Upland, CA — I believe every little girl should be given the opportunity to win in life and to live out her dreams. There is a saying that little girls with dreams grow up to be women of vision. We need to make sure we provide an environment of hope for our daughters and granddaughters where they too will be able to live a life where they can fulfill their purpose and live out the vision, they have for themselves. I am the granddaughter of a woman who was first generation born free that instilled in her children and grandchildren that here in America all things are possible. Is that still the case? Can we still live out our dreams as women and women of color? How do we encourage the generation coming behind us to believe they can be all they ever dreamed of becoming? We cannot let them down.
March 13th is International Every Girl Wins Day. Originally it was held on February 28th but now it is celebrated on March 13th. It was established and created to highlight and promote the achievements, empowerment, and recognition of girls all over the world. The goal is to recognize the accomplishments of girls in various fields and raise awareness about the ongoing need for gender equality, opportunities for education, and access to resources for young girls. We need to make sure we recognize the importance of uplifting and supporting girls, ensuring that they are given the tools to succeed and are appreciated for their contributions to society. This day serves as a reminder that when girls thrive, they can positively impact their communities, countries, and the world at large.
There are several days that support the importance of keeping the needs of young women and girls on the forefront of our minds such as International Day of the Girl, which is celebrated in October, but we can never give too much attention on supporting our girls and young women. There are several local organizations that continue to uplift the needs of young women such as Forgiving For Living, EmpowHer, Legacy Ladies, Forgotten Children, Inc., Brotherhood Crusade, Diamond in the RAW, Positive Results Center, Sanctuary of Hope, and so many more. It is so important for us to continue to advocate for the rights and privileges of young women and girls as we continue to move forward. If we want to make sure there is an equal society that is inclusive for all we must strengthen the young ladies in our lives to stand strong and achieve their best.
On Saturday, March 29th Forgiving For Living will collaborate with the Black Business Association to hold The Role Models for Success Youth Forum that will be free to all young ladies between the age of sixteen to twenty-six. The purpose of the Forum is to provide the young ladies who attend with information and skills to move forward with confidence and the abilities to become their best self. It is important for us to help and prepare those that come after us with as many skills as possible to become their best selves. To attend the Forum although it is free you must RSVP at Wendy@Forgivingforliving.org.
One of the ways we can celebrate the International Every Girl Wins Day is by empowering young ladies with the hard and soft skills necessary to become their best selves. Think about how you can sow into the lives of young women by serving as a mentor or sponsor in their lives. It is up to each of us to do our part to uplift the next generation. What are you willing to do? I am truly grateful for those who came before me that paved a path to make sure I had an opportunity for a bright future and to ensure me the opportunity to have a seat at the table. Now it is our turn to do the same.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
