With the primaries winding down and the outcome not looking good, my thoughts are turning toward activism that doesn’t require the “correct” person(s) winning election. So let’s look at a few effective women warriors we haven’t profiled lately (with apologies to OB if she’s already featured them!).
Mari Copeny, “Little Miss Flint”: (born 2008) She brought President Obama’s and the nation’s attention to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. She wants us to realize that Flint is far from the only American city with aging water infrastructure and water quality problems. She organizes bottled water drives, and drives for clothing and school supplies for children in need. She brought Elon Musk to her school. She plans to run for President in 2044.
My advice to girls is to always believe in yourself and in the work that you are doing, even if the work is hard and it sometimes feels impossible…. You can do it. You can change the world right now.
Marley Dias, founder, #1000BlackGirlBooks: (born 2005) Sick of schoolbooks “all about white boys and their dogs,” she determined to promote books with black girls as main characters; in so doing, she has changed children’s literature and become an author herself.
Frustration is fuel that can lead to the development of an innovative and useful idea.
-snip-
Innovation comes from, one, acknowledging yourself; two, studying and understanding the problem, and three, finding a solution…. It’s a typical adventure in a hero story, which I now live today.
Margot Fink of Australia: Trans communication manager at Minus 18: (born 1994) Advocate for LGBTI youth in Victoria, works with police and schools on safety issues. Creates multimedia content. Organizes events, parades and festivals.
Since I started to volunteer, that timid quiet anxious young person would never have been able to accomplish what I have and I would have that sense of peace if not for that great community…. I want to expand that… and give young people voices.
Rania al Yassin of Kuwait: Now Queen Rania of Jordan: (born 1970) Degree in business, refugee with her family from the first Gulf War, worked for Apple until she met the Prince who unexpectedly became King. Advocate for education, public health, youth empowerment, cross-cultural dialogue. Outspoken opponent of “honor” killings. Uses technology for advocacy and to dispel stereotypes. Encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, global education, and sustainable development. Honorary doctorate in science development and international cooperation.
I just wake up and feel like a regular person…. At the end of the day you are living your life for the people that you represent. It's an honour and a privilege to have that chance to make a difference—a qualitative difference in people's lives—and it's my responsibility to make the most out of that opportunity.
Unity Dow of Botswana: “Fearless legal eagle”: (born 1959) After becoming a lawyer, she sued her government to declare her children citizens and won after 5 years, equalizing citizenship rights of men and women. Botswana’s government then commissioned a study to determine and change other laws that discriminated against women. Unity Dow was the first female judge appointed to Botswana’s high court, found in favor of the Bushmen’s rights to their ancestral lands. Currently minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation.
When you start to practice you realize how just the language of the law is so male, the culture of the law is so male…. You're beginning to think, 'I don't think it should be like this, I have a right to be here, I've earned the right to be here and therefore this whole environment should be about me as well.’
-snip-
[About her citizenship case:]
There were times where I was really energized, feeling I'm going to win this battle; there were times where I really felt so despondent; there were times when I felt so angry, and I think I cried many more times during that period than any other time in my life.
There are, of course, innumerable others. Next time you’re feeling discouraged, I hope you’ll read more about them.