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In 1995, we began by visiting India where we met several burned women, victims of the growing problem of dowry abuse. Women here face a myriad of tragedies: illiteracy, poverty, domestic violence, infanticide, suicide and the hierarchical complexities of the caste system. To further our plans, it was imperative we understand how the culture interacted with family life. |
| Burn Victim in Indian Hospital |
| After attending the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, our view of the women´s movement broadened considerably. Networking with several agencies among the forty thousand women participants from around the world enhanced our ability to evolve into an international organization. |
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| World´s women at UN Fourth World Conference |
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| Later that year, we accepted an invitation from a non-governmental agency to visit Kenya, East Africa.While there, we met with several women´s groups and formed an alliance to develop a program to abolish female genital mutilation. Project Innocence targeted the Abugusii people group living in Kisii town, a community of approximately one million people. |
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| Kisii Peaceful Protest |
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Education became a primary focus. Everyone agreed that to communicate effectively, a highly creative strategy and comprehensive program was essential. Our team needed the cooperation of pastors of Christian churches (because people of all faiths practiced the ritual), community leaders, educators, and health officials. To succeed, everyone men, women and children had to be reached. |
| Kisii Sports Day |
