Wahida, 44 year-old, single parent, mother of four
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I had 3 dreams: to finish school, to be a policewoman, and to be married and have a small house filled with love. Out of the three I only managed to volunteer with the police for 3 years. I didn't graduate, and I chose to get a divorce. My father supported me. He saw I wasn't happy, and encouraged me. He said getting a divorce wouldn't kill me; on the contrary, it would make me stand on my own two feet again. My father comes from Acre, and he treated his woman differently. He knows how to give respect, to push her forward. He always listened to my mother, even when she asked to leave Acre and come live here, in her village.
What would you like to do today?
Today I raise the kids, I provide for them. I work in housekeeping, and I finished a caretaker course. I mainly want to work and have enough money to sustain us. We live in a rented house, and keep having to move around. It makes me restless.
What is your dream?
Above all, that my kids will be happy. When I think of myself, I want to be a dancer. I really love dancing; all styles, especially belly dancing. I really like baking too, it brings me joy. More than anything, I still want to be a policewoman. Every time I close my eyes and pray I see myself as a fierce policewoman.