They had their pencils, pens, markers, sticky notes, and papers ready, prepared to survey the land with layered precision. Prior to this day, during my mission briefing to the women of Tokokoe Abudi as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer, I suggested that we create a community map together.

The look on some of their faces said it all: “Is this boy serious at all?”

I went on to explain the purpose of the mapping exercise, which helped them understand why it was important to identify their community’s assets and the feasible projects they hoped to see implemented. The mamaga (Queen Mother) of the community informed me that the women would participate through representatives from each of the five clans.

Fast forward to the day of the activity. After their usual meeting ended, the clan representatives arrived and immediately posed a question: “How are we going to draw the map?” I explained that it would be based entirely on their own understanding and perception of the community. Another woman added that they knew a man who could draw the map for them. I smiled and responded, “This is a women-only exercise, and I’m here to guide you to create a wonderful map yourselves.”

We started off in high spirits, with equal parts excitement and confusion filling the air. The women discussed, sketched, erased, and changed sheets repeatedly. I had told them in advance that we had just one hour. They asked, “How can we finish in one hour?” Eventually, they began with a rough sketch, and I assured them that as long as they made progress within the time, that was perfectly fine.

As they worked, comments flew around the table: “Is this even doable?” “I can’t find my house on the map.” “My farm is close to the next town.” Yet with every question, the map improved. Soon, most of them were fully engaged. Even women passing by during their daily activities stopped to join, adding to the fun and energy of the moment.

When the hour was up, we paused to admire what they had created. The women were thrilled as they realized they had truly drawn the map of Abudi themselves. Many admitted they never imagined they could accomplish such a task and their joy was infectious.

Afterward, we used the map to identify community assets and the most pressing needs. This led to a rich discussion about the activities they wanted to see successfully implemented.

In the end, the women recognized the power of teamwork and togetherness. They reflected on how collaboration had helped them complete the mapping exercise and how it would be just as essential in achieving their future goals.