A long-time midwife from Morecambe has spoken to Beyond Radio about how her charity is helping One Woman at a Time in Africa.
Jean Anderson set up the One Woman at a Time charity in 2019 to help girls and young women in Africa to access education so they can gain financial freedom.
Supporters of the charity are helping to empower women and girls to overcome the challenges of forced marriage, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and domestic abuse.
The charity's mission statement is: "We believe that with the right support, every woman has the power to define her future, embrace who she truly is, and create change not just for herself but for her entire community.
"Through education, healthcare, and emotional support, we aim to empower women to take control of their lives, one step at a time."
Jean began working as a midwife in 1974, starting at the former Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe.
She visited the Beyond Radio studio to talk about the charity.
LISTEN to Jean Anderson
Jean said the work of One Woman at a Time starts with listening, meeting each woman to offer them the support she needs. This could be education, financial help and emotional support.
Supporters of the charity can sponsor a girl to help change their lives.
Funding goes directly to a specific girl, helping her access education, healthcare, protection, and the opportunity to build a brighter future - giving her the chance she deserves.
More details on how you can sponsor a girl HERE.
One of the girls being helped by One Woman at a Time is Dorcas.
Dorcas is 12 years old and currently in Grade 6. She lives with her mother and siblings in a small rural home and faces daily challenges caused by poverty and loss.
Despite everything, Dorcas is determined to stay in school and is preparing to start secondary education next year. Education is her pathway to safety, opportunity, and hope.
By supporting girls like Dorcas, One Woman at a Time helps protect childhoods and create brighter futures.
The charity hosts regular community meals, holding one recently where every penny raised went directly to support Mather Cheptoo, a 17-year-old girl in Kenya who has dreams of becoming a teacher or nurse.
Thanks to this event, her schooling is now funded through to September — giving her the chance to continue her education and build a brighter future.
People are being invited to hold their own 'Dine & Give' meal.
You can invite your friends, cook something simple or special, and donate the proceeds to help support Martha and others like her.
More details HERE.
Jean goes to West Pokot in Kenya regularly to visit young women and girls sponsored by the charity, and people are welcome to go with her when she visits again in November.
More information about the One Woman at a Time charity can be found at their website HERE.
Patrons of One Woman at a Time include Real Housewives of Cheshire star Leanne Brown, who appeared on the 'Beyond Expectations' podcast to talk about the charity in 2025.
Listen Again to the interview with Leanne HERE.
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