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{{Infobox person
{{Multiple issues|
| name = Rainatou Sow
{{sections|date=August 2013}}
| image = Rainatou Sow.png
{{citation style|date=August 2013}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|10|30|df=y}}
{{cleanup-bare URLs|date=August 2013}}
| birth_place = [[Fria]], [[Guinea]]
{{cleanup|reason=sort the inline urls out and leave the refs. Complete each ref properly|date=August 2013}}
| residence = [[UK]]
| nationality = [[Guinea]]n
| known_for = [[Women's Rights]]
| alma_mater = [[London Metropolitan University]]
| website= http://www.makeeverywomancount.org/
}}
}}
'''Rainatou Sow''' is an advocate for a peaceful and equitable world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.women4africa.com/w4a-speaks-to/women4africa-speaks-to-rainatou-sow/|accessdate=21 August 2013}}</ref> She is a woman from Guinea who works to empower women and girls. Rai is a human rights and social justice advocate and women’s rights activist.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/mfonobongnsehe/2012/12/06/the-20-youngest-power-women-in-africa-2012/|accessdate=21 August 2013 | work=Forbes | first=Mfonobong|last=Nsehe}}</ref> When talking to women 4 Africa, she said that her aim is giving African women and girls the power of voice in order to create a society where women and men can sit in the same table in both political and social setups to discuss on the way forward.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/30/world/africa/africa-womens-decade-rights|accessdate=21 August 2013 | work=CNN | title='Give African women a voice,' say activists - CNN.com|date=30 November 2012}}</ref>) . Rainatou’s inspiration started way back when she was only 12 years old. She took the responsibility to take part in community development and participated in many community projects and later on focused her attention in empowering women. She is working towards empowerment of women as a way of moving forward as Africans.<ref>{{cite web|url=(http://www.women4africa.com/w4a-speaks-to/women4africa-speaks-to-rainatou-sow/|accessdate=21 August 2013}}</ref>)


Rainatou is the founder and the executive director of Make Every Woman Count. This is a team of young women in Africa, America and Europe who use their passion and experience to promote rights and empowerment of women and gilrs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.makeeverywomancount.org/images/stories/documents/MEWC_AWD2012AnnualReview.pdf|accessdate=21 August 2013}}</ref> She was motivated by her vision that one day all women will have voice in governance institutions and fully participate equally in public dialogue and decision making. Although many organizations work to empower women, she said in her interview with Women 4 Africa that this was not enough as many of them do not focus on giving women the power to voice what they want to say.<ref>{{cite web|url=(http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/30/world/africa/africa-womens-decade-rights)|accessdate=21 August 2013}}</ref>
'''Rainatou Sow''' is a Guinean woman who founded 'Make Every Woman Count'<ref>[http://www.makeeverywomancount.org]</ref>: an organisation operated by a team of young women in Africa, America and Europe who use their passion and experience to promote rights and empowerment of women and girls. She is an campaigner for a peaceful and equitable world, a human rights and social justice advocate, and works to empower women and girls.
Her life was the one of an ordinary young girl; the only difference was that she was always involved in doing some community work. From teaching evening classes to young girls in her neighbourhood after school to representing her school, joining the Guinean children parliament where she used to be the Minister of children and women affairs and then working with UNICEF at a very young age to promote children’s education with a focus on girl child, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), HIV/AIDS through door to door and radio/TV awareness campaign. She always wanted to make a difference, and I took every opportunity to do so.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bussybambo.blogspot.com/2013/02/of-women-girl-child-rights-rainatou-sow.html|accessdate=21 August 2013}}</ref>


== Personal life and background ==
In September 2009, while demonstrating against the regime in Guinea, women were raped and sexually abused in the capital – Conakry. There was a young woman who was at her 3rd year at the University among the victims, she was raped and sexually abused. When she saw a picture of her being dragged half naked by two soldiers, she said that she couldn’t sleep for nights. At that point, she decided that she couldn’t keep going on with her life knowing what has just happened without taking actions. This inspired her to start girl and women advocacy to ensure that African women and girls have a real voice in all governance institutions, from the judiciary to the civil service, as well as in the private sector and civil society, so that they can fully participate equally with men in public dialogue and decisions-making and be able to influence the decisions that will determine the future of their families, communities and countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ventures-africa.com/2013/02/advocating-womens-rights-in-africa-rainatou-sow/)|accessdate=21 August 2013}}</ref>
Rainatou was born in the mining town of [[Fria]]. At the age of 12 she began teaching evening classes to girls unable to go to school, and later engaged with the political system, becoming a member of the Guinean children's parliament as minister for children and Women's affairs, including appearances on Guinean radio and television<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bussybambo.blogspot.com/2013/02/of-women-girl-child-rights-rainatou-sow.html |accessdate=21 August 2013 |title=Of Women, Girl-Child Rights, Rainatou Sow, MEWC and the African Women Decade (AWD) Era |website=Bussy Bambo}}</ref>.


