Maybe it's because of all of the strides that we've made as women, some people don't think it's necessary to have Women's History Month. I mean after all -- we have Oprah Winfrey (philanthropist, actress & media powerhouse), Arianna Huffington (Greek-born Author and mastermind behind the Huffington Post) and Kim Kardashian (Bodypreneur) right?
We can vote, drive, own property and hold office. Women hold some of the HIGHEST offices, and are some of the BIGGEST influencers in politics, media, culture and education. So, do we REEEEEALLY need Women's History Month?
Yes. Duh!
Thing is, despite all of our collective accomplishments, we are not equal. We still earn less in the workforce.
We still need the same opportunity.
We are still being victimized by men, merely because we are women.
Although we have Oprah, Kim and Arianna -- we also have Malala Yousafzai (the teenage girl who was brutalized for advocacy). Women have been shot for rejecting advances from men -- right here in the United States. Although women are more educated than men, we still earn less. So yes, while some of us choose to parade our "talents" around, and "beef" with other women on reality tv (which is super entertaining), we still need and deserve more. Women deserve safety, security and success. Even where women are not head-of-household, we're definitely the heart, soul and backbone of the operation.
Organizations like the African Women's Development Fund help keep women's issues at the forefront, while continuing to make history. That's the epitome of Women's History Month, and why young women and girls need its timeless purpose. Founded fifteen years ago by "three crazy ladies" (according to founder Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi) AWDF has helped women and women's organizations throughout Africa providing financial and material resources to improve quality of life and women's rights. Their goals are to have "vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities," achieved through advocacy, diversity inclusion, fellowship and creating opportunities for marginalized people.
This movement is also necessary here in the US. At a recent event hosted at the United Nations during International Women's Week, the African Women's Development fund hosted women of all ethnicities and races at a private event to celebrate its 15-year anniversary. The American arm of the African Women's Development Fund (AWDF US) is a resource that aids in the organization's mission for social change and sustainable development. The event was also an important platform to elevate the visibility of AWDF's work within the United States, which includes connecting with African women living in United States.
As Women's History Month comes to an end, it's clear to me that organizations like the African Women's Development Fund keep Women's History Month going. Women will continue to make history as women continue to break boundaries
Why?
Because out of necessity comes invention.
Out of struggle, comes action.
In 2016, Women still face struggles, merely because we have a "V." As millennials, the generation driven by social awareness, it's imperative that women's rights continue to be the "squeaky wheel."
Its relevant.
Its global.
It's a movement.
For more information about the African Women's Development Fund in the United States and abroad, visit awdf.org. Allison Valderia Green Esq, specializes in helping professional women elevate within their industry by presenting themselves clearly, concisely and credibly. Part of her work includes leading Girls Who Grind™, a community aimed at helping women become committed to entrepreneurship and career elevation, become part of a positive professional community, and perfect their professional brand