Efua Dorkenoo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Efua Dorkenoo
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Efua Dorkenoo, January 2014
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| Born | 6 September 1949 Cape Coast, Ghana
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| Died | 18 October 2014 (aged 65) |
| Other names | Stella Efua Graham |
| Education | Wesley Girls' High School |
| Alma mater | London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine City University London |
| Occupation | Activist |
| Known for | Foundation for Women's Health, Research and Development (FORWARD) |
| Spouse(s) | Freddie Green, Bernard Dotse Dorkenoo |
| Children | 2 sons |
Efua Dorkenoo (born September 6, 1949 – died October 18, 2014) was a very important activist. She was from both Ghana and Britain. People often called her "Mama Efua." She worked hard to improve women's health around the world.
Early Life and Education
Efua Dorkenoo was born in a place called Cape Coast in Ghana. She went to Wesley Girls' High School there. When she was 19, she moved to London to study nursing.
She later earned a special degree from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. She also did research at City University London. Before becoming an activist, she worked as a nurse in different hospitals, including the Royal Free Hospital.
Her Work as an Activist
Efua Dorkenoo joined a group called the Minority Rights Group. This job allowed her to travel to many parts of Africa. She learned a lot about the challenges women faced.
In 1983, she started her own organization. It was called the Foundation for Women's Health, Research and Development (FORWARD). This group works to protect women's health and rights.
From 1995 to 2001, she worked with the World Health Organization (WHO). She was a director there, focusing on women's health. Later, she became an Advocacy Director for Equality Now. This is a group that fights for human rights worldwide.
Efua Dorkenoo was also good friends with famous writers and activists. These included Alice Walker and Gloria Steinem. She even helped with a documentary film called Warrior Marks.
Awards and Recognition
Efua Dorkenoo received many honors for her important work. In 1994, she was given a special award. She was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This is a big honor in Britain.
In 2000, she and Gloria Steinem both received an international human rights award. This award was from Equality Now. In 2012, she became an honorary senior research fellow at City University London.
The BBC also recognized her in 2013. They named her one of their 100 Women. This list celebrates inspiring women from around the world.
Efua Dorkenoo passed away in London in 2014. She was 65 years old. She is remembered for her dedication to women's health and rights.
