Stronger women lead to stronger nations.

"Stronger women lead to stronger nations."
Zainab Salbi

I came across this quote recently and find it sticking in my mind. Many of you may wonder why I find this so profound. It is undoubtably true, of course, but what makes it profound is it's simplicity and essential truth.

Still, how often do we stop and ponder the deepest meaning of that quote? I'm afraid that the honest answer is "not enough".

So, let's ponder it together. I invite you to step with me through my thoughts. I challenge you to think honestly within yourself to discover if you agree with me. Then, if you find you do agree; what next?

Growing up, my father often accused me of running on emotion, not enough logic or even, at times, caring too much. I don't actually agree. I think, instead, that I possess a sense of logic based in emotion.

Let me show you what I mean.

"Stronger women lead to stronger nations."

Let us accept that as our first premise. I cannot imagine anyone deafeating the truth of that statement so, for the sake of time, let us consider it true.

The next premise I will offer is:

Not all women are empowered to actualize their potential. Often this is due to gender based inequalities within a culture.

With me so far? If you have any doubt to the truth of this statement simply read or watch the news.

Next:

A lack of education, based on gender or lack of financial resources, keeps women unaware of their rights. To that end they do not know how to live within their legal system to expect their rights to remain unchallenged OR to work to change/better the laws of their country.

And:

Women cannot live up to their collective potential, within a region, if they lack awareness and resources. This includes awareness at a global level as well as resources from within and outside of their home country.

So far I can't find a flaw to my emotion-based logic but hey!, I'm biased.

Lastly:

ALL women in a safe environment with access to resources and support are capable of self-improvement, of true learning and of bettering their resources for themselves AND their families. Children are our future. Educated, healthy children make for a far better future than the alternative.

It has often been said that if you educate a woman that education will be passed onto her children. Again, I can't imagine anyone being able to defeat that premise.

Now... My natural conclusion goes something like this:

THEREFORE,

Women are capable, if supported, of improving their lives and the lives of their children. This support can come from their own region or from a global network. With this education, with proper human rights women will become stronger. Stronger women raise stronger children. Stronger children pave the way for a better future. Thus, stronger women do indeed make for stronger nations.

So there you have it. My argument in a nutshell. You may wonder why I've shared this with you. I do this to celebrate a decision I made recently. A decision made because of emotion, yet backed in logical conviction!

I decided to sponsor a woman living in a war-torn region. Thanks to my friend Sharon pointing the way I was able to read through the Women for Women International website. After reading about the work they do I couldn't simply do nothing.

I'm now 'sponsoring' a woman living a life in the Democratic Republic of Congo that I can barely grasp. The enormous differences in our lives just absolutely confounds me. This simple sponsorship, 12 months at $27/month is well within my grasp. I can barely have a meal out with my husband for less than $27.

After I made this decision someone remarked that I was very 'kind hearted'. In the very next breath we were talking about the weather. Mind you, this person brought the subject up, not me.

Make no mistake - I do aim to be 'kind-hearted'. Kindness is a virtue after all. But kind-hearted alone feels empty and hollow to me. Isn't it better to be a well-informed, kind-hearted, Woman of Action?

I think so both logically and emotionally. If you agree with me, and you're able, consider reaching out to help a woman learn about her rights, to educate herself and start up her own business. Women for Women International is a kind-hearted organization. It's also an organization that is not afraid to ACT NOW to build a better future. One woman at a time. One family at a time. One country at a time.