|
Current Issue:
|
|
Encore Issues | PW | PC(USA) |
|
|
“Tocar no meu destino—change my destiny—that’s exactly what I did.”*Benedita da Silva is described as a fighter, a champion. The first Afro-Brazilian woman to serve in several political positions in Brazil, including senator, she uses her personal story to empower women in Brazil and around the world. Born into poverty in Praia do Pinto favela (slum) in Rio de Janeiro, Benedita lived with her mother, Ovidia, and 12 siblings in a shack. Ovidia, seeking a way to feed her family, left her husband, José, in Minas Gerais, where they worked as day laborers. She moved to the favela, opened a small storefront and washed clothes. When she had made enough money, she sent for José. When Benedita was a few months old, Ovidia moved the family to Chapéu Mangueira favela, also in Rio, where Benedita has lived ever since. “As you can see, my family is very matriarchal. It’s the women who are the risk-takers and the ones who make the decisions—the women in the family are fearless.”* Benedita hosted the participants of the PW Global Exchange, providing a tour of the foundation buildings, a presentation on the foundation’s programs, a book signing for her new book, Simply Benedita (Rio de Janeiro, 2005, self-published) and refreshments. After many Global Exchange participants returned to the hotel, Benedita took time to talk with a few who remained. Learn more about Benedita's life and hear what she has to say to Presbyterian Women! Call 800/524-2612 Susan Jackson Dowd is PW Communications Coordinator. |
|
| Join Benedita at the 2006 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women in Louisville, Kentucky! Benedita is participating in the Global Exchange by coming from Brazil to be a plenary speaker at the Gathering. |
|
|
| | Home | March/April Index | Features | Resources | Departments  copyright © 2006 Horizons, Presbyterian Women |