Gloria Steinem and me in Lusaka, Zambia. When I had to drop out of school at 14, my community stepped in. Now I work with district officials, schools and communities in rural Zambia to combat child marriage and ensure girls go to school, succeed and become change makers. Photo: Kate Cunningham

That day I knew: Gloria Steinem is one of us

By ALICE SAISHA, Camfed alumna, Zambia

When Gloria came to Zambia to learn about child marriage, I received a hug I will keep as a souvenir forever. I learned that barriers for women have no boundaries, and that Gloria and her friends are on our side — advocating for women’s rights and acting now for girls who need our voice.

I have to be honest. My sisters and I in rural Zambia had never heard of the American feminist Gloria Steinem. Then there was a documentary series on American Viceland TV, called WOMAN with Gloria Steinem. One of the episodes was about a girl called Dialess from my country, married off when she was only 14 years old. Dialess’ mother saw no other way. Her husband had died from AIDS and passed the virus on to her. She needed her daughter to have food and shelter after she passed. The new husband took Dialess out of school. She was so sad, but she was voiceless…

…continue reading on camfed.org