Good morning Africa!
From behind painted eyes, Ndéye professionally glances under the hood, while with painted fingernails her employees tighten bolts on the cars of men, who characterize a conservative Muslim society here in Senegal. The FemmeAuto repair shop is almost a provocation. Yet, the male customers grudgingly bring their cars here – because not only is Boss-lady Ndéye courageous, but she’s also damn good at what she does.
Margaret says, “There are women who help, with time and compassion”, not only with money, such as the men do. “Good Morning Africa” shows that there are women who want to make a difference in their countries. They clearly push their limits, and just as clearly, they are often exhausted. Nevertheless, every little success refuels the passion. For Grace, who runs an AIDS clinic in Lesotho, for example, this comes from every baby that is born into the world HIV-negative.
In the Mozambique savannah, where they are often suffering from hunger, Marcia brings traditional handicrafts to the women, so that they can earn money. “It is better to support something that they can create themselves by their own means. It is better to teach them something, than to just give them handouts.” Otherwise, people will not develop.
These four women are the dawning of a new era in Africa. They know the dark side of the continent and they have lived through it. Nevertheless, Margaret, Ndéye, Marcia and Grace continue to look forward. They are seizing the opportunities for a better life for themselves, for their families and for society.