What if l try?

A smile at last

Her bed was close to the window where she could enjoy the fresh air when the weather is hot and feel much cold when the rainy season appears. Thoughts running into her head like a marathon. Idris has disappeared, the boys that helped her to escape hasn’t been heard of too. She has no phone to contact them too. She promised that she will deal with Mr Kofi for the harm he caused her. “Auntie Ama was a good woman” she said to herself. She lay down still with her mind flooded with thoughts she didn’t know when she fell asleep. She was awakened by the rays from the morning sun that sneaked itself through the room. She woke up in a haste, got ready and run to start her daily activities at the chop bar. She finished with everything then sat there at the back of the chop bar, arms clutched together, face tightened. That was when she made a bold decision. She can’t be at Mama Latifa’s place forever she needs to learn a skill. She is not schooling anymore so with this she could earn money for school and everything. By the close of the day, she walked to Mama Latifa, the day has been a tough day. With sleepy eyes and heavy body she spoke in a broken voice. Abina told her about her dreams, her father’s dream and her background. Mama Latifa smiled and said “ my daughter, you are hardworking and intelligent, you deserve better”. The following after a long shower she walked to Mama Adjo ‘s shop to show her interest, she was offered a room to sleep in and a new uniform to wear. She bid Mama Latifa farewell and promised to come see her at her free times. She started work at once, learning stitches and practicing various sewing skills. Maybe this is her fresh start. Abina’s life taking a new shape with threads and fabrics. Abina's fingers move deft, learning curves, crafting stories in every stitch.

The tailor's patient, Abina's curious patterns start turning into possibilities. Maybe this trade'll be her ticket. Threads of hope weave in as Abina's hands shape dreams. The tailor nods in approval as progress shows .lAbina's creations start catching eyes, tailor's praise fuels her fire. "You got talent, girl" those are the words that fuel dreams . Word spreads faster than light as orders come in. Abina's tailor-made pieces fly off shelves. She's finding her groove. Mama Adjo was surprised about how fast she learned. Abina's name starts popping up in local fashion circles. Tailor's like, "Time to showcase your designs".

Abina's nerves kick in, but excitement wins. She starts picking fabrics, sketching outfits her own brand, her own vibe. Mama Adjo was happy as she got many customers and clients to sew from her. She called Abina a blessing, “l knew you were talented when I saw you”. D-day arrives, Abina's collection drops. The crowd goes wild, tailor beams with pride she's a star . She managed to get a phone for calls and transactions. She couldn’t reach her parents, she remembered that she had memorized their numbers but can’t reach them now that she has a phone. She didn’t worry much because she will surely see them again she focused on her work. Offers pour in, Abina's phone won't stop buzzing. "You made it, girl" the tailor's beaming. She was through with the training now she needed her own shop. Mama Adjo blessed her “ you will be great, go out there and prosper”. As she left many customers still come to Mama Adjo’s shop her business grew. Abina's brand takes off, after she's got her own shop now. Tailor's still there, smiling "I knew you had it in you".

Abina's designs now trend across Ghana, people fly in for her custom pieces. She's living the dream, but she still hasn’t forgotten her father’s dream. Abina slams the runway, Ghana's pride on full display. Post-show parties, interviews, the world wants a piece of her magic. Abina's rise to fame didn't stop her from chasing more knowledge. She was all about growth, and that fire wasn't burning out anytime soon . So, she enrolled in an online course on Women's Rights and Responsibilities, determined to use her platform for good.

The course was a deep dive into the laws and policies protecting women globally, and Abina was hooked. She'd listen to lectures on the go, between shoots, and even while sketching new designs . Her favorite part? Learning about women's rights in Ghana and how she could be an advocate.

As she listened to the lessons, Abina thought about her own journey – from the tailor's shop to international runways. She realized how much she'd overcome, and how much more there was to do for women in her community .

The course covered topics like:

- Women's rights in the workplace

- Protection against gender-based violence

- Economic empowerment for women

- The role of women in leadership

Abina was determined to use her brand to push these messages forward. She started incorporating themes of women's empowerment into her designs, and her audience loved it .

Fast forward, Abina's done with the course, and she's on fire with ideas. She's planning a charity wing for her brand, focused on supporting women in vulnerable situations. The tailor's proud, and Abina's living proof that you can chase multiple dreams at once.

Sounds like a really tough time for Abina. She was doing well with her law course, got the chance to attend physical lectures, and then had to deal with something really traumatic, Mr Kofi’s case. And then to top it all off, she lost her dad . I'm guessing she was hurting, and going back home to find out about her dad's passing must've been devastating. But it's good she had her mum there, and they found some comfort in each other . She's doing well now, she made her dad proud.

Abina’s got her mum with her now, and they're vibing in Accra . She's showing her mum the ropes, and they're making memories.

Abina's message is loud and clear: don't give up, ladies! You're important, and your dreams matter. She's proof that with hard work and determination, you can make it happen . Keep pushing, Ghana's counting on you!