voice
and visibility of Africa Feminists by working in solidarity and collaboration
at national, regional and international levels. We need to partner with likeminded women and men to dismantle patriarchy that is detrimental to our
societal fabric.
I try to live in awareness and see all women as sisters despite our various
views, perceptions and perspectives. I try to focus of our communality instead
of our differences. I also train women’s NGOs to become effective leaders,
to embrace other women; to lift other women and to focus on our collective
vision and objectives. I am mentoring a few younger women professionally. In
my friendship, when the relationships become toxic, I withdraw and remove
myself because I really think that it is ugly for women to compete and beat each
other when we’re already so abused by our societies. I am focusing my energy
in improving myself spiritually, professionally and health wise, but also reach
out to those who are in need.
I am inspired by increasing roles women are playing in leadership and in
becoming effective leaders - more aware women in leadership positions. I
hope, pray and work for a better world where love and peace prevail and
where a critical mass of women leaders will emerge.
VPS II
. 127