Rainatou gained a Master's degree in International Law at the Gamal Abdel Nasser [[University of Conakry]], and a Master's degree in International Relations at [[London Metropolitan University]]. She is fluent in French, English, [[Pulaar]] and [[Susu]].
Rainatou hold a Master's degree in international Relations and in Law. She has worked with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), World Health Organisation, UNICEF, and she has also worked at the WILPF Peacewomen Project on UNSCR 1325/1820 in New York.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.makeeverywomancount.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=435&Itemid=144|accessdate=21 August 2013}}</ref> Rainatou was awarded the most inspirational women of the year 2012 by Women for Africa and also recognized the top 20 Youngest Power Women in Africa by Forbes Magazine.


== Early Political Activities ==
Apart from that, She was also recognized by THE BUZZ in the Equality for all among the Eight Foreign Women's Equality Activist To Know
Rainatou held several positions in Guinea, including with the [[International Organisation for Migration]] (IOM), [[World Health Organisation]] and [[UNICEF]]. After moving to New York in 2009, Rainatou took an internship at the [[WILPF]] Peacewomen Project, working exclusively on UN [[SCR1325]]: a resolution adopted in 2000 calling for women's rights to be respected in conflict<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.makeeverywomancount.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=435&Itemid=144 |accessdate=21 August 2013 |title=Our Team |website=Make Every Woman Count}}</ref>.
⚫
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bet.com/news/global/photos/2013/08/equality-for-all-eight-foreign-women-s-equality-activists-to-know.html#!120712-global-africa-powerful-women-Rainatou-Sow|accessdate=18 September 2013}}</ref>


== Foundation of '''Make Every Woman Count''' ==
⚫
==References==
Inspired by the activities at Peacewoman, and motivated by the African Union naming 2010-2020 "The African Women's Decade", Rainatou founded a new organisation to provide news and resources for African Women, both those in Africa and those living abroad in the Diaspora. Aimed at promoting the theme for the African Women's Decade, this online resource centre began collating news events from across the continent, and providing self-published articles highlighting the work of grassroots organisations, together with interviews with successful women.
⚫
{{Reflist|2}}


On returning to the United Kingdom in 2011, Rainatou applied for Make Every Woman Count to become a registered charity, a status it achieved on 13th October that year <ref>{{cite web|url=http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/Showcharity/RegisterOfCharities/SearchResultHandler.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=1144255 |accessdate=21 October 2013 |title=Make Every Woman Count |website=Charity Commission}}</ref>. Since founding the organisation, Rainatou has expanded the team to include a diverse range of volunteers from around the world.


== Beliefs and Inspirations ==
Talking to CNN, Rainatou gave the reasons for her dedication to the African Women's Decade:
"Basically, when they launched African Women's Decade it was in Nairobi; you had people from all over [the world] coming, delegates, African governments, it was a big feast. But then after a few months you hardly heard about it - because of the credit crunch basically we didn't hear about financing going into women's projects there and it was really calm. So we thought what can we do? Are we going to sit down and let this decade pass away, or are we going to do something, mainly us as the younger generation"<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/30/world/africa/africa-womens-decade-rights|accessdate=21 August 2013 | website=CNN.com | title='Give African women a voice,' say activists|date=30 November 2012}}</ref>.

She was motivated by her vision that one day all women will have voice in governance institutions and fully participate equally in public dialogue and decision making. In her interview with Women 4 Africa she said:
"Most International organizations focused on empowering and gaining the equal rights of women often neglect the voices of African women themselves"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.women4africa.com/w4a-speaks-to/women4africa-speaks-to-rainatou-sow/|accessdate=21 August 2013 |title=Women4Africa Speaks to Rainatou Sow |website=Women4Africa}}</ref>.

== Recognition and Awards ==
Rainatou was awarded 'Inspirational Women of the Year' in 2012 by Women for Africa<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.women4africa.com/w4a-speaks-to/women4africa-speaks-to-rainatou-sow/|accessdate=21 August 2013 |title=Women4Africa Speaks to Rainatou Sow |website=Women4Africa}}</ref>, in recognition of her work promoting the African Women's Decade, and was featured in the '20 Youngest Power Women in Africa' by Forbes Magazine<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/mfonobongnsehe/2012/12/06/the-20-youngest-power-women-in-africa-2012/|accessdate=21 October 2013 |title=The 20 Youngest Power Women In Africa 2012 |website=Forbes}}</ref>. She was recognized in 2013 by THE BUZZ in the Equality for all among the 'Eight Foreign Women's Equality Activists To Know'
⚫
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bet.com/news/global/photos/2013/08/equality-for-all-eight-foreign-women-s-equality-activists-to-know.html#!120712-global-africa-powerful-women-Rainatou-Sow|accessdate=18 September 2013 |title=Eight Foreign Women's Equality Activists To Know |website=Bet.com}}</ref>

== Media Appearances ==
Rainatou has appeared on CNN's African Voices show, being interviewed at the publication event for the organisation's annual report<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/30/world/africa/africa-womens-decade-rights|accessdate=21 August 2013 | website=CNN.com | title='Give African women a voice,' say activists|date=30 November 2012}}</ref>.

⚫
==References==
⚫
{{Reflist|2}}


[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Revision as of 16:47, 21 October 2013

Rainatou Sow
Born (1983-10-30) 30 October 1983 (age 41)
Fria, Guinea
NationalityGuinean
Alma materLondon Metropolitan University
Known forWomen's Rights
Websitehttp://www.makeeverywomancount.org/

Rainatou Sow is a Guinean woman who founded 'Make Every Woman Count'[1]: an organisation operated by a team of young women in Africa, America and Europe who use their passion and experience to promote rights and empowerment of women and girls. She is an campaigner for a peaceful and equitable world, a human rights and social justice advocate, and works to empower women and girls.

Personal life and background

Rainatou was born in the mining town of Fria. At the age of 12 she began teaching evening classes to girls unable to go to school, and later engaged with the political system, becoming a member of the Guinean children's parliament as minister for children and Women's affairs, including appearances on Guinean radio and television[2].

Rainatou gained a Master's degree in International Law at the Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, and a Master's degree in International Relations at London Metropolitan University. She is fluent in French, English, Pulaar and Susu.

Early Political Activities

Rainatou held several positions in Guinea, including with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), World Health Organisation and UNICEF. After moving to New York in 2009, Rainatou took an internship at the WILPF Peacewomen Project, working exclusively on UN SCR1325: a resolution adopted in 2000 calling for women's rights to be respected in conflict[3].

Foundation of Make Every Woman Count

Inspired by the activities at Peacewoman, and motivated by the African Union naming 2010-2020 "The African Women's Decade", Rainatou founded a new organisation to provide news and resources for African Women, both those in Africa and those living abroad in the Diaspora. Aimed at promoting the theme for the African Women's Decade, this online resource centre began collating news events from across the continent, and providing self-published articles highlighting the work of grassroots organisations, together with interviews with successful women.

On returning to the United Kingdom in 2011, Rainatou applied for Make Every Woman Count to become a registered charity, a status it achieved on 13th October that year [4]. Since founding the organisation, Rainatou has expanded the team to include a diverse range of volunteers from around the world.

Beliefs and Inspirations

Talking to CNN, Rainatou gave the reasons for her dedication to the African Women's Decade: "Basically, when they launched African Women's Decade it was in Nairobi; you had people from all over [the world] coming, delegates, African governments, it was a big feast. But then after a few months you hardly heard about it - because of the credit crunch basically we didn't hear about financing going into women's projects there and it was really calm. So we thought what can we do? Are we going to sit down and let this decade pass away, or are we going to do something, mainly us as the younger generation"[5].

She was motivated by her vision that one day all women will have voice in governance institutions and fully participate equally in public dialogue and decision making. In her interview with Women 4 Africa she said: "Most International organizations focused on empowering and gaining the equal rights of women often neglect the voices of African women themselves"[6].

Recognition and Awards

Rainatou was awarded 'Inspirational Women of the Year' in 2012 by Women for Africa[7], in recognition of her work promoting the African Women's Decade, and was featured in the '20 Youngest Power Women in Africa' by Forbes Magazine[8]. She was recognized in 2013 by THE BUZZ in the Equality for all among the 'Eight Foreign Women's Equality Activists To Know' [9]

Media Appearances

Rainatou has appeared on CNN's African Voices show, being interviewed at the publication event for the organisation's annual report[10].

References

  1. ^ [1]
  2. ^ "Of Women, Girl-Child Rights, Rainatou Sow, MEWC and the African Women Decade (AWD) Era". Bussy Bambo. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  3. ^ "Our Team". Make Every Woman Count. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  4. ^ "Make Every Woman Count". Charity Commission. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
  5. ^ "'Give African women a voice,' say activists". CNN.com. 30 November 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  6. ^ "Women4Africa Speaks to Rainatou Sow". Women4Africa. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  7. ^ "Women4Africa Speaks to Rainatou Sow". Women4Africa. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  8. ^ "The 20 Youngest Power Women In Africa 2012". Forbes. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
  9. ^ "Eight Foreign Women's Equality Activists To Know". Bet.com. Retrieved 18 September 2013.
  10. ^ "'Give African women a voice,' say activists". CNN.com. 30 November 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
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