Voices of
Malian Women
This book is an open invitation for the world to hear the underrepresented voices of the women of Mali. Interviewees featured in Voices of Malian Women come from varied socio-economic backgrounds from Timbuktu to Bamako and everywhere in between. This project attempts to capture their souls individually and collectively as a nation through representation in narrative as well as poetic verse. Their spirit can be seen in those who take up leadership roles in their families, politics, media, business, and activism; as well as perspectives shared by older women, highlighting their role as keepers of Mali's cultural heritage. Conversations explore how these women see their traditional vs evolving roles in society, and their hopes for more bridges to opportunity in Mali as a whole by creating a more inclusive professional and communal environment.
Chris Ferrier
Chris James Ferrier is a writing instructor, published lyricist, and Certified Trauma and Resilience Practitioner with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education from Western Governors University. His diverse experiences include teaching students from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, working within education programs for foster care and juvenile systems, and teaching internationally in Mali, focusing on themes of resilience, trauma, and healing. This focus lead him to serve as a mentor teacher for writing coaches supporting indigenous and international students. Chris also worked as an interviewer for NORC at the University of Chicago and the U.S. Census Bureau, enhancing his understanding of human narratives. Currently, he is a licensed educator in Michigan, penned the lyrics to the ballad Magic Heartbeat released in 2024 while also being passionate about history, salsa dancing, and music. He is thrilled to work on Voices of Malian Women.