Music
Where Women Rule
Where Women Rule is a CD single written and produced by Bev Grant as a fundraiser for a women's village in Kenya called Umoja, which was founded ten years ago by Rebecca Lolosoli, an indigenous Samburu woman, after many women in her village were raped by British soldiers stationed nearby. The women were subsequently forced from their homes by their spouses and accused of bringing shame upon them. The village has grown to six villages spread across the region. They are building schools, raising livestock, and selling crafts to support themselves; all things denied to them before they took their independence. Their lives have improved and their children are being raised with a new consciousness. MADRE, the women's human rights organization sponsors trips to Umoja and brings Rebecca Lolosoli to the U.S. to speak on their behalf. Read more about it at www.madre.org.
Listen online - Where Women Rule
Rebecca Lolosoli with Bev and the Brooklyn Women's Chorus
Lyrics - Where Women Rule
by Bev Grant
Rebecca Lelosoli took the hand of a frightened teenage girl
Who was being forced to wed a man three times her age.
"You are a small girl, come sit here next to me."
I will tell you 'bout Umoja underneath the shade, she said:
"This is a patch of Africa where women rule
This is our own village, no one treat you cruel
Here our rights are sacred. When you walk through our door
You won't have to put up with their nonsense any more."
Joseph Kukulet still remembers the rage he felt that day
When his sobbing wife came home, her body raped and torn
He pulled a knife on her, and said she brought him shame
She ran to Rebecca, and Umoja village was born.
Repeat Chorus
Cheeky woman... troublemaking lady.
This is a song I sing in honor
of the women who would change the status quo.
On every continent you'll find them, like Rebecca,
sharing what they know.
When women remain silent
no one thinks that they have anything to say
Rebecca Lolosoli and others show us there is another way.
Repeat Chorus
Cheeky woman... troublemaking lady.