HEY NOW, LADIES.
Over the years, we have watched as woman after woman stood up for their beliefs and for their rights.
This is powerful. There is nothing more inspiring than watching a woman overcome an obstacle laid out before them. When this happens, we rise. When we see others stand up in a world that says to sit down, there is hope that bubbles up from within us.
I am honored to have heard of so many women who regularly light up the world around them. Whether or not you have heard of these gals, they have most definitely earned a shout out. Here are 4 women who have caused a ripple of change in a dark world. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to those who have stood up for my rights.
Malala Yousafzai
This 20-year-old has made huge strides for equal education worldwide. She wrote a book titled, "I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Tailiban". Throughout each chapter, she walks readers through her journey of standing up for education and being shot by the Taliban.
At the age of 17, Malala became the youngest women to ever receive the Nobel Prize. Malala's story is unique and shows that change can come from immense courage. In addition to her bravery, something that we could all take away from her story is to never for one moment take our education for granted.
Oprah
Oprah is a powerhouse that most women in the US are aware of. When you say her name, those around you know who she is without the need of even uttering her last name, "Winfrey". For years, she has been in the eyes of the media, but she uses this fame to bring awareness to various issues whether that be race or sexual assault.
This year at the Golden Globes, Oprah brought awareness to the "#metoo" movement and she did so with class and respect to anyone who has been affected by sexual assault. Her willingness to be bold for issues prevalent in our world makes her a one of a kind person who uses her platform to make a change in this broken world.
Katherine Johnson (Katherine Globe)
Katherine changed the game for women, especially those who are interested in studying science or technology. Johnson is known as one of NASA's first, "human computers". As an African American woman born in 1918 in West Virginia, Johnson made the absolute most of her education opportunities and began working for NASA in 1952.
The young mathemitcian graduated from college at the age of 18. She was resonsible for the calculation in 1969 that sent a man to the moon. If you have ever seen the movie, Hidden Figures, you have gotten a peak into her life. Her hard work and determination amongst a society that had been segregated prove that women are strong and capable of far more than they realize.
Katie Davis Majors
Katie Davis set out at the age of 18 to be a missionary in Jinja, Uganda. By age 20, Katie Majors had become a mother to 13 Ugandan children. This woman used what she had to change the lives of those globally. Her faith and dedication led to the birth of Amazima Ministries where children not only get the opportunity to attend school but be in an environment that is safe and get the nutritious foods that their bodies need to survive.
Now that you have heard about these women and gotten the smallest glimpse of their stories, think about the world we live in and the steps you could be taking to make a change in the brokenness around you. Whether it be a small act of kindness or something that requires you to lay down everything you have, your actions and bold voice have the ability make a difference.