Aridja comes from the Kotokoli community of Badou, a group that represents about half the population of the town but is seen only on the “fringes” of society. As one of the few women in her community who speaks French, Aridja is a role model for others. She is often seen at the hospital accompanying a Kotokoli woman who has come to give birth. My hope is that WWEC will give Aridja a legitimate platform on which to bring ideas and practices back to the Muslim women of Badou.
Erin Dumas, who nominated Aridja TAMBO – Plateaux Region
