How did the desire to associate with other women come about, over 20 years ago?
It was above all linked to a great frustration of mine. I would have really liked to continue my education after high school, like my brothers for example. But it was and continues to be very difficult for women in this country. As a young girl, my parents tried to force me into a marriage that I didn’t want. I had a “choice” between two suitors: a cousin and a businessman. I refused and was beaten. It was quite an upheaval, and has left a mark on me. I don’t want to have to hold my hand out all my life. Fortunately, the man I chose to marry when I was 18 is very understanding and totally supports my initiatives. Like the first seamstresses’ association you founded? Yes. That was in 1985. I put the idea of pooling our skills to four women in the neighbourhood. We weren’t from the same ethnic group and had lots of things to share: cooking recipes, sewing techniques… We would club together to buy raw materials. We were all very keen to learn. At the same time, all our time was being take
