Nominating Organization: African Services Committee

My name is Asmaou Bah and I am 48 years old.  I was born in the Pita region of Guinea and am a Guinean national. Despite dealing with much gender discrimination in my home country, I went to university and became a mathematics teacher. At this time, I also became politically engaged, becoming a leader in my teachers’ union and also an outspoken advocate for womens’ right. Soon, I was targeted by the military for my political activism as well as for refusing to be forced into marriage or let my daughter be forced in marriage by my late husband’s family.

Under threats of military violence, I fled Guinea to the United States in 2010. I received asylum in the United States so I cannot return to Guinea. Currently I am a childcare worker in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania and have not been able to see my family - who remain in Guinea and Senegal - since leaving four years ago. On this trip, I wish to travel to nearby Senegal to see my loved ones. 

I am excited to be reunited with my eldest son, my daughter, my son, and my sister. Most importantly, I cannot wait to see my mother. My mother taught me to be strong, to focus on my studies and making it. She sacrificed so I could succeed. I want to see her before she dies so she can see that I have survived.

In the United States, I make use of every opportunity given to me to speak out against the abuses happening in Guinea; those perpetuated by the government and military and those perpetuated by people in power who oppress women in the name of “tradition.”  To that end, I have become a frequent commentator on Media d’Afrique, a web-based radio station with listeners in Guinea and the US, I participate in public demonstrations, and talk to the media about the abuses happening in my home country. I will continue to fight to change conditions for the women of Guinea.  

3/10/14: ASMAOU'S FLIGHT IS FUNDED! WOO HOO!

FLIGHT CREW 

The Reddy Family

The Reddys are delighted to be the lead fundraisers for Asamou Bah to travel to Senegal to see her beautiful family after 4 years of separation - her children, mother, and siblings. Asamou's commitment to labor and women's rights under the threat of physical retaliation is incredible and the Reddy family has a great deal of respect for her courage. 

Sandhya & Krishna Reddy immigrated to the United States in the late 70s from South India and have two feisty daughters, Sonia and Meghana. Living in Southern California for the past 33 years while most of their extended family remains in India, they know the significance of being able to visit loved ones that might live literally on the other side of the world. The Reddy family believes all people should be able to spend time with the people they care about - unjustly low wages or unfair immigration policies should not keep families divided. 

The Reddy Family loves to do the following things together, often at the same time: complain, eat chips, watch Bravo TV, play with their two chihuahuas, go on too long walks, and make fun of each other.  

THE REDDY FAMILY HAS DONATED $600 AND IS FUNDRAISING $800 TO SEND ASMAOU TO SENEGAL

Fundraising update 3/10/14: $800 RAISED IN 5 DAYS 

ASMAOU'S FLIGHT IS FUNDED!