Fartuun Adan's political activism began in her country of Somalia, but the City for All Women Initiative (CAWI) gave her the tools to be heard. The local program enables women from diverse communities to participate in the municipal decision-making process.
Since she was a child, Fartuun demonstrated an uncommon strength of character.
"Actually I have six brothers, but I always have in my mind that I am smarter than them," she laughs. "Women in my country are accustomed to waiting for men to tell them what to do."
After her husband's murder in 1996, she brought her three daughters to Canada, expecting a different situation. "I came to Canada expecting women to be so powerful," she says, "but when I got here I saw only men making the decisions."
It's not in her nature to sit around and wait to be told what to do. As soon as she arrived, she immediately began learning English. She also joined a Somali women's organization. One CAWI Women's Civic Participation Training Program was not enough for the 39-year-old nursing aid, so she is attending her second training program of nine months, which includes four workshops and being involved in a women's action team, to put learning into practice. "I want to learn to try and change other women's minds and to be a role model."
Fartuun is one of a growing community of women who proudly wear peach scarves -- a symbol to demonstrate that across their diversity they share common concerns -- and actively participate in the local municipal decision-making process. When she voted for the first time in last year's municipal elections, Fartuun brought her enthusiasm, new knowledge and friends with her. "If you can change things, you feel powerful. Now these women realize we have a voice."
