Synopses & Reviews
Cutting through the Western media's stereotype picture of Africa as a continent wracked only by civil conflict and AIDS, Torild Skard has written an engrossing introduction to a continent in change. Based on her extensive travels through the region, Skard combines eyewitness accounts, lively description and deeply informed insight to portray the human reality of Africa today. With honesty, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment especially to women, she frankly describes the social, health, and other problems experienced by its people, but also the sources of hope for the future represented by courageous individuals, community-level projects, and programs being implemented in the region.
Review
"A richly detailed and wise account of the day-to-day reality of life in contemporary West and Central Africa." -- Carol Bellamy, Executive Director, UNICEF
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. [242]-250) and index.
About the Author
Torild Skard is a well-known public figure who has built a significant reputation as a writer, researcher and politician in her own country, Norway, as well as internationally.
Table of Contents
"Bereavement - What Do We Mean By Bereavement?" * Out in the Unknown with UNICEF *
Part I: Working with Women and Children * Betrayed, Bereaved and Brutalized * Concealed Calamity * An Exploding Agenda * Mysterious Modern Medicine Men * Motherhood and Martyrdom * Searching for the Excluded from School * The Lost Children * Dangerous Food and Drink *
Part II: A Journey in History and Society * From the Emperors of the Desert to the White Mans Yoke * Poor Amid the Riches * Democracy in Khaki * Queen Mothers and Market Women * Where the Masks Speak * Between Village and Metropolis *
Part III: Conclusion * Our Beloved Africa * Hidden Hope