Seventeen years ago Leonie Edwards was a woman with many children, who was controlled by her husband and who could not read. A chance nomination in 2000 by her village to have her represent them regionally changed her life forever.
Now 55, Edwards can not only read but she is a fierce defender of women’s rights in the North Rupununi area, who would not think twice of barging into a home and challenging a man who is abusing his wife. In fact she has done so in the past and will do it again.
In the process of defending women Edwards has not only empowered them but herself as well, as she also fought many battles with her husband who felt her place was at home with their children and not travelling throughout the North Rupununi and beyond in her bid to not only give women a voice but to educate her people.