Tell me a story: The Power & Purpose of Memoirs.

GDP - The Global Development Primer

The power of stories in global development cannot be under-estimated. Chronicling experiences, encounters and adventures can inspire others to journey, engage and do the same. Rich stories can build relations and understanding in rich and dynamic ways. Telling stories comes with great power and responsibility. Stereotypes can be forged, speaking on behalf of others leads to patriarchy, and sensationalism can create harmful representations of the land and life of peoples and cultures. These issues matter to Nancy Edwards. Having established an impressive career in global health and nursing, Dr. Edwards is now taking the time to explore the power and purpose of memoirs. Check out this episode of GDP to hear her thoughts and the advice she offers others hoping to chronicle their journeys.

Nancy Edwards is a Distinguished Professor and Professor Emeritus, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa. Dr. Edwards obtained her undergraduate nursing degree from the University of Windsor and completed graduate studies in epidemiology at McMaster University and McGill University. She is a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

Dr. Edwards’ professional interests are in the fields of public and population health. She has worked in global health for most of her career focusing on capacity building, the delivery of maternal and child health programs, reducing health inequities, and implementation research. She has mentored many colleagues, led global health program delivery and research initiatives on four continents, and shaped strategic directions for global health during her tenure as a Scientific Director with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

In both Canada and abroad, Nancy has drawn on her foundational global health learning roots in Sierra Leone, West Africa, where she worked as a community health nurse and program evaluator for five years. Nancy captures these experiences in her book Not One, Not Even One: A Memoir of Life-altering Experiences in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Her book was released by FriesenPress earlier this year (www.nancyedwards.ca).

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