“The difference between a broken community and a thriving one is the presence of women who are valued.” – Michelle Obama
Growing up we all knew that girl who was labeled “bossy” when she demanded what she wanted, spoke up for herself or was not afraid to call you out if she disagreed with you. While the world needs strong women, women empowerment isn’t as much about making women strong as it is about changing how our strengths are perceived by the WORLD. I met Nandipha during our Pink Girls Run The World trip to Cape Town. I was instantly moved by the way she uplifted and supported the girls that joined the Sisterhood Girls Club that she launched in the Imizamo Yethu Township while still in her teens. The passion that fueled this 26-year old woman to give back in her community nestled near Cape Town’s Hout Bay could be heard in the way that her determined tone commanded everyone’s attention as she feverently spoke about not letting her situation define her. As she recounted her inspirational story of going to school with wet books as a child in spite of sleeping in a tiny tin shanty where the rain seeped in on her family as they slept, I thought about how being a prisoner of our past can far too often be the obstacle that is blocking us from being pioneers of our futures. Getting in my own way is what almost blocked me from stepping outside of my comfort zone to connect with the phenomenal leader that stood confidently amongst us. Just weeks before making the journey, I wrestled with the frustration that came with not having the South African resources to make community service happen and having no clue where to begin.
The young ladies of Cape Town’s Sisterhood Girls Club working on vision boards
When it comes to exploiting vs. storytelling there is a fine line that leaves me with some level of discomfort. While I’ll admit some of it is loosely tied into projection, it just seems easier to avoid it all together and not have to be bothered with the risk that comes with getting anywhere near crossing that “invisible line.” Why make myself vulnerable? While none of us likes feeling uncomfortable, it is the only time that we are actually growing. Discomfort is a catalyst for growth because it makes us yearn for something more. Discomfort forces us to stretch, change and adapt. Being introduced to Nandipha’s Sisterhood Girls Club encompassed all of those things for me. In true #BlackGirlMagic fashion, this unforgettable moment offered us an opportunity to share our individual experiences while assisting these dynamic young ladies with creating vision boards that encouraged them to reach outside their comfort zones in order to achieve their goals!
When you are challenged, you are asked to become more than you were. That means creating new perspectives, acquiring new skills and pushing boundaries. I am so thankful for the women that not only suggested community service on our trip (nope, it was not my idea), but to all of the women who banded together to make this moment happen. Roadblocks can be expected when you are working to live your best life, but being surrounded by women who challenge me and push me remains an essential part of the ongoing vision. PGRW celebrates women who live bravely, both tender and fierce. Women of indomitable will. These ladies are squad goals in how their ACTIONS remind us that a glowing woman can help other women glow and still be lit!!!
Inspired by our time in South Africa, we are teaming up with Shoo Cosmetics to sponsor a pinked themed day of “Beauty & Tea” that will bring local Township girls outside of their comfort zones to celebrate them at a hotel in the heart of Cape Town. For the remainder of May, a portion of the proceeds from the sales of the “Pink Girls Run the World” t-shirts will go towards this initiative [CLICK HERE FOR SHIRT INFO]. If you are not into the t-shirt thing and prefer to give a donation, please click on the go fund me link below (no donation is too small). I skipped my Starbucks today to get the first donation going [CLICK HERE TO DONATE}.
Thank you Sisterhood Girls Club for receiving us with open arms in the heart of the Mother City!
