FAME foundation was established to solicit, encourage and advance the social, emotional and economic wellbeing of women and girls as well as formulate programmes within the framework of national development plan with a view to enhancing the participation of women and advocate for gender parity in the society.
FAME foundation firmly believe that the entire nation, businesses, communities and groups can benefit from the implementation of programs and policies that adopt the notion of women empowerment.
Azali is a 12 years old girl in the southern part of Accra who grew up seeing violence as normal because her stepfather was abusive.
On most days, she would wake up with her stepfather caressing her. Azali assumed it was his way of expressing fatherly love, just like her late father.
She became skeptical of the frequent show of love that she communicated her fears to her mother. However, she cautioned her and added the stepfather was only being caring and protective.
Moreso, Azali’s mother was afraid to confront her husband because the stepfather batters her at every argument. She consoled her daughter that everything was fine and advised they remain prayerful so the stepfather could change for good. She further warned Azali not to discuss it with anybody or her friends in school. Azali felt a bit relieved by her mother’s words and confidence.
Months passed, and the stepfather continued getting worse. He beats his wife over any slightest provocation. He gradually neglected his wife’s sexual needs and developed a desire for Azali.
At first, Azali resisted him, but he threatened to stop catering for them and send them packing so she would not confide in anyone.
The abuse continued for months until she got pregnant at 15.
Azali’s mother finally realized what her husband was doing to her daughter, but she could not do anything because she was scared and they were dependent on him. She was ashamed of what people would say when they hear her husband impregnate her only daughter. Hence, she connived with her husband to abort the pregnancy to save their dignity.
Azali was disappointed in her mother, knowing this would not happen if her father was alive. They bought abortion pills from a local drug store and forced Azali to consume them.
One faithful day, Aunty Fatuma, her mother’s elder sister, came to visit and meet Azali in rolling and bleeding in pain from consuming the drugs.
Aunty Fatuma hurriedly took her to the hospital, and a proper evacuation procedure was done.
Aunty Fatima was shocked by the occurrence and promised to help Azali if only she could speak out. Azali told her everything about the abuse since her mother remarried and their fears.
Aunty Fatuma was furious when she confronted her sister and her husband. She went further to report them to Human Rights Commission and the Law.
Finally, the stepfather was charged with child sexual abuse, molestation, and illegal abortion. He was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment.
Azali’s mother became remorseful and was full of shame. Networks of CSOs came together to cater to Azali’s education and empowered the mother to become financially independent.