TTF Founder, Betty Meade, talks about the importance of International Women's Day.

Betty on her last trip to Zambia.

Betty Meade, is a pivotal women in the TTF story as she helped to found the NGO. Read her thoughts on how why it is important for us to recognise women's empowerment though International Women's Day. 

Why do you think it’s important to recognise international womens day?
Women all over the world need to recognize that they are important.  I have been in Zambia on International Women’s Day and have seen the Zambian women marching down the street.  They are smiling, friendly, unified and proud as they should be all year long.

 What are some of the main differences and similarities you see between women in the US and in Zambia?
I would hope that more and more Zambian women would realize that they have a voice of their own, to speak up for their own rights and beliefs.  Some women in the U.S. have realized this to an extreme.  Zambian and U.S. women have huge hearts and want nothing but the best for their children, whether they can provide those things or not.

You helped to found TTF to support women and children with HIV, how important do you think our programmes are in supporting women in Lusaka?
The TT&F programs – especially the PMTCT program, help the women to realize that they can give birth to a healthy baby despite the HIV status of the mother.

 If you could make or see one change in Zambia for the women we support at TTF what would it be?
We would like to see the women of Zambia rise above the stigma of HIV and not be afraid to confront their husbands or partners or communities so that they would seek help, medicine and counseling through the TT&F program.

 Who do you see as one of the most impactful/ powerful women in history and why?
I see Mother Theresa and her Sisters in Zambia as some of the most powerful women in history.  I have seen firsthand the work they do in Zambia for the poorest of the poor with no fanfare, publicity, or modern day comforts